William Alden Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Alden Smith
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| United States Senator from Michigan |
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| In office February 9, 1907 – March 3, 1919 |
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| Preceded by | Russell A. Alger |
| Succeeded by | Truman H. Newberry |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Michigan's 5th district |
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| In office March 4, 1895 – February 9, 1907 |
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| Preceded by | George F. Richardson |
| Succeeded by | Gerrit J. Diekema |
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| Born | May 12, 1859 Dowagiac, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | October 11, 1932 (aged 73) Grand Rapids, Michigan, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Nancy Alice Osterhout |
| Children | William Alden Smith, Jr. |
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William Alden Smith (born May 12, 1859 – died October 11, 1932) was an important American politician from Michigan. He served in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate. He is best known for leading the investigation into the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. His work helped create new rules to make ocean travel much safer.
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Early Life and First Jobs
William Alden Smith was born in Dowagiac, Michigan. When he was 13, his family moved to Grand Rapids. As a young boy, he worked hard, selling popcorn and delivering newspapers. He even worked as a messenger for the Michigan House of Representatives in Lansing, Michigan.
Smith later studied law and became a lawyer in 1882. He became an expert in laws about railroads. He also served as the first paid State Game Warden in the country, working to protect wildlife.
Serving in the House of Representatives
William Alden Smith became a member of the Republican Party. He was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1895. This meant he represented Michigan's 5th district in Washington, D.C. He served in the House for 12 years.
While in the House, he worked on committees dealing with government spending and railroads. He strongly pushed for better safety rules on railroads. This made some railroad owners unhappy, but Smith believed in protecting people.
Becoming a U.S. Senator
In 1907, Smith was elected to the United States Senate. A U.S. Senator represents their entire state, not just a district. He served as a Senator until 1919.
As a Senator, he led committees that looked at relations with Canada and how the government's civil service worked.
Investigating the Titanic Disaster
One of William Alden Smith's most famous roles was leading the investigation into the sinking of the RMS Titanic. This huge ship sank in the North Atlantic on April 15, 1912, and over 1,500 people died.
Smith's committee started hearings in New York City just one day after the survivors arrived. They listened to many people who had been on the ship. Smith's report, released in May 1912, led to big changes in how ships were built and operated. These changes made ocean travel much safer for everyone.
During the hearings, Smith asked some questions that seemed simple, like what an iceberg was made of. This sometimes made the British press call him "Watertight Smith." But his goal was to understand everything to prevent future tragedies.
Other Important Work
Smith was also involved in other businesses. He owned and published the Grand Rapids Herald newspaper. He also helped manage a large steamship company that operated on Lake Michigan.
In 1909, he stood up for Robert Pelham Jr., a Black federal employee and civil rights activist. Pelham had been arrested while gathering information about a police officer beating a Black woman. Smith helped ensure Pelham was found not guilty.
William Alden Smith married Nancy Alice Osterhout in 1886. They had one son, William Alden Smith, Jr., who sadly passed away at a young age.
Legacy and Remembrance
William Alden Smith died in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1932. He is buried there in Woodlawn Cemetery.
The town of Alden, Michigan is named after him. In 2017, a bronze statue of Smith was placed in Grand Rapids to honor his contributions to the city and the nation.
