Smith was born in Saxtons River, Vermont, on April 12, 1838. He attended the public schools of Hillsborough, New Hampshire, and the Francestown Academy. He worked in stores and shoe making factories before embarking on a successful business career, and eventually became owner of the Contoocook Mills Company and several stores, and his interests grew to include commercial real estate and banking.[1]
In 1892 Smith won election as governor, and he served from January 5, 1893, to January 3, 1895. Governor Smith actively proposed programs for preserving state forests and improving roads and highways.[3]
After completing his term, he resumed management of his business interests and served as a member of the Republican State Committee. He died in Hillsborough on August 10, 1914, and was buried at Pine Grove Cemetery in Manchester.[4]
Smith donated liberally to the Congregational Church and several charities, and the Smith Memorial Congregational Church in Hillsborough is named for him. The Gov. John Butler Smith House in Hillsborough was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002.[5]
