John Gregory Smith
| J. Gregory Smith | |
|---|---|
J. Gregory Smith, Governor of Vermont, 1863 to 1865
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| 28th Governor of Vermont | |
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In office October 9, 1863 – October 13, 1865 |
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| Lieutenant | Paul Dillingham |
| Preceded by | Frederick Holbrook |
| Succeeded by | Paul Dillingham |
| Member of the Vermont House of Representatives | |
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In office 1861–1862 |
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| Personal details | |
| Born |
July 22, 1818 St. Albans, Vermont |
| Died | November 6, 1891 (aged 73) St. Albans, Vermont |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse(s) | Ann Eliza Smith |
| Profession | businessman / politician |
John Gregory Smith (July 22, 1818 – November 6, 1891), railroad tycoon, politician, and the last Governor of Vermont during the Civil War.
Smith was born in St. Albans, Vermont, son of Congressman John Smith and Maria (Curtis) Smith. His father was a pioneer railroad builder in Vermont, and a leading lawyer and political figure. J. Gregory Smith graduated from the University of Vermont in 1841 and received a degree from Yale Law School.
In 1842, he married Ann Eliza, daughter of U.S. Senator Lawrence Brainerd, who was prominent in her own right as the author of several novels and other books. After the death of her father, J. Gregory Smith named Brainerd, Minnesota after his wife's family.
Smith's brother Worthington served in Congress from 1867 to 1871, and his son Edward served as Governor from 1898 to 1900.
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.
Smith became associated with his father in his law practice and railroad management. After his father's death in 1858, he succeeded to the position of trustee under the lease of the Vermont and Canada Railroad. Simultaneously he entered politics, and for many years the career in each line was involved with the other. He was also one of the originators of the Northern Pacific Railway enterprise and was the president of the corporation from 1866 to 1872. 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.
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