FROST, Rufus Smith, philanthropist, born in Marlborough, New Hampshire, 18 July 1826. He removed in 18'33 to Boston, was educated in the public schools there and in Newton academy, and began mercantile life as a clerk. He afterward engaged in business on his own account, and also became a manufacturer. He was elected mayor of Chelsea in 1867 and 1868, was a member of the state senate in 1871'2, and of the governor's council in 1873'4. He built a fireproof building in his native town in 1867, placed in it a valuable library, and presented it to the town on condition that it should be for the free use of the people. He claimed to have been elected to congress as a Republican in 1874, but the house gave the seat on a technicality to J. G. Abbott, Democrat, who had contested the election. During the contest Mr. Frost retained his seat, serving from 6 December 1875, till 28 July 1876. Mr. Frost was president of the Boston board of trade in 1879'81, has been a trustee of Wellesley College since 1876, and president of the New England conservatory of music since 1882.