Hinton was home to West Virginia’s first Game Warden, Captain Emory F Smith. During Railroad Days 2022, West Virginia Department of Natural Resources personnel gathered at the Summers County Courthouse to dedicate a new memorial plaque to Captain Smith.
The Governor at the time, George Atkinson, appointed Smith to the position on March 27, 1897, beginning the 125-year history of the DNR. Along with its long history, the law enforcement division of DNR, Natural Resources Police, proudly declares that it is the oldest statewide law enforcement agency in the state. The State Police did not come into being until 1919.
Before starting what is now the WVDNR, Smith worked as a railroader. The change came after the West Virginia legislature passed the state’s first game laws in 1896. Approximately a year into his new position, Smith was called to war. Before returning and resuming his Game Warden position, he became a Captain in the Army.
Smith served as Game Warden until 1901. According to reports, Governor-elect Albert White reappointed him; however, he resigned only a month later.
According to remarks made during the dedication ceremony, the second appointed Game Warden in the state, Frank Lively, was also from Hinton. Before becoming Game Warden, Lively was a Prosecuting Attorney. Lively received the appointment shortly after Smith’s resignation.
The memorial, now standing proudly in front of the courthouse, includes a historic document. Encased in the plaque is a handwritten letter detailing Smith’s official appointment. The document also boasts historical signatures.
Another Summers County native, Bobby Cales, attended the ceremony. Cales is the current Colonel of the Natural Resources Police.
The plaque is available to view near the sidewalk in front of the courthouse.
