Jess Smith

Jesse W. Smith (October 10, 1872—May 30, 1923) was a member of President Warren G. Harding's Ohio Gang . He was born and raised in Washington Court House, Ohio, where he became a friend of Harry M. Daugherty. There, Daugherty helped him to become the successful owner of a department store. Smith became Daugherty's gofer during the 1920 campaign. Role Smith came to Washington as an aide to Daugherty as U.S. Attorney General. He had a desk at the Department of Justice and was Harry Daugherty's chief advisor. This allowed Smith to wield considerable influence. He was also Daugherty's roommate at Washington, D.C.'s Wardman Park Hotel. Daugherty's wife had remained behind in Columbus because of illness; Smith was divorced.