William Jay Smith (Tennessee politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Jay Smith
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| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Tennessee's 8th district |
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| In office March 4, 1869 – March 3, 1871 |
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| Preceded by | David A. Nunn |
| Succeeded by | William W. Vaughan |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 24, 1823 Birmingham, England |
| Died | November 29, 1913 (aged 90) Memphis, Tennessee |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary Ann Ross Smith |
| Profession | Printer, surveyor, soldier, realtor, banker |
| Military service | |
| Branch/service | United States Army Union Army |
| Rank |  Colonel Brevet Brigadier General |
| Commands | 6th Tennessee Cavalry Regiment |
| Battles/wars | Mexican–American War American Civil War |
William Jay Smith (born September 24, 1823 – died November 29, 1913) was an American politician. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives for Tennessee's 8th congressional district.
Contents
Early Life and Education
William Jay Smith was born in Birmingham, England, on September 24, 1823. When he was young, his family moved to the United States. They settled in Orange County, New York.
He went to local schools, which were called common schools back then. After finishing school, he learned the skill of printing. In 1846, he decided to move to Tennessee.
Military Service and Public Roles
William Jay Smith had an interesting career that included military service and politics.
Serving in Wars
In 1847, Smith joined a Tennessee regiment during the Mexican–American War. This war was fought between the United States and Mexico.
Later, during the American Civil War, he played a big role. He served as a Colonel in the 6th Regiment Tennessee Volunteer Cavalry. This cavalry unit was part of the Union Army, fighting from 1861 to 1865. Because of his excellent service, he was given the honorary rank of Brevet Brigadier General.
Political Contributions
After his military service, Smith became involved in politics. In 1865, he was a delegate at the State constitutional convention. This meeting helped create new laws for the state.
He then served in the Tennessee State House of Representatives from 1865 to 1867. After that, he was a member of the State Senate from 1867 to 1869. He returned to the State Senate later, serving again from 1885 to 1887.
From 1871 to 1883, he worked as a surveyor for the port of Memphis, Tennessee. This job involved checking and mapping the port area.
Congressional Career and Later Business
In 1869, William Jay Smith was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He was a member of the Republican Party. He served in the Forty-first Congress from March 4, 1869, to March 3, 1871.
After his term, he tried to be re-elected but was not successful. He then started working in the real estate and banking businesses. In 1876, he was also a delegate at the Republican National Convention. This is a big meeting where the Republican Party chooses its candidate for president.
Later Life and Legacy
William Jay Smith passed away in Memphis, Tennessee, on November 29, 1913. He was 90 years old. He was laid to rest at Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis.
