James Smith, Jr.

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James Smith, Jr. (June 12, 1851-April 1, 1927) was a US Senator from New Jersey.

Born in Newark, New Jersey; attended private schools and St. Mary's College, Wilmington, Delaware; engaged in the dry-goods and importing business, later becoming a manufacturer of leather in Newark, New Jersey.

He was a member of the board of aldermen of Newark 1883-1887. He declined the nomination for mayor of Newark in 1884. Served as president of the first works board in Newark.

He was elected as a Democrat to the United States Senate and served from March 4, 1893, to March 3, 1899, but did not seek re-election after one term. He had been the Chairman of the Committee on the Organization, Conduct and Expenditures of Executive Departments (in the Fifty-third United States Congress). He later tried unsuccessfully to be elected again to the United States Senate twelve years later (1911).

After his political career, he resumed manufacturing leather, and also engaged in banking and newspaper publishing

Died in Newark, aged 75, and was interred in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, East Orange.

This article incorporates facts obtained from the public domain Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

Preceded by Rufus Blodgett

United States Senator (Class 1) from New Jersey 1893–1899 Served alongside: John R. McPherson, William J. Sewell

Succeeded by John Kean