title: Edward McMurray Smith
text: # Edward McMurray Smith
  
  Edward McMurray Smith (October 31, 1870 – October 26, 1953) was an American politician and newspaper editor who served as the 16th secretary of state of Iowa from 1929 to 1931.
  
  ## Early life and education
  
  Born in Jackson County, Iowa, Smith moved with his parents to Madison County, Iowa. He went to the Madison public schools. Smith then attended Dexter Normal School and Drake University.
  
  ## Career
  
  From 1898 to 1900, Smith served as superintendent of Madison County Schools. In 1899, Smith became publisher and editor of The Winterset Madisonian in Winterset, Iowa. Smith served as postmaster for Winterset from 1904 to 1908. From 1917 to 1925, Smith served in the Iowa State Senate and was a Republican. In 1928, Smith was appointed Iowa secretary of state when the incumbent Walter C. Ramsay died in office. He served until 1931. In 1930, he unsuccessful sought the Republican nomination for governor of Iowa.
  
  ## Death
  
  Smith died in a hospital in Winterset, Iowa after a brief illness.
  
  