Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on the 10th of March, 1840, his parents being Edward and Abigail (Richardson) Smith. John G. Smith received a liberal education in the schools of Massachusetts and early in his business career was well known as proprietor of a garden near Boston. In 1866, being convinced that the great west held out opportunities excelling those of the east, he left his native city and state, settling in Algona, where his brother, the Hon. Lewis H. Smith, had preceded him, being then in the land business. Upon the arrival of John G. Smith in Algona, he and his brother formed the co-partnership of Smith Brothers, engaging in the general mercantile business, which they followed successfully for many years. John G. Smith was for a long time agent for the Northwestern Stage Company of Iowa. In June, 1868, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Lucinda T. Smith, a native of St. Lawrence county, New York. Mr. Smith was active in civic, educational and social affairs of Algona, having at various times been a member of the city board of aldermen, mayor of Algona, to which office he was elected in March, 1883; and a school trustee of this district. He was also a member of the board of county supervisors. He was a worthy exemplar of the Masonic fraternity and has attained the Knights Templar degree.