A native of Aurora, Oregon, Milton Wirt Smith (1855-1939) was educated at Pacific University, where he earned an A.B. in 1878 and a master's degree in 1881. He studied law in Portland with Judge Matthew Deady and established his own law practice in the city in August of 1881. Active in civic affairs, he was the treasurer and member of the board of the Portland Library Association (precursor to the Multnomah County Library) from 1890, served as president of the Multnomah County Law Library, was vice-president of the Portland Free Kindergarten, and served on the board of the Oregon Historical Society. He also sat on the board of the Columbia and Northwestern Railroad. His wife was Alice Sweek, also an Oregon native.
From the guide to the Milton Smith Wirt papers, 1861-1923, 1890-1920, (Oregon Historical Society)
