Perry Smith (politician)
American politician (1783–1852)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Perry Smith (May 12, 1783 – June 8, 1852) was a Connecticut lawyer and politician. He served in the Connecticut House of Representatives (1822-1823, 1835-1836) and United States Senate (1837-1843).
Perry Smith | |
|---|---|
| United States Senator from Connecticut | |
| In office March 4, 1837 – March 3, 1843 | |
| Preceded by | Gideon Tomlinson |
| Succeeded by | John Milton Niles |
| Member of the Connecticut House of Representatives | |
| In office 1822–1823 1835-1836 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | May 12, 1783 |
| Died | June 8, 1852 (aged 69) |
| Party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Anne Comstock Smith |
| Alma mater | Litchfield Law School |
| Occupation | Lawyer |
Biography
Smith was born in Woodbury, Litchfield County, Connecticut, on May 12, 1783, the son of John and Abigail (Lambert) Smith. He completed preparatory studies; studied law at the Litchfield Law School in 1807; was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in New Milford. He married Anne Comstock who died on February 26, 1826.[1]
Career
A member of Connecticut House of Representatives from New Milford from 1822 to 1823, Smith was made postmaster of New Milford and held that post from 1829 to 1837.[2] He was again a state representative from 1835 to 1836, as well as judge of probate court from 1833 to 1835.[3]
Elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate from Connecticut, Smith served from March 4, 1837 to March 3, 1843. He was chairman of the Committee on Agriculture (Twenty-fifth Congress); and was a member of the Committee on Revolutionary Claims (Twenty-sixth Congress).[4]
Death
Smith died in New Milford on June 8, 1852 (age 69 years, 27 days). He is interred at New Milford Center Cemetery, New Milford, Connecticut,.[5]