Background
Smith, Charles Stewart was born on March 2, 1832 in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. Son of Review John and Esther Mary (Woodruff) Smith.
Smith, Charles Stewart was born on March 2, 1832 in Exeter, New Hampshire, United States. Son of Review John and Esther Mary (Woodruff) Smith.
Educated country schools until 15 years old.
Went to New York at age of 15, becoming boy in wholesale dry goods store, and in 1863 became partner in dry goods firm of S. B. Chittenden & Company and for several years their European buyer. Later one of founders of the dry goods commission house of George C. Richardson & Company, later George C. Richardson, Smith & Company, and Smith, Hogg & Garden, retiring, 1887. Was for 7 years president New York Chamber of Commerce.
Declined nomination as mayor of New York which he was urged by Committee of 70 to accept, 1894. Became chairman of the executive committee of 70, which overthrew Tammany, and Chairman of Commission of Chamber of Commerce that instigated police investigation which resulted in election of Mayor Strong, 1894. Also chairman Citizens Union Executive Committee that conducted Seth Low campaign of 1897.
One of founders of 5th Avenue National Bank. Director German American Insurance Company, United States Trust Company, 4th National Bank, Merchants Bank, Presbyterian Hospital, Greenwich Savings Bank. Home: New York, New York.
Married Eliza Bradish (died 1863). Married second, Henrietta H. Caswell.