James Y. Smith

James Y. Smith

James Young Smith (born September 15, 1809 in Groton , Connecticut , † March 26, 1876 in Providence , Rhode Island ) was an American politician and governor of the state of Rhode Island from 1863 to 1866 .

Early years

At the age of 16, James Smith became the manager of a general store in Salem . Soon after, he moved to Providence, where he got into the lumber business. Finally he got involved in the textile industry with his brother. The Smiths operated several weaving mills in Rhode Island and Connecticut.

Political career

James Smith became a member of the Republican Party . He was Mayor of Providence between 1855 and 1857 . He was also a member of that city's school committee and a member of the Rhode Island House of Representatives . In 1861 he unsuccessfully applied for the office of governor of that state.

In 1863 he was able to win the gubernatorial elections. After he was re-elected twice, he was able to exercise this office between May 26, 1863 and May 29, 1866. At the beginning of his tenure, the civil war was still in full swing. Although his state's population was against conscription, he was able to meet the Rhode Island quota of soldiers with volunteers. After the end of the war, returning soldiers also had to be reintegrated into society in Rhode Island. The disabled and the bereaved of the dead had to be looked after. The state's economy was cut back to meet civilian needs.

Another résumé

After his governorship ended, Smith founded the James Smith Manufacturing Company . He remained active in business until the end of his life. He was also involved in a number of school and charity institutions. James Smith died in March 1876. He had three children with his wife, Emily Brown.

Web links

• James Smith at the National Governors Association (English)
• James Y. Smith in the database of Find a Grave (English)