Legislator Details

Image of Samuel J. Smith
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com, 11/24/2025

Samuel J. Smith
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 55

Vital Records Information:

Birth

Date: 1/16/1859
City: Owen Sound, ON
County: Grey County, ON
Country: Canada
 

Death

Date: 11/4/1936
City: Mackinaw City, MI
County: Cheboygan County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial:

Burial

Date: 11/7/1936
City: Mackinaw City, MI
County: Emmet County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Lakeview Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Fannie [Mary Frances] Cosens, 10/1/1890, in Harbor Springs, MI; children: 2, Rayma Frances and Virginia Lucille (Sattler)

Number of Children: 2

Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: lumberman, sailor, hotelier; merchant, businessman
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
attended Bruce Co., ON and Newago Co., MI, schools

Biographical Sketch:
Son of David and Sarah (Edgerton) Smith. He worked the lumber fields with his father until 1881. He moved to Antrim Co. and worked as stationary engineer with the Elk Rapids Iron Co. In 1886, he received marine papers to run an engine on the Great Lakes. He worked on the lakes until 1893 when he moved to Mackinaw City, entering the hotel business. He served 1 term as county treasurer; 21 years as the supervisor of Mackinaw Township; 7 years as president of Mackinaw City; and 14 years as school director. Member of the Freemasons.

Notable Facts:
Death record says Mackinaw City, Cheboygan Co. rather than Emmet Co. Died of cancer of the pharynx.

Sessions Served:

Forty-Ninth Legislature, 1917-1918

Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Ionia State Hospital , Lumber and Salt , Public Lands & Forestry Interests , Revision and Amendment of the Statutes
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Mackinaw
County of Residence Cheboygan
District: Cheboygan
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/7/1916
Date Sworn In: 1/3/1917
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Forty-Eighth Legislature, 1915-1916

Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Lumber and Salt , Michigan School for the Deaf , Public Lands & Forestry Interests , Revision and Amendment of the Statutes
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Mackinaw
County of Residence Cheboygan
District: Cheboygan
District Description:

Date Elected: 11/3/1914
Date Sworn In: 1/6/1915
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:

Bibliography:

Manual 1917 p. 803; PolGryd; Manual 1915 p.787; Michiganology; MIMarRec 1867-1952; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait; USCen 1910
View Bibliographical Sources