Thomas J. Smith

Thomas J. Smith (July 26, 1838 – June 29, 1918) was chief justice of the New Mexico Territorial Supreme Court from 1893 to 1898.

Early life Born in Culpeper County, Virginia, to William Smith, once governor of Virginia, and a descendant of Sir Sidney Smith of England. He was a graduate of the College of William & Mary and obtained his education in the law at the University of Virginia. He began practice in West Virginia. When the American Civil War broke out he entered the Confederate States Army, eventually becoming Colonel of the 36th Virginia Infantry Regiment. At the close of the war he resumed his law practice, locating in Fauquier County, Virginia. On one occasion, William Elam, editor of the Richmond Whig, severely criticized Governor Smith editorially, leading Smith to challenge Elam to a duel, in which Elam was wounded in the chin.