Marcus A. Smith
| Marcus A. Smith | |
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United States Senator from Arizona |
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In office March 27, 1912 – March 4, 1921 |
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| Preceded by | N/A (newly created seat) |
| Succeeded by | Ralph H. Cameron |
| Delegate to the U.S. House of Representatives from Arizona Territory | |
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In office March 4, 1887 – March 3, 1895 |
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| Preceded by | Curtis C. Bean |
| Succeeded by | Nathan O. Murphy |
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In office March 4, 1897 – March 3, 1899 |
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| Preceded by | Nathan O. Murphy |
| Succeeded by | John Frank Wilson |
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In office March 4, 1901 – March 3, 1903 |
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| Preceded by | John Frank Wilson |
| Succeeded by | John Frank Wilson |
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In office March 4, 1905 – March 3, 1909 |
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| Preceded by | John Frank Wilson |
| Succeeded by | Ralph H. Cameron |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
January 24, 1851 Cynthiana, Kentucky |
| Died | April 7, 1924 (aged 73) Washington, D.C. |
| Nationality | American |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Elizabeth Rathbone |
| Alma mater | Kentucky University |
Marcus Aurelius "Mark" Smith (January 24, 1851 – April 7, 1924) was an American attorney and politician who served eight terms as Arizona Territorial Delegate to Congress and as one of the first two Senators from Arizona. As a Delegate he was a leader in the effort to gain statehood for Arizona. His non-voting status however minimized his influence with only 35 of the 277 bills he introduced into the House of Representatives being signed into law. Lack of a voice in the United States Senate further weakened his efforts as he managed to get Arizona statehood bills passed by the House only to see the legislation blocked in the Senate. Beyond his efforts for statehood, Smith worked to have government buildings constructed and to provide relief to his constituents affected by either man-made or natural misfortunes. His efforts to provide relief to the citizens of Arizona did not however extend to the indigenous population for whom Smith expressed great animosity.
Smith was a dedicated conservative for most of his political career. This changed following his electoral defeat in 1908. As Smith campaigned to become one of Arizona's first two Senators he became a progressive. In this new role he was a firm supporter of Woodrow Wilson's New Freedom initiatives.
Smith was born on January 24, 1851 near Cynthiana, Kentucky as the youngest of seven sons to Frederick Chinn and Agnes Ball (Chinn) Smith. His family were successful farmers who also raised livestock. He and his brothers were educated at a combination of public and private schools. In 1868 Smith enrolled at Kentucky University (now Transylvania University) where he initially studied classics. After his graduation in 1872 he enrolled in the university's law school. Smith graduated from law school at the top of his class in 1876.
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Wikipedia