James Adger Smyth was Mayor of Charleston, South Carolina for two terms between 1896 and 1903.
Background
Smyth was born on June 8, 1837, in Charleston, South Carolina. His father, Thomas Smyth, was pastor of the Second Presbyterian Church in Charleston. His mother, Margaret Milligan Adger Smyth, was the daughter of a Charleston shipping merchant, James Adger.
Education
He attended Doctor Miller"s Preparatory School, the Charleston High School, and Professor Sachtleben"s School. He graduated from the College of Charleston in 1858 and began working at his uncles" wholesale hardware firm, J.E. Adger & Company.
Career
In 1862, he enlisted and fought with Company A of the 25th Regiment of the South Carolina Volunteers until the end of the Civil War in 1865. During his ten years in the company he became an active member in the Chamber of Commerce. Smyth grew increasingly involved in local politics.
He retired in 1904.
He lived at 14 Legare Saint, Charleston, South Carolina from 1879 until he died on April 25, 1920.
Membership
He was member of the State and County Democratic Executive Committees (1876), City Council (1885), and mayor for two four-year terms (1895 to 1903).