Samuel M. Smead

Samuel McKuen Smead (June 11, 1830 – April 28, 1898) was an American newspaper editor and politician.

Formative years
Born in Troy, Pennsylvania on June 11, 1830, Smead moved to the Wisconsin Territory in 1846 and settled in Fond du Lac County.

In 1853, he became the publisher of the newspaper the Fond du Lac Press. He was also active with mercantile and real estate businesses.

Public service career
President Andrew Johnson appointed Smead assessor of internal revenue. President Grover Cleveland also appointed Smead postmaster for Fond du Lac, Wisconsin.

In 1893, Smead was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate and was a Democrat.

Shortly after the murder of his son, Fred B. Smead (1863–1895), in Chicago,  Smead resigned from his position as senator and was replaced by Lyman Wellington Thayer.

Death
Smead died at his home in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on April 28, 1898.