Background
James was born on September 15, 1809 in Groton, Connecticut, United States, the son of Amos Denison and Priscilla (Mitchell) Smith, the latter a descendant of Priscilla Mullins who came to Plymouth in the Mayflower.
manufacturer politician statesman
James was born on September 15, 1809 in Groton, Connecticut, United States, the son of Amos Denison and Priscilla (Mitchell) Smith, the latter a descendant of Priscilla Mullins who came to Plymouth in the Mayflower.
His formal education was such as could be obtained by intermittent attendance at a district school, and it ended when he was thirteen years old.
After school Smith became a clerk in the general store of his native town.
In 1826, having exhausted the opportunities of this limited position, he moved to Providence and entered the counting room of Aborn & Smith, lumber dealers. In 1830 he had made himself sufficiently important in the business to be admitted to partnership, and in 1837 he assumed full proprietorship.
His father-in-law Brown was a successful cotton manufacturer and through him Smith began to turn his attention and his investments from the lumber business to that of cotton. In 1843 he entered into a partnership with his brother Amos, under the firm name of A. D. & J. Y. Smith, and engaged in the manufacture of cotton goods, and in carrying on a wholesale merchandise business.
In 1862 he withdrew from partnership with his brother and organized the James Y. Smith Manufacturing Company, which, with the admission of his sons-in-law, became James Y. Smith, Nichols & Rogers.
Smith found time for official public service. He was long a member of the Providence school committee, and for two years (1855, 1856) he was mayor of the city. In 1861 he was nominated for governor by the Republican party but was defeated in the election. Two years later he was renominated and this time was successful. He held the office from 1863 to 1866, declining to serve longer.
He died in 1876.
Smith was active in politics as a Republican.
Smith rose to positions of prominence and responsibility by reason of native ability, indefatigable industry, and a securely founded reputation for unquestionable integrity. To all his financial ventures, he gave the most careful and constant personal attention.
He was a man of sensitive sympathies, and his philanthropies were extensive. No intermediary was permitted to act for him, his contacts with those whose poverty or distress had brought them to his notice were always personal.
On August 13, 1835, he married Emily Brown, daughter of Thomas Brown of Providence. They had three children, a son who died young, and two daughters.