Albert James Smith

Albert James Smith, born on March twelfth, eighteen hundred twenty-two, was a prominent politician and lawyer in New Brunswick. His lineage traced back to a United Empire Loyalist grandfather who relocated from Massachusetts to New Brunswick following the American Revolution, instilling in him a strong sense of loyalty and governance.

Smith's political career commenced in eighteen fifty-two when he entered the House of Assembly as a vocal opponent of the Tory compact that dominated the colony. He emerged as a leading reformist, advocating for responsible government, which was successfully granted to the colony in eighteen fifty-four. That same year, he became part of the reform government and was appointed Attorney-General in eighteen sixty-one under Premier Samuel Leonard Tilley.

However, Smith's relationship with Tilley soured over differing views on railway policy and Canadian Confederation. He took a stand as the leader of the Anti-Confederates, winning the election in eighteen sixty-five, but was ousted from office the following year by the lieutenant-governor. In recognition of his legal expertise, he was appointed Queen's Counsel in eighteen sixty-two.

Despite his initial opposition, Smith reconciled with the idea of Confederation once it was established. He later served as the minister of fisheries in the Liberal government led by Alexander Mackenzie in eighteen seventy-three. Albert James Smith passed away in eighteen eighty-three and was laid to rest in Dorchester Rural Cemetery.