This is a transcription of the Emma (Lavender) Smith biography from New Hampshire Women: A Collection of Portraits and Biographical Sketches of Daughters and Residents of the Granite State, Who are Worthy Representatives of their Sex in the Various Walks and Conditions of Life, The New Hampshire Publishing Co., Concord, NH, 1895, page 197.
Emma (Lavender) Smith
NEW HAMPSHIRE has had many ladies who have graced official life, but no one has occupied a more ideal place in the public eye than Mrs. John B. Smith, of Hillsborough. Miss Emma Lavender (Mrs. Smith) was born at Lansingburg, N. Y., on the banks of the Hudson, February 20, 1838. She was the daughter of Stephen and Sarah Butler (Millis) Lavender. The Lavenders are of direct English descent, Mr. Lavender’s parents having come from Kent county, England. Miss Lavender received a fine education in the public schools of Chelsea, Mass., and at the seminary for young ladies at Plainfield, N. J. She is a woman of well-trained mind, and broad general culture. On November first, 1883, she was married to Hon. John B. Smith, of Hillsborough Bridge. Their three children are Butler Lavender, who died at St. Augustine, Florida, at the age of two years; Archibald Lavender, and Norman. In early life Mrs. Smith became a member of the Ruggles Street Baptist church, Boston, and she has ever been active in all good works. She belongs to New Hampshire’s Daughters, and the Charity Club, of Boston, to the Merrimack Valley Congregational Club, the New Hampshire Historical Society, and the W. C. T. U. For many years she was president of the latter organization. She is a trustee of the Mercy Home, at Manchester, and superintendent of the primary work in the church at Hillsborough. Those privileged to know Mrs. Smith in her delightful home have long been aware of her accomplishments and amiable qualities, but in 1893 and 1894, during Governor Smith’s term of office, these qualities were brought into wide public recognition. Never has more charming hospitality been dispensed by a chief magistrate and his wife. In a public way, at the capital, and at their own beautiful home at Hillsborough the Smiths have entertained hundreds of friends from all parts of the state. Of tall and graceful figure, gentle and gracious manner, Mrs. Smith adorns any position which the state or nation can offer.