Ezra Leonard Smith was born in Vermont on 17 Sept. 1837. He was educated in Vermont and Illinois. He married his wife while living in Illinois. In 1861, they went to California. His interest was in mining. In 1865-66 he became a member of the California legislature. In 1867 he was appointed Secretary of Washington Territory. A portion of his term was acting governor for Gov. Marshall Moore. Smith lived in Olympia, WA for 9 years. While he was in Olympia, he and two partners established the first bank of Olympia. In 1876 due to poor health he moved to Hood River, OR where he was a farmer and owned a general merchandise store. When he arrived in Hood River he immediately saw the potential for apple orchards like those from his home in the Midwest. Together with a partner, he cleared and planted thirty acres in Pine Ridge area of Hood River valley. This farm became known as "Beulah Land" and was used as a showcase to lure other farming families to the valley. Smith became active in community affairs, and went on to be a representative in the Oregon Legislature. The Ezra L. Smith home which he built in 1886 for his family is one of Hood River's oldest homes still standing [2008]. In 1886 it stood for a long time as the "only large house in town." Mr. Smith had a powerful voice in state politics, in Oregon agricultural development, in Hood River city administration, banking, etc., and to his home came many farmers and businessmen seeking his advice. He passed away in 1921.
From the description of Ezra L. Smith letter to R. W. Tayler [sic], 2 December 1867. (Washington State Library, Office of Secretary of State). WorldCat record id: 268679640
