Introduction
John Ambler Smith (September 23, 1847 – January 6, 1892) was a U.S. Representative from Virginia.
Biography
Born at Village View, near Dinwiddie Court House, Virginia, Smith attended the rural school and was educated at David Turner's high school at Richmond. He was graduated from the law department of Richmond College. He was admitted to the bar in 1867 and commenced the practice of law in Richmond, Virginia. He was appointed commissioner in chancery of the courts of Richmond in 1868. He served as Commonwealth attorney of Charles City and New Kent Counties. He served as member of the State senate in 1869.
Smith was elected as a Republican to the Forty-third Congress (March 4, 1873 – March 3, 1875) with 51.11% of the vote, defeating Democrat George Douglas Wise. He was an unsuccessful candidate for renomination in 1874. He resumed the practice of law in Washington, D.C.. He served as member of the immigration commission to London.
He died in Washington, D.C., on January 6, 1892. He was interred in Glenwood Cemetery.