Maine
Gov. Samuel Emerson Smith
- January 5, 1831 - January 1, 1834
- Democratic-Republican
- March 12, 1788
- March 4, 1860
- New Hampshire
- Harvard University
- Married Louisa Sophia Fuller; nine children
About
SAMUEL E. SMITH, the tenth governor of Maine, was born in Hollis, New Hampshire on March 12, 1788. His education was attained at Groton Academy and at Harvard University, where he graduated from in 1808. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1812, and established his legal career in Wiscasset, Maine. Smith entered politics in 1819, serving as a representative of the Massachusetts General Court. He also served as a member of the Maine Legislature from 1820 to 1821, was chief justice of the Circuit Court of Common Pleas in 1821 and served as an associate justice for the new State Court of Common Pleas from 1822 to 1830. Smith first won election to the governorship of Maine in 1830. He then went on to win reelection in 1831 and 1832. During his tenure, the state capitol was moved from Portland to Augusta and the northeastern boundary controversy continued to escalate. After completing his term, Smith left office on January 1, 1834. One year later, he was appointed to serve again on the bench of the Common Pleas Court, a position he held until 1837. He also served in 1835 as one of the commissioners that worked to amend and codify public laws. Governor Samuel E. Smith passed away on March 4, 1860.
Source
Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 2, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.
