Delazon Smith

Delazon Smith was a Democratic politician who served as a U.S. Senator from Oregon for a brief period in 1859. His tenure in the Senate was notably short, lasting less than a month, and he is remembered for his multifaceted career that included roles as a newspaper editor and a legislator in the Oregon Territory. Smith's life and political career were marked by his controversial views, particularly regarding issues of race and abolition.

Early life and career

Delazon Smith was born on October 5, 1816, in New Berlin, New York. His early education took place at Oberlin College in Ohio, where he faced expulsion in 1837. This expulsion was accompanied by his excommunication from the church associated with the college, an event that marked a significant turning point in his life. Following this, Smith shifted his focus to the study of law and successfully gained admission to the bar, allowing him to practice law professionally.

In 1838, Smith ventured into the world of journalism by establishing the New York Watchman newspaper in Rochester, New York. He served as the editor of this publication for a period of two years. His editorial career continued as he took on roles with other newspapers, including the True Jeffersonian and the Western Herald, also in Rochester, during the year 1840. In 1841, he expanded his journalistic pursuits by founding the Western Empire in Dayton, Ohio, further solidifying his presence in the media landscape of the time.

Smith's political career began with his appointment as a special United States commissioner to Quito, Ecuador, a position he held from 1842 to 1845. This role marked his entry into public service and provided him with international experience. After returning to the United States, he relocated to the Iowa Territory in 1846, where he took on the role of a minister. His political ambitions continued to grow, leading him to run for office in the Iowa 1st district special election in 1850 as an Independent. However, he received only a small percentage of the vote, indicating the challenges he faced in his early political endeavors.

In 1852, Smith moved to the Oregon Territory, where he began editing the Oregon Democrat newspaper. His involvement in local politics deepened when he was elected to the Territorial House of Representatives in 1854. During his tenure, he served as Speaker of the House from 1855 to 1856, showcasing his leadership abilities. Smith's political influence continued to expand as he was selected as a delegate to the state's constitutional convention in 1857, which was responsible for drafting Oregon's first constitution in preparation for statehood.

Senate tenure

Delazon Smith's political career reached a significant milestone when Oregon was admitted to the Union as the 33rd state. Following this event, he was elected to the United States Senate, where he served from February 14 to March 4, 1859. His time in the Senate was notably brief, lasting less than a month, making it one of the shortest terms in the history of the institution. Despite the limited duration of his service, Smith's election to the Senate marked a culmination of his political efforts in Oregon.

After his short tenure in the Senate, Smith sought re-election but was unsuccessful. His political career did not continue in the Senate, and he returned to private life. Less than two years after leaving office, Delazon Smith passed away in Portland, Oregon, on November 19, 1860, at the age of 44. His remains were interred at the Masonic Cemetery in Albany, Oregon.

Legislative focus and committees

While Delazon Smith's time in the Senate was brief, his earlier political activities and editorial work provide insight into his legislative focus and interests. Smith's political views were reflective of the Democratic Party's stance during his era, particularly regarding contentious issues such as slavery. He opposed the abolition of slavery and expressed his disdain for the admission of Black students at Oberlin College, as well as the involvement of its students in aiding escaped slaves. His views on race and abolition were indicative of the broader societal attitudes of many Democrats during that period.

In addition to his political and editorial pursuits, Smith authored a work titled "A History of Oberlin, or New Lights of the West," published in 1837. This publication reflects his engagement with historical narratives and suggests a continued interest in the themes of education and social issues.

Throughout his career, Smith's involvement in various political and journalistic roles demonstrated a commitment to public service and a desire to influence the political landscape of his time. His experiences as a newspaper editor, legislator, and senator collectively contributed to his legacy, albeit one marked by controversy due to his views on race and slavery.

In summary, Delazon Smith's life encompassed a range of roles, from a newspaper editor to a U.S. Senator. His brief tenure in the Senate, along with his earlier political activities in the Oregon Territory, highlights the complexities of his character and the era in which he lived. His contributions to journalism and politics, while overshadowed by the brevity of his Senate service, reflect the multifaceted nature of his career and the historical context of mid-19th century America.