Robert Smith (Cabinet member) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Robert Smith
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| 6th United States Secretary of State | |
| In office March 6, 1809 – April 1, 1811 |
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| President | James Madison |
| Preceded by | James Madison |
| Succeeded by | James Monroe |
| United States Attorney General Acting |
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| In office March 2, 1805 – August 7, 1805 |
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| President | Thomas Jefferson |
| Preceded by | Levi Lincoln |
| Succeeded by | John Breckinridge |
| 2nd United States Secretary of the Navy | |
| In office July 27, 1801 – March 4, 1809 |
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| President | Thomas Jefferson |
| Preceded by | Benjamin Stoddert |
| Succeeded by | Paul Hamilton |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 3, 1757 Lancaster, Pennsylvania, British America |
| Died | November 26, 1842 (aged 85) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic-Republican |
| Spouse | Margaret Smith |
| Education | College of New Jersey (BA) (renamed Princeton) |
| Signature |  |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service | Continental Army |
| Battles/wars | American Revolutionary War |
Robert Smith (born November 3, 1757 – died November 26, 1842) was an important American politician. He held two big jobs in the U.S. government. He was the second United States Secretary of the Navy from 1801 to 1809. Later, he became the sixth United States Secretary of State from 1809 to 1811. Robert Smith was also the younger brother of Senator Samuel Smith.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Robert Smith was born in Lancaster, which was part of the Province of Pennsylvania back then. When he was younger, he fought in the American Revolutionary War. He was part of the Continental Army and took part in the Battle of Brandywine.
After the war, he went to Princeton. He graduated in 1781. Then, he started working as a lawyer in Maryland.
Political Career
Smith began his political career by being chosen for the Electoral College in 1788. This group helps elect the U.S. President. He represented Maryland.
Later, he was elected to the Maryland State Senate. He served there from 1793 to 1795. After that, he was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates from 1796 to 1800.
In July 1801, President Thomas Jefferson asked Robert Smith to become the United States Secretary of the Navy. This job involves leading the U.S. Navy. Smith took the position after someone else turned it down.
For a short time in 1805, Smith also served as the United States Attorney General. This person is the chief lawyer for the U.S. government. He held both jobs because the person chosen for Secretary of the Navy decided not to take the job. Soon after, a new Attorney General was appointed, and Smith went back to being the full-time Secretary of the Navy. He stayed in this role until President Jefferson's time in office ended in March 1809.
Secretary of State
After leaving the Navy job, President James Madison appointed Smith as the United States Secretary of State. This is a very important role, dealing with other countries. Smith started this job on March 6, 1809.
However, Smith and President Madison often disagreed on how to handle foreign policy. Madison felt that Smith was not following the administration's plans. Because of these disagreements, Madison asked Smith to resign. Smith left the Secretary of State position on April 1, 1811.
Later Life and Legacy
After his time in government, Robert Smith became involved in other important organizations. In 1813, he became the president of the American Bible Society. In 1818, he helped start the Maryland Agriculture Society and became its first president. After this, he mostly retired to a private life.
Robert Smith passed away in Baltimore, Maryland, on November 26, 1842. He was 85 years old.
The U.S. Navy ship, the USS Robert Smith, was named in his honor.
Images for kids
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Robert Smith's signature.
See also
In Spanish: Robert Smith (político) para niños
