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John William Smith

1882 – 1942

American politician

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About John William Smith

Lived 1882 – 1942 (aged 60). John William Smith was an American politician.

John W. Smith (April 12, 1882 – June 17, 1942) was an American politician who was a long-time member of the Detroit City Council and was twice mayor of Detroit, Michigan.

Early life John W. Smith was born in Detroit on April 12, 1882, the son of John W. and Gertrude Wax Smith. His father died when Smith was five years old, leaving the family poor. He began working as a newsboy when he was six years old. and worked as a pin-setter in a bowling alley and a newsboy, furthering his education on his own at the library. the couple had two children: Dorothy and John W. Jr. He served one more time as mayor in 1933, acting to fill out the end of Frank Murphy's term, after the latter had resigned and his successor, Frank Couzens, also resigned to concentrate on running for election as mayor. Smith ran for mayor off-and-on, including in 1930 and 1936, and for governor in 1934,

John W. Smith died on June 17, 1942.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Education
University of Detroit Mercy
Positions held
Member of the State Senate of Michigan, Mayor of Detroit, Michigan
Also known as
John W. Smith, J.W. Smith, J. W. Smith

People in John William Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped John William Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was John William Smith?

American politician (1882-1942)

When was John William Smith born?

John William Smith was born on 12 April 1882 in Detroit.

When did John William Smith die?

John William Smith died on 17 June 1942 in Detroit.

What was John William Smith's occupation?

John William Smith was a politician.

What nationality was John William Smith?

John William Smith was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: John William Smith

· Wikidata: Q6262558

· DBpedia: John W. Smith (Detroit mayor)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John William Smith. https://biography.guide/john-william-smith/

MLA: "John William Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-william-smith/.

Chicago: "John William Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-william-smith/.

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