John J. Smith

John J. Smith (1820-1906), born free in Richmond, Virginia, moved to Boston in the 1840s, joined the antislavery movement, and opened a barbershop. His business became a gathering place for self-liberated people and abolitionists including Charles Sumner, William Lloyd Garrison, and Lewis Hayden. During the Civil War, Smith worked as a recruiter for the 5th Cavalry in Washington, DC. Smith returned to Boston after the Civil War. Elected first in 1863, he served three terms in the Massachusetts Legislature and was elected to the Boston Common Council. Smith also helped other blacks attain elected and appointed government positions.