George Luke Smith

George Luke Smith (December 11, 1837 – July 9, 1884) was a 19th-Century American businessman who served one-term as a U.S. Representative for Louisiana's 4th congressional district from 1873 to 1875. The district at the time was anchored by the state's third largest city, Shreveport. Before moving to Louisiana, he had previously served in the Union Army during the Civil War.

George L. Smith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 4th district
In office November 24, 1873 – March 3, 1875
Preceded by	Alexander Boarman
Succeeded by	William M. Levy
Louisiana State Representative for Caddo Parish
In office 1870–1872
Personal details
Born	George Luke Smith (1837-12-11)December 11, 1837 New Boston, New Hampshire
Died	July 9, 1884(1884-07-09) (aged 46) Hot Springs, Arkansas
Resting place	West Street Cemetery, Milford, New Hampshire
Political party	Republican
Alma mater	Union College
Military service
Branch/service	Union Army

Early life and education

Born in New Boston in Hillsborough County in southern New Hampshire, Smith completed preparatory studies and attended Union College in Schenectady, New York.

Civil War

During the Civil War, he served in the Union Army.

At the close of the war, he relocated to Shreveport to engage in mercantile pursuits.

Early career

He served from 1870 to 1872 as a member of the Louisiana House of Representatives during Reconstruction.

Business

He was the proprietor of Shreveport Southwestern Telegram and president of the Shreveport Savings Bank & Trust Company.

Congress

Smith was elected as a Republican to the Forty-third Congress to fill the vacancy created by the death of Representative-elect Samuel Peters and served from November 24, 1873, until March 3, 1875.

Considered by some to be a Carpetbagger due to his northern roots and service in the Union Army, Smith was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1874 to the Forty-fourth Congress. He was succeeded by the Democrat William M. Levy.

Later career

Thereafter, Smith was appointed collector of customs at the port of New Orleans by U.S. President Rutherford B. Hayes, a position that he held from May 4, 1878, to February 20, 1879. He moved to Hot Springs, Hot Springs, Arkansas, to engage in the real estate business until his death there.

He died in 1884 and is interred at the West Street Cemetery in Milford, New Hampshire.

Legacy

Smith was the last Republican to hold the 4th district House seat in Louisiana until 1988, when Jim McCrery won a special election for the position to succeed Buddy Roemer who was elected governor of Louisiana the preceding year.

External links

• United States Congress. "George Luke Smith (id: S000539)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.

U.S. House of Representatives
Preceded by Alexander Boarman	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Louisiana's 4th congressional district 1873 – 1875	Succeeded by William M. Levy