William Robert Smith

William Robert Smith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 16th district
In office March 4, 1903 – March 3, 1917
Preceded by	District Created
Succeeded by	Thomas L. Blanton
Personal details
Born	(1863-09-18)September 18, 1863 Smith County, Texas
Died	August 16, 1924(1924-08-16) (aged 60) El Paso, Texas
Political party	Democratic Party
Alma mater	Sam Houston Normal Institute
Occupation	Attorney, Judge

William Robert Smith (August 18, 1863 – August 16, 1924) was a United States representative from Texas and a United States federal judge.

Born in Smith County, Texas, Smith graduated from the Sam Houston Normal Institute in Huntsville, Texas in 1883. He read law in 1885 and was admitted to the Texas bar, beginning the practice of law in Tyler, Texas. He moved to Colorado, Texas in 1888, where he continued to practice law. In 1897, he became a judge of the 32nd Judicial District of Texas. In 1903, he resigned as judge to become a United States representative for Texas and served from March 4, 1903 to March 4, 1917.

In 1916, Smith was defeated for renomination to his seat. He moved to El Paso, Texas in October and resumed the practice of law. This practice was cut short when, on April 11, 1917, President Woodrow Wilson nominated Smith to a newly created seat in the United States District Court for the Western District of Texas. Smith was confirmed by the United States Senate, and received his commission, on April 12, 1917. He served until his death in El Paso.

References

• William Robert Smith at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• William Robert Smith at the Biographical Directory of Federal Judges, a public domain publication of the Federal Judicial Center.

External links

• William Robert Smith at Find a Grave

 This article incorporates public domain material from websites or documents of the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.