Michael Hoke Smith

Michael Hoke Smith (1855–1931) never enrolled in college but was admitted to the bar and built a successful law practice. Through his ownership of the Atlanta Journal, Smith supported Grover Cleveland's presidential campaign and was named his secretary of the Interior. Entering office at the age of 37, Smith remains the youngest Interior secretary. Considered an apt administrator, Smith instituted reforms in the Pension Bureau and in Indian schools. He resigned when free silver candidate William Jennings Bryan became the Democratic Party's nominee for President. Smith returned to Georgia, where he was elected governor and eventually to the U.S. Senate.