Hezekiah Smith

Hezekiah Smith was a U.S. Representative from New Jersey's 2nd congressional district, serving a single term in the late 19th century. A member of the Democratic Party, Smith's congressional career spanned from 1879 to 1881. In addition to his political endeavors, he was also an inventor and businessman, known for his contributions to the woodworking machinery industry and for holding numerous patents. His life was marked by personal controversies, including a complex marital history that ultimately impacted his political career.

Early life and career

Hezekiah Smith was born on July 24, 1816, in Bridgewater, Vermont. He received an education that concluded after the eighth grade, after which he trained as a cabinet maker. Smith established his first workshop in a former tannery building, where he began his career in woodworking. In 1846, he left the Woodstock District, accompanied by Eveline Verona English, whom he married in a civil ceremony that same year. The couple initially settled in Manchester, New Hampshire, where Smith supported his family by carving wooden patterns while simultaneously learning about the machine business. Their first child, a daughter named Ella, was born in July 1846.

The early years of Smith's marriage were marked by personal challenges. In 1847, a scarlet fever epidemic struck Manchester, prompting Eveline to return to Woodstock with their daughter. This decision led to a permanent separation, as the couple would not live together again as husband and wife. Following this separation, Smith relocated to Lebanon, New Hampshire, where he began manufacturing items according to others' specifications, including components for the Howe sewing machine. He was known to have given Eveline the first sewing machine found in Woodstock, allowing her to maintain her independence as a tailor.

Smith's career continued to evolve as he moved to Boston, Massachusetts, where he began to manufacture woodworking machinery of his own design. Eventually, he relocated his business to Lowell, Massachusetts. During this period, he fathered three sons with Eveline: Elton, Eugene V., and Edward A. Despite his family obligations, Smith's personal life took a significant turn when he met Agnes Mitilda Gilkerson, a mill girl, in 1854. She initially worked as his secretary and later pursued her education in medicine, graduating from Penn Medical University in 1861.

In 1865, Smith made a pivotal decision that would alter the course of his life. He acquired a significant investment in a town in Eastampton Township, New Jersey, which he renamed Smithville. Before relocating, he sought to sever ties with his past by demanding a divorce from Eveline, which she refused. In a dramatic act, he destroyed all correspondence with her and erased their marriage records from his family Bible. Following this, he married Agnes Gilkerson in a civil ceremony and established their home in Smithville, where he continued his business endeavors.

House tenure

Hezekiah Smith was elected as a Democrat to the 46th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1879, to March 3, 1881. His election came during a politically dynamic period in the United States, characterized by shifting party allegiances and emerging political issues. Smith's tenure in the House of Representatives was marked by the complexities of his personal life, particularly the revelation of his bigamous marriage to Agnes Gilkerson while still being legally married to Eveline. This aspect of his life became a point of public scrutiny during his time in office.

Despite the controversy surrounding his marital status, Smith's political career was not solely defined by personal issues. His election to Congress occurred during a time when the Democratic Party was experiencing challenges, particularly with the rise of the Republican Party under James A. Garfield. Smith's single term in office concluded in 1881, and he was not re-elected to the 47th United States Congress. While his defeat may have been influenced by the political climate of the time, it is also important to note that the changing dynamics of American politics played a significant role in the electoral outcomes of that period.

Legislative focus and committees

During his time in Congress, Hezekiah Smith's legislative focus and committee assignments are not extensively documented. However, as a member of the Democratic Party, he would have engaged with the key issues of his time, which included economic policies, labor rights, and the burgeoning industrial landscape of the United States. Given his background as an inventor and businessman, it is likely that he brought a unique perspective to discussions surrounding manufacturing and technological advancements.

Smith's contributions to the House were informed by his extensive experience in the woodworking industry and his understanding of the challenges faced by manufacturers during a period of rapid industrialization. His background may have influenced his approach to legislation concerning trade, labor, and innovation. However, the specifics of his legislative initiatives and committee assignments remain less documented in historical records.

After leaving Congress, Smith continued to be involved in public service, later serving as a member of the New Jersey Senate from 1883 to 1885. His post-Congress career reflects a continued commitment to political engagement and public service, despite the controversies that marked his earlier political life.

Hezekiah Smith passed away on November 3, 1887. His legacy is characterized by his contributions to both the political and industrial landscapes of his time, as well as the complexities of his personal life that intertwined with his public career. Smith's life story illustrates the multifaceted nature of American political history during the late 19th century, encompassing themes of innovation, personal struggle, and the evolving nature of public service.