Matthew Smith (Pennsylvania statesman)
Encyclopedia
Matthew Smith—the dates of his birth and death apparently unknown—was a Pennsylvania
politician
. He served briefly as Vice-President of Pennsylvania (a position analogous to the modern office of Lieutenant Governor
) following the resignation of George Bryan
on 11 October 1779. Smith was elected and took office that same day and served until his own resignation on 23 October 1779. At twelve days, Smith's was the shortest tenure of the ten men who served as Vice-President under the Commonwealth's 1776 Constitution—in fact, his was the shortest term of any Governor or Lieutenant Governor in the history of the Commonwealth. (John Bell
served as Governor for fourteen days in January 1947, and David Redick
held the Vice-Presidency for twenty two days in the fall of 1788.) As was the case with his predecessor no reason is given for his resignation in the minutes of the Council. By virtue of his office, Smith served as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
for a similarly brief period, October–November 1779.
Pennsylvania
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is a U.S. state that is located in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. The state borders Delaware and Maryland to the south, West Virginia to the southwest, Ohio to the west, New York and Ontario, Canada, to the north, and New Jersey to...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
. He served briefly as Vice-President of Pennsylvania (a position analogous to the modern office of Lieutenant Governor
Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania
The Lieutenant Governor is a constitutional officer of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Lieutenant Governor is elected every four years along with the Governor. Jim Cawley of Bucks County is the incumbent Lieutenant Governor...
) following the resignation of George Bryan
George Bryan
George Bryan was a Pennsylvania businessman, statesman and politician of the Revolutionary era. He served as the first Vice-President of Pennsylvania and its second President following the Declaration of Independence from Great Britain...
on 11 October 1779. Smith was elected and took office that same day and served until his own resignation on 23 October 1779. At twelve days, Smith's was the shortest tenure of the ten men who served as Vice-President under the Commonwealth's 1776 Constitution—in fact, his was the shortest term of any Governor or Lieutenant Governor in the history of the Commonwealth. (John Bell
John C. Bell, Jr.
John Cromwell Bell, Jr. was a Pennsylvania politician and judge.He served as Lieutenant Governor of Pennsylvania, 1943–47, and the 33rd Governor briefly in 1947, succeeding Edward Martin, who had resigned to take a seat in the United States Senate...
served as Governor for fourteen days in January 1947, and David Redick
David Redick
David Redick was a Pennsylvania surveyor, lawyer, and politician. He was born in Ireland, and after coming to America made his home for several years in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He married the niece of business associate David Hoge. He accompanied Mr. Hoge to survey the latter's land...
held the Vice-Presidency for twenty two days in the fall of 1788.) As was the case with his predecessor no reason is given for his resignation in the minutes of the Council. By virtue of his office, Smith served as an ex officio member of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
The University of Pennsylvania is a private, Ivy League university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States. Penn is the fourth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States,Penn is the fourth-oldest using the founding dates claimed by each institution...
for a similarly brief period, October–November 1779.