A former Bartow slave rises to diplomatic service

Henry Clay Smith was born into slavery on January 3, 1856 in Bartow County. At age 6 his family experienced freedom and moved from Bartow County to Chattanooga, Tennessee where opportunities were greater for African Americans. Eventually Smith attended Roger Williams University in Nashville. In 1884 he was the first African American to pass the Civil Service Examination. He continued his education at Howard University earning a law degree. He started a newspaper called the Agitator and entered local politics joining the Democratic Party. His political career and personal life encountered many conflicts. However, through valuable connections he was appointed US Consul to Madagascar, but never served. Later he was appointed to Consul in Brazil under President Grover Cleveland. He had a skill for languages, business development, founding organizations, trade, job growth, attracting investors for foreign affairs, advancing opportunities for African Americans, educational and religious initiatives. He had a keen knowledge to help investors avoid fees and penalties. However, his practices began to draw criticisms from the US and he resigned his position returning to the New York area and becoming a social and political force in the northeast. He died suddenly in 1902 in New Jersey.