William Henry Smith was a prominent American politician and businessman in the 19th century. Born in 1825, he served as a U.S. Senator from Indiana from 1863 to 1869. Smith was known for his involvement in the Republican Party and played a significant role in the political landscape during the post-Civil War era. In addition to his political career, Smith was also a successful entrepreneur. He co-founded the Indianapolis Journal, a newspaper that contributed to the dissemination of news and information in the region. Smith's influence extended beyond politics, impacting both media and business in Indiana.