Alfred Emanuel Smith , Jr. ( December 30 , 1873 -- October 4 , 1944 ) , known in private and public life as Al Smith , was an American statesman who was elected the 42nd Governor of New York four times , and was the Democratic US presidential candidate in 1928 . Alfred Emanuel Smith , Jr. ( December 30 , 1873 -- October 4 , 1944 ) , known in private and public life as Al Smith , was an American statesman who was elected the 42nd Governor of New York four times , and was the Democratic U.S. presidential candidate in 1928 .