James G. Smyth

Who is James G. Smyth?

James George Smyth was a California political figure in the early 20th century. He was active in Democratic politics, served a term in the 1930s as the Chief Clerk of the California Assembly, and later served as an IRS official in the administrations of Franklin D. Roosevelt and Harry S. Truman. In 1951, he was indicted on federal tax fraud charges and later acquitted.

James G. Smyth received his Bachelor's degree from the University of San Francisco in 1927. He served as a faculty member in the USF English Department from 1927 to 1929. From 1929-1933, he was USF's graduate manager. Smyth was also employed in the advertising and public relations industries, and as an official of the Home Owners Loan Corporation.

Active in Democratic politics in San Francisco, James G. Smyth was the general manager of the Democratic State Central Committee offices and activities in northern California in the 1930s. Smyth was also an official on the Roosevelt-Garner presidential campaign in 1936. In 1937, Smyth was chosen to replace fellow San Franciscan Arthur Ohnimus as Chief Clerk of the California Assembly, when the Republican Ohnimus chose not to seek reelection.