J. Gregory Smith

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Template:Use mdy dates Script error: No such module "infobox".Script error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Script error: No such module "Check for conflicting parameters". John Gregory Smith (July 22, 1818 – November 6, 1891) was a Vermont businessman and politician. He is most notable for serving as the 28th governor of Vermont from 1863 to 1865, the last of Vermont's Civil War chief executives.[1]

Biography

File:J Gregory Smith.png
Undated cabinet photo by W. D. Chandler of St. Albans, Vermont

Template:Multiple images Smith was born in 1818 in St. Albans, Vermont, son of John Smith and Maria (Curtis) Smith.[2] His father was a pioneer railroad builder in Vermont, and a leading lawyer and political figure. He served one term in the US Congress, beginning in 1839.Template:Sfn

J. Gregory Smith graduated from the University of Vermont in 1838, where he was a founding member of the Lambda Iota Society, and attended Yale Law School.[3] In 1842, he received his Master of Arts degree from the University of Vermont. In 1877 the university awarded him the honorary degree of LL.D.Template:Sfn

In 1842, Smith married Ann Eliza Brainerd, daughter of U.S. Senator Lawrence Brainerd. She became prominent in her own right as the author of several novels and other books.Template:Sfn After the death of her father, J. Gregory Smith named Brainerd, Minnesota in honor of his wife's family. He is considered the founder as he selected this site as president of the Northern Pacific Railroad for a crossing of the upper Mississippi River, thus stimulating the town's growth.[4][5]

Smith's brother Worthington also became a politician, serving in Congress from 1867 to 1871. His son Edward served as governor from 1898 to 1900.[6] In addition, F. Stewart Stranahan was married to Ann Eliza Smith's sister, and Stranahan became prominent in the Smith family businesses before serving as Lieutenant Governor from 1892 to 1894.Template:Sfn

Career

Smith became associated with his father in his law practice and railroad management.Template:Sfn After his father's death in 1858, he succeeded to the position of trustee under the lease of the Vermont and Canada Railroad.Template:Sfn Simultaneously he entered politics, and for many years the career in each line was involved with the other.Template:Sfn He was also one of the originators of the Northern Pacific Railway enterprise and was the president of the corporation from 1866 to 1872.Template:Sfn Under his lead five hundred and fifty-five miles of the road were built. The family holdings included the St. Albans Foundry, the National Car Company, and the Vermont Iron and Car Company.Template:Sfn

Smith was elected to the Vermont Senate in 1858, and reelected in 1859.Template:Sfn He served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1860 to 1863,[7] and in 1862 and 1863 he served as Speaker.[8]

In 1863 he was elected governor, succeeding Frederick Holbrook, and he was re-elected in 1864.Template:Sfn His efforts in office were centered on the American Civil War, including obtaining medical care for Vermont soldiers at the front, and securing the right of soldiers in the field to vote by absentee ballot.Template:Sfn

His home was a target of the Confederate St. Albans Raid.Template:Sfn He was not at home, but his wife was, and her appearance at the front door carrying an unloaded pistol (the only weapon she could find) was enough to cause the raiders to decide to bypass the Smith home while fleeing to Canada.Template:Sfn

Following his governorship Smith returned to his business interests, including serving as president of the Northern Pacific Railroad from 1866 to 1872. He was chairman of the state delegation to the Republican National Conventions in 1872, 1880, and 1884.[1] After his retirement as governor he held no public office.Template:Sfn He was mentioned as a candidate for the United States Senate in 1886 and 1891, but in both cases he withdrew his name.Template:Sfn

Death

Smith died in St. Albans on November 6, 1891, and was interred at Greenwood Cemetery.[9]

References

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  5. ↑ The True Story of The Angels and Women/Seola Book By Jim Rizoli
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Further reading

  • Ullery, Jacob G., Men of Vermont: An Illustrated Biographical History, Brattleboro, VT: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, Part I, p. 96.

External links

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Party political offices
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Republican nominee for Governor of Vermont
1863, 1864 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Political offices
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Governor of Vermont
1863–1865 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Business positions
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check President of Northern Pacific Railway
1866–1872 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

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