George Washington Nesmith

George Washington Nesmith (October 1800 – May 2, 1890) was a justice of the New Hampshire Supreme Court from 1859 to 1870, and was later involved in the administration of the New Hampshire Agricultural College. He was described as being "an intimate friend of Daniel Webster", and as "one of New Hampshire's most noted jurists".

Early life, education, and career Nesmith graduated from Dartmouth College in 1820.

His close friendship with Daniel Webster was "one of his most pleasant recollections", and he has long been quoted in matters relating to the history of the great expounder. He was noted as having "resembled Webster somewhat in personal appearance". In 1858, Nesmith wrote a well-received biography of Webster's father, Ebenezer Webster.

Judicial service and academia In 1859 he was appointed one of the judges of the supreme court to a seat vacated by the resignation of Ira A. Eastman. Nesmith remained on the court until October, 1870, when, having reached the age of 70, he was retired. His political career was devoted to the Whig and Republican parties. His presence on "commencement day" at Dartmouth was one of the notable features of that occasion in his later years. His activity on the verge of 90 years was surprising.

In 1889, Nesmith was again selected as a presidential elector, for Benjamin Harrison in the 1888 United States presidential election. This time, Nesmith's candidate won both the national election and the state of New Hampshire, and Nesmith was selected to chair the gathering of electors for the state in casting their votes for Harrison.

Only a few weeks before his death, Nesmith contributed an article on "Oratory" to The Dartmouth. He died in the hamlet of Franklin Falls, New York, after a short illness. He was nearly 90 years old.