Edward Curtis Smith

Governor of Vermont

Edward Curtis Smith (January 5, 1854 – April 6, 1935) was an American attorney, businessman, and politician from Vermont. A Republican, he was most notable for his service as the 47th governor of Vermont from 1898 to 1900.

Edward Curtis Smith was born in St. Albans Town, Vermont, on January 5, 1854. The Smith family was one of Vermont's most prominent, with business holdings in railroads, manufacturing and other enterprises. Smith's father J. Gregory Smith served as Governor of Vermont,

Smith's uncle Worthington Smith served in Congress. His grandfathers were also involved in politics, with John Smith serving in the United States House of Representatives Smith received his LL. B. degree from Columbia Law School in 1877, was admitted to the bar, and practiced in St. Albans. He served the single two year term available to governors under the "Mountain Rule". In 1899 he officiated at the welcome ceremony in Montpelier for Admiral George Dewey, hero of the Spanish–American War and a native of Montpelier. Smith also organized Old Home Week, the fair and festival designed to celebrate rural life and Vermont roots of Americans living in other states.

After serving as governor, Smith returned to his railroad, manufacturing and banking interests. He was buried at Greenwood Cemetery in St. Albans.

On October 3, 1888, Smith married Anna Bailey James, the granddaughter of Amaziah Bailey James. They were the parents of four children; James Gregory, Edward Fairchild, Curtis Ripley and Anna Dorothea Bradford.