Lassen County Biographies

Hon. Albert A. Smith

Transcribed by Craig Hahn, Nov. 2004

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


 
This gentleman was born in Orleans county, N. Y., November 24, 1832. He was 
compelled to leave the Albion Academy at the age of fifteen, because of impaired 
eyesight. In 1848, the family removed to Mineral Point, Wisconsin, and in 1852 
to Dartford, in the same state, where his father and mother lived until their 
death, at the age of 86 and 72 respectively. In 1855 Albert came overland to 
California with John S. Ward, going through Beckwourth pass to Quincy. He mined 
there for a time, and then worked at carpentering in American and Indian valleys 
till April, 1857, when he came to Honey Lake valley. He ranched until 1861, and 
then worked at his trade until May, 1864, when he was chosen the first county 
clerk of Lassen county. He was twice re-elected on the republican ticket. In 
1870 he was appointed district attorney, to succeed W. R. Harrison, deceased. In 
October, 1872, he was appointed county judge, to fill the vacancy caused by the 
resignation of John S. Chapman. In 1873, he was defeated for the same position. 
In 1874 he became U. S. Deputy Surveyor, and in 1877 he was elected county 
surveyor. In 1880 he again became U. S. Deputy Surveyor; and in the spring of 
1881 became engineer of the Eagle lake irrigation scheme. In September, 1881, he 
was appointed postmaster at Susanville, and now holds that position. He is a 
member of Lassen Commandery No. 13, K. T., of which he was commander for one 
term.
 
Illustrated History of Plumas, Lassen & Sierra Counties, with California from 
1513 to 1850. - Fariss and Smith, San Francisco,  1882. p 375