Robert A. Smith

Robert Armstrong Smith (June 13, 1827 – February 12, 1913) was a politician from the state of Minnesota. He thrice served as mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota and in both the State House and State Senate.

Smith began his political career in his home area of Warrick County, Indiana where he served as County Auditor from 1849 until May 1853, when he moved to Minnesota Territory. While County Auditor, he earned his Law Degree from Indiana University in 1850.

Smith's first activity in Minnesota was as the Territorial Librarian, a job he held from 1853 until statehood in 1858. He was appointed to the position by his brother-in-law, governor Willis A. Gorman. While mayor, in 1890, he would unsuccessfully run for the Democratic nomination for Governor. In 1902 he unsuccessfully ran for Lieutenant Governor of Minnesota. His final political office would be a single term as Ramsey County Commissioner from 1911 to 1913, dying in office.