US Senator. Noted anti-slavery activist. Father in law of Vermont Governor and railroad magnate J. Gregory Smith. Moved to Troy, New York to reside with uncle, 1803. Moved with uncle to St. Albans, 1808. Completed schooling in St. Albans. Taught school, worked as store clerk. Successful businessman with ownership stakes in stores, banks, steamships and railroads. Vermont House, 1834. A Whig until 1840, when he joined Liberty Party. Party's nominee for Governor, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1852, and 1854. Affiliated with Free Soil Party. Selected by Vermont Legislature to fill US Senate vacancy caused by death of William Upham. Served, October 14, 1854 to March 3, 1855, and was not a candidate for reelection. Declined nomination for Governor. A founder of the new Republican Party and a delegate to its first convention, 1856. President, American Missionary Society. Noted for work smuggling runaway slaves into Canada. Cousin Joseph also resided in St. Albans and founded "Franklin Journal" newspaper, which he later sold to new owners who called it the "St. Albans Messenger," which is still in business. Resumed anti-slavery activities and business interests until his death. Brainerd, Minnesota was named for him by his son in law J. Gregory Smith
US Senator. Noted anti-slavery activist. Father in law of Vermont Governor and railroad magnate J. Gregory Smith. Moved to Troy, New York to reside with uncle, 1803. Moved with uncle to St. Albans, 1808. Completed schooling in St. Albans. Taught school, worked as store clerk. Successful businessman with ownership stakes in stores, banks, steamships and railroads. Vermont House, 1834. A Whig until 1840, when he joined Liberty Party. Party's nominee for Governor, 1846, 1847, 1848, 1852, and 1854. Affiliated with Free Soil Party. Selected by Vermont Legislature to fill US Senate vacancy caused by death of William Upham. Served, October 14, 1854 to March 3, 1855, and was not a candidate for reelection. Declined nomination for Governor. A founder of the new Republican Party and a delegate to its first convention, 1856. President, American Missionary Society. Noted for work smuggling runaway slaves into Canada. Cousin Joseph also resided in St. Albans and founded "Franklin Journal" newspaper, which he later sold to new owners who called it the "St. Albans Messenger," which is still in business. Resumed anti-slavery activities and business interests until his death. Brainerd, Minnesota was named for him by his son in law J. Gregory Smith
Bio by: Bill McKern
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