2 Quotes & Sayings By Gerrit Smith
Gerrit Smith was born in the Netherlands in 1798. He came to America in 1832 and settled in New York City. A successful businessman, he served as the President of the United States Bank of New York and was elected to New York State Senate. He was later appointed U.S
Consul in Mexico under President Polk and negotiated the treaty that ended the Mexican-American War. President James K. Polk named him Secretary of War and used his influence to steer federal money into the development of the American West.
Gerrit Smith died in 1874 and is buried in Woodlawn Cemetery, Bronx, NY.