Gerrit Smith

Date of Birth: March 6, 1797

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: December 28, 1874

Biography

Gerrit Smith was an influential American social reformer, abolitionist, and politician born on March 6, 1797. He was a prominent figure in the 19th century, known for his unwavering commitment to the abolition of slavery, women’s rights, and various other social causes. Gerrit Smith’s political career was marked by his service in the United States House of Representatives, where he represented New York’s 22nd district from 1853 to 1854. Smith was also a key member of the Liberty Party and later the Free Soil Party, advocating for the end of slavery and the promotion of free labor. Smith was born into a wealthy family in Utica, New York. His father, Peter Smith, was a successful landowner and businessman, which afforded Gerrit the opportunity to pursue his education at Hamilton College. Throughout his life, Smith dedicated his substantial wealth to philanthropic causes, including funding educational institutions, supporting the Underground Railroad, and providing land grants to free African Americans. Smith was known for his fiery oratory and passionate writing, which he used to advance his reformist agenda. His home in Peterboro, New York, became a hub for abolitionist activity, and he worked closely with other prominent figures of the movement, such as Frederick Douglass and John Brown. Despite facing significant opposition and personal risk, Smith remained steadfast in his convictions until his death on December 28, 1874.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerrit Smith

1. Gerrit Smith was one of the “Secret Six” who financially supported John Brown’s raid on Harpers Ferry.

2. He donated over 120,000 acres of land to African Americans to help them establish self-sustaining communities.

3. Smith was an early advocate for women’s suffrage, working alongside leaders like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton.

4. He founded the Peterboro Manual Labor School, which aimed to provide quality education to both black and white students.

5. Smith ran for the presidency three times, in 1848, 1856, and 1860, as a candidate for abolitionist parties.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Gerrit Smith

1. “The true civilization is where every man gives to every other every right that he claims for himself.”

2. “It is the height of selfishness for men to hoard their wealth when they know that there are so many who are suffering.”

3. “No man has a right to be idle. Work, with all its burdens and hardships, is a blessing.”

4. “The cause of freedom is not the cause of a race or a sect, a party or a class—it is the cause of humankind, the very birthright of humanity.”

5. “Slavery is a crime against humanity and must be eradicated at all costs.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At his peak, Gerrit Smith’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, a substantial fortune in the 19th century, which he primarily used for philanthropic endeavors.

Children

Gerrit Smith had three children with his wife, Ann Carroll Fitzhugh: 1. Elizabeth Smith Miller – A noted women’s rights advocate. 2. Greene Smith – An ornithologist and author. 3. Gerrit Smith Jr. – Lesser-known in public life, but involved in managing the family estate.