Payson Smith

As a child, Smith studied in Portland Public Schools, Westbrook Seminary and Tufts College.

Seven years later, in November 1903, Smith left that position when he was hired as superintendent of Auburn public schools after the resignation of Bertram C.

[4] In 1906, he was elected president of the Maine Teachers' Association and in so doing became the organization's youngest leader at the age of 33.

Smith was replaced in the role of Maine's top educator by Augustus O. Thomas.

On July 1, 1916, Smith replaced David Snedden as Commissioner of Education for Massachusetts.

Payson Smith Hall at the University of Southern Maine 's Portland campus was named for him in 1960.