Charles Emory Smith

Charles Emory Smith (February 18, 1842 – January 19, 1908) was an American journalist and political leader.

Early life

Charles Emory Smith was born in Mansfield, Connecticut on February 18, 1842. In 1849 his family removed to Albany, New York, where he attended the public schools and The Albany Academy. He graduated from Union College in 1861, was a recruiting officer on the staff of Brigadier General John F. Rathbone (1819–1901) in 1861-1862, taught in the Albany Academy in 1862-1865, and was editor of the Albany Express in 1865-1870. He joined the staff of the Albany Journal in 1870, and was editor-in-chief of this paper from 1876 to 1880. In 1879-1880 he was a regent of the University of the State of New York. From 1880 until his death he was editor and part proprietor of the Philadelphia Press.

He was Postmaster General in the cabinet of Presidents McKinley and Roosevelt from April 1898 until January 1902, and did much to develop the rural free delivery system. He is buried at West Laurel Hill Cemetery in Bala Cynwyd.