Introduction
John Butler Smith (April 12, 1838 – August 10, 1914) was an American manufacturer and Republican politician from Hillsborough, New Hampshire who served as governor for two years and owned Contoocook Mills Company.
Biography
Smith was born in Saxtons River, Vermont on April 12, 1838.He attended the public schools of Hillsborough, New Hampshire and the Francestown Academy.He worked in stores and shoe making factories before embarking on a successful business career, and eventually became owner of the Contoocook Mills Company and several stores, and his interests grew to include commercial real estate and banking.
A Republican, Smith was an Alternate to the 1884 Republican National Convention and one of New Hampshire's 1884 presidential electors.
From 1887 to 1889 he served as a member of the Governor's Council, and in 1890 he was elected Chairman of the Republican State Committee.
In 1892 Smith won election as governor, and he served fromJanuary 5, 1893 to January 3, 1895. Governor Smith actively proposed programs for preserving state forests and improving roads and highways.
After completing his term, he resumed management of his business interests and served as a member of the Republican State Committee.He died in Hillsborough on August 10, 1914 and was buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Hillsborough.
Smith donated liberally to the Congregational Church and several charities, and the Smith Memorial Congregational Church in Hillsborough is named for him.The Gov. John Butler Smith House in Hillsborough was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.