US Congressman. After completing his early education he studied law and attained admission to the bar in 1810. He practiced in St. Albans with Benjamin Swift, who later served as US Senator from Vermont. From 1826 to 1832 Smith was Franklin County State's Attorney. He served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1827 to 1837, and was Speaker from 1831 to 1833. In 1838 he ran successfully for the US House as a Democrat and served one term, 1839 to 1841. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1840, evidence that Whigs, and later Republicans were becoming dominant in Vermont politics. After leaving Congress, Smith resumed the practice of law. He also became involved in railroads as an organizer of the Central Vermont Railway. His family continued its high profile role in business and politics for several generations. His son J. Gregory Smith served as Governor of Vermont and President of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Another son, Worthington C. Smith, served as a Congressman from Vermont. John Smith's grandson Edward C. Smith also served as Governor of Vermont, and his great-grandson William Scranton served as a Congressman and Governor of Pennsylvania.
US Congressman. After completing his early education he studied law and attained admission to the bar in 1810. He practiced in St. Albans with Benjamin Swift, who later served as US Senator from Vermont. From 1826 to 1832 Smith was Franklin County State's Attorney. He served in the Vermont House of Representatives from 1827 to 1837, and was Speaker from 1831 to 1833. In 1838 he ran successfully for the US House as a Democrat and served one term, 1839 to 1841. He ran unsuccessfully for reelection in 1840, evidence that Whigs, and later Republicans were becoming dominant in Vermont politics. After leaving Congress, Smith resumed the practice of law. He also became involved in railroads as an organizer of the Central Vermont Railway. His family continued its high profile role in business and politics for several generations. His son J. Gregory Smith served as Governor of Vermont and President of the Northern Pacific Railroad. Another son, Worthington C. Smith, served as a Congressman from Vermont. John Smith's grandson Edward C. Smith also served as Governor of Vermont, and his great-grandson William Scranton served as a Congressman and Governor of Pennsylvania.
Bio by: Bill McKern
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