William L. Smith was educated in the graded and high schools of Eau Claire, and at the Steven's Point Normal School, after which he became an educator. In 1899 he came to Neillsville, and for four years was a prominent instructor here, teaching first in the North Side School and then in the high school. At the close of this period he assumed his present duties as manager, secretary and treasurer of the Badger State Telephone & Telegraph Co. In this capacity he has had his share in the general development of the county, and has brought the telephone service in this region to a high degree of good service and efficiency.

From the first, he has been actively identified with the business and social life of Neillsville, and has been untiring in his efforts to build up the city. The Citizens Club, of which he is the president, has accomplished much along these lines, and is planning much for the future. In connection with taking his part in the commercial and industrial progress of the city he has become a stockholder in the Commercial State Bank at Neillsville, in which he is a director, and in the Neillsville Canning Co. As alderman of Neillsville, he served his constituents faithfully and well, and as a member of the legislature, his work has, been characterized by unswerving loyalty, devotion to principle and keen business insight into the needs of the whole state, both at present and in the future, his influence having been a most valuable factor in passing several highly beneficial measures.

Being a man of social nature, Mr. Smith has allied himself with several fraternal orders, belonging to the Blue Lodge and Chapter of the Masons, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and to the Loyal Order of Moose.

Mr. Smith was married June 26, 1901, to Olive T Huntzicker, born in Eaton Township, this county, daughter of Jacob and Mary (McMahon) Huntzicker, and they have two children-Herbert M. and William Lyman, Jr.