Biography

"Gerrit Smith was a widely known philanthropist and social reformer who ran for President in 1848. He was born in Utica, New York in 1797 and lived in nearby Peterboro. He was Elizabeth Cady's first cousin. It was at Smith's home in Peterboro, New York that Elizabeth Cady met fellow abolitionist and future husband Henry Stanton. Elizabeth Cady Stanton met and was influenced by many other people at Smith's home, including his daughter, Elizabeth Smith Miller.
Gerrit Smith was a financial supporter of John Brown, and was implicated in the raid on Harper's Ferry. He denied that his intent was to promote insurrection among Southern slaves, but rather to arm for self-defense those who would escape, and thereby inspire others to do so. Though Smith and several of Brown's other co-conspirators (The Secret Six) reportedly avoided knowledge of the specifics, there is little doubt that Smith was aware of, and helped to finance, Brown's plans for military action in Virginia.
Smith's commitment to social justice was wide ranging. He was a major player in various antislavery and temperance societies. As a philanthropist he gave away forty acres of Adirondack land in Northern New York to 3000 poor (and "temperate") African Americans, to permit them to meet the requirements for voting, and in hopes of promoting self-sufficiency. He subsequently sold John Brown the land at North Elba, New York (where Brown is buried, near Lake Placid). The plan was for Brown's family to help the new settlers to become productive farmers. Though much of the land was clearly unsuitable for farming, some lasting settlements were formed. In all it is estimated that Smith's philanthropy reach $8 million before he died.
As an advocate for women's rights, Smith was highly regarded in the early years of the movement, and was mentioned in Stanton's address at the 1848 Seneca Falls Convention. A letter expressing his support was read at the opening of the Rochester Women's Rights Convention on August 2, 1848. 
Gerrit Smith was a candidate for President in 1848, 1856 and 1860. He served in the U.S. Congress, and was the only avowed abolitionist to do so." 
Possibly mentioned in 18381024WHS_BJS1: "My answer to the A [Argus, newspaper] - to goes to G. Smith today."