Edward Delafield Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Edward Delafield Smith
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| United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York | |
| In office April 1861 – April 1865 |
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| President | Abraham Lincoln |
| Preceded by | James I. Roosevelt |
| Succeeded by | Daniel S. Dickinson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 8, 1826 Rochester, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 12, 1878 (aged 51) Shrewsbury, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Relatives | James Smith Bush (cousin) |
Edward Delafield Smith (born May 8, 1826, in Rochester, New York – died April 12, 1878, in Shrewsbury, New Jersey) was an important American lawyer. He served as the top government lawyer for the New York City area during the American Civil War.
Contents
Edward Smith's Career
Becoming a Top Lawyer
When Edward Smith was 33 years old, President Abraham Lincoln chose him for a very important job. He became the federal attorney for New York City. This meant he was the main lawyer for the United States government in that area.
Fighting the Slave Trade
One of Smith's most famous cases happened in 1862. He was in charge of prosecuting a slave trader named Nathaniel Gordon. Gordon had been caught in 1860, before Smith took office. The case had been delayed, and Gordon was being held comfortably without a trial.
When Smith started his job in April 1861, he quickly moved Gordon to a stricter jail. Smith was very determined to help stop the illegal slave trade. He saw Gordon's case as a chance to send a strong message. He wanted to show that slave trading was a serious crime that would be punished. Smith pushed for Gordon to face strict justice, and he won. Gordon was sentenced and faced justice in 1862. This case helped make it clear that the United States was serious about ending the slave trade.
Other Important Cases
Later, Edward Smith also prosecuted John Andrews. Andrews was a leader of the New York City draft riots. These were large protests that happened in New York City during the Civil War.
Supporting the Union Cause
Edward Smith was a strong supporter of the Union during the Civil War. He was also a member of the Republican political party. He helped create two important groups: the Union League of New York and the Union Defense Committee. These groups worked to support the Union's efforts during the war.
Working for New York City
After the Civil War, from 1871 to 1875, Smith continued his public service. He worked as the Corporation Counsel for New York City. This role meant he was the chief legal advisor for the entire city government.
Edward Smith's Family Life
Edward Smith was a direct descendant of an early American settler named Daniel Smith. Daniel Smith had lived in Watertown, Massachusetts. Edward was also the second cousin of another lawyer, James Smith Bush.
