Ora Smith
Ora Smith (December 3, 1884 – July 31, 1965) was an American politician and farmer.
Ora Smith | |
|---|---|
| 55th Treasurer of Illinois | |
| In office January 10, 1949 – January 8, 1951 | |
| Governor | Adlai E. Stevenson II |
| Preceded by | Richard Yates Rowe |
| Succeeded by | William G. Stratton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 3, 1884 New Market, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | July 31, 1965 (aged 80) Monmouth, Illinois, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
Grain farmer and cattle raiser by trade Ora Smith was born December 3, 1884 in New Market, Iowa. He grew up in Alexis and Kirkwood, Illinois and lived in Biggsville, Illinois most of his adult life. Smith went on to serve six terms in the Illinois State House from 1937 to 1949, one term as Illinois State Treasurer from 1949 to 1951 under Adlai Stevenson II and unexpectedly one term as State Senator from 1959 to 1963 as he beat the incumbent Morris E. Muhleman in the closet election in the 53rd's districts history. He made an unsuccessful bid for Clerk of the Illinois Supreme Court in 1950.
November 1958 election - State Senate 53rd seat
D. Ora Smith- 23,174 50% R. Morris E. Muhleman- 22,736 50%
Smith died on July 31, 1965 at Monmouth Hospital in Monmouth, Illinois. He was buried in Biggsville.[1][2]