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, politician, and philanthropist born on March 6, 1797, in Utica, New York. He was a leading figure in the abolitionist movement and a staunch advocate for various social causes, including temperance, women’s rights, and land reform. Smith was a member of the prominent Smith family, known for their substantial wealth and social influence. Smith entered politics as a member of the Liberty Party, which was established to oppose the expansion of slavery in the United States. He later became involved with the Free Soil Party and then the Republican Party. Throughout his political career, he used his substantial wealth to support abolitionist causes, including funding the Underground Railroad and providing financial assistance to freed slaves. Gerrit Smith also served a brief tenure in the United States House of Representatives from 1853 to 1854. Despite his short term, he made significant contributions to the anti-slavery movement and continued his activism even after leaving office. Smith was also known for his extensive philanthropy, donating large portions of his land and wealth to various charitable causes. He died on December 28, 1874, in New York City.

5 Interesting Facts about Gerrit Smith

1. Gerrit Smith was a major supporter and financier of John Brown, the radical abolitionist who led the raid on Harpers Ferry.

2. His estate in Peterboro, New York, served as a crucial station on the Underground Railroad.

3. Smith was a founder of the New York Anti-Slavery Society and played a key role in its operations.

4. He donated over 120,000 acres of land to help black families establish themselves in upstate New York.

5. Smith was a co-founder of the American Anti-Slavery Society, alongside prominent figures like William Lloyd Garrison.

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. “I trust in the Lord that I shall not live one day longer than I can be of use to my fellow creatures.”

3. “Slavery is a complete annihilation of human rights.”

4. “The rich man’s happiness is not to be envied when he looks around and sees his fellow creatures in misery.”

5. “To every man his due, is the first principle of justice.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his influence, Gerrit Smith’s net worth was estimated to be around $10 million, a significant sum in the 19th century, equivalent to several hundred million dollars today.

Children

Gerrit Smith had four children with his wife, Ann Carroll Fitzhugh. Their children were: 1. Elizabeth Smith Miller, who became a notable women’s rights advocate. 2. Greene Smith, who was an avid ornithologist. 3. Gerrit Smith Jr., who followed in his father’s philanthropic footsteps. 4. Carroll Smith, who unfortunately died young.