Frederick Cleveland Smith
An Examination of the Political Career and Public Service of an Ohio Representative.
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Biography
Personal Overview
Frederick Cleveland Smith (July 29, 1884 โ July 16, 1956) was an American physician and politician. He served six consecutive terms as a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 8th congressional district from 1939 to 1951.
Medical Background
Smith pursued higher education in osteopathic medicine, studying in Kirksville, Missouri. He furthered his medical studies internationally in Frankfurt, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. Licensed to practice medicine and surgery in Ohio in 1917, he established his practice in Marion, Ohio. He was also instrumental in founding the Frederick C. Smith Clinic in Marion, a collaborative practice that continues to operate under his name.
Political Affiliation
Smith was a member of the Republican Party. His political career included serving as the mayor of Marion, Ohio, from January 1936 until his resignation on January 1, 1939, shortly before taking his seat in Congress.
Early Life and Education
Origins
Frederick Cleveland Smith was born on July 29, 1884, in Shanesville, Ohio. His early life laid the foundation for a career that would span both medicine and public service.
Academic Pursuits
His educational journey was extensive. He initially studied osteopathic medicine in Kirksville, Missouri. His commitment to medical knowledge led him to continue his studies abroad, undertaking further medical training in Frankfurt, Germany, and Vienna, Austria. This international exposure provided him with a broad perspective on medical practices.
Establishing Practice
Upon receiving his license to practice medicine and surgery in Ohio in 1917, Smith established his professional base in Marion, Ohio. He later founded the Frederick C. Smith Clinic, a notable institution that brought together various medical specialists, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to patient care. The clinic, originally located on East Church Street, remains operational and continues to bear his name.
Tenure in Congress
Service Record
Frederick Cleveland Smith was elected to the United States House of Representatives as a Republican for the Seventy-sixth Congress and served for five subsequent terms. His tenure extended from January 3, 1939, to January 3, 1951. He represented Ohio's 8th congressional district.
Legislative Stances
During his time in Congress, Smith took notable positions on foreign policy and national security issues leading up to and during World War II. He was a proponent of international engagement and support for allies.
Political Ideology
In terms of political alignment, Smith was recognized as one of the more conservative members of Congress during his era. Organizations such as Americans for Democratic Action (ADA) consistently awarded him "zero" ratings, indicating a divergence from their policy positions. Some analyses have placed him among the most conservative members of Congress serving between 1937 and 1970.
Later Years, Death, and Interment
Return to Practice
Following his decision not to seek renomination for Congress in 1950, Frederick Cleveland Smith returned to his medical profession. His dedication to healthcare continued after his distinguished service in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Passing and Burial
Frederick Cleveland Smith passed away on July 16, 1956, in Marion, Ohio, at the age of 71. He was interred in the Marion Cemetery, marking the final resting place for a figure who significantly contributed to both the medical field and the political landscape of Ohio.
References
Source Materials
The information presented on this page is derived from the following sources:
- United States Congress. "Frederick Cleveland Smith (id: S000536)". Biographical Directory of the United States Congress.
- Rothbard, Murray. "Life in the Old Right", Chronicles (1994)
- "Is John Kerry A Liberal?" (accessed January 20, 2012)
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References
References
- Is John Kerry A Liberal? (accessed January 20, 2012)
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