Smith, Samuel, 1765-1842

Biography

Samuel Smith was born on November 11, 1765 in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire, and Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts. Smith began his career as a merchant in 1788, eventually opening a paper mill in Peterborough in 1794. In 1810, the first cotton factory in town began operating with Smith as a shareholder. In 1812, he converted a portion of his paper mill to the production of cotton fiber beginning operation as the Phoenix Factory in 1813 under the charge of his son Frederick A. Smith. The weaving of cloth began in 1822 and by 1823 the production of paper had ceased completely. In 1828, the factory was destroyed by fire. Smith was also involved in other ventures including his original mercantile business as well as holding several civic offices including town moderator (1794-1829), postmaster (1820s) and one term as a Federalist Congressman from New Hampshire (1813-1814). Samuel Smith was the brother of governor and federal judge Jeremiah Smith (1759-1842) and father of Albert Smith (1801-1878), a doctor and historian. Samuel Smith died on April 25, 1842.

Albert Smith was born on June 18, 1801 in Peterborough, New Hampshire. He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1825 and after working for several years he entered Dartmouth Medical School from which he received his MD in 1883. Smith began his medical practice in Peterborough and in 1849 joined the faculty of the Dartmouth Medical School from which he retired in 1870. He eceived an honorary degree from Dartmouth in 1870 and was also president of the New Hampshire Medical Society. In 1828, he married Fidelia Stearns. After retirement, Smith began work on his book "A History of Peterborough" which was published in 1876. Smith died on February 22, 1878.

Found in 3 Collections and/or Records: