CARROLL SMALLEY PAGE was born in Westfield, Vermont. Educated in the common schools, he went on to deal in raw calfskins in Hyde Park, Vermont, ultimately becoming the largest such dealer in the world. He was also involved with Vermont lumber interests and served as director of the St. Johnsbury and Lake Champlain railroad, as well as president of the Lamoille County Savings Bank and Trust Company and the Lamoille County National Bank-both in Hyde Park. He served in the state House of Representatives from 1869 to 1872 and in the state Senate from 1874 to 1876 and chaired the Republican State Committee from 1884 to 1890. He was a Savings Bank Examiner from 1884 to 1888. During his term as governor, legislation was enacted providing for secret ballots in elections, and the governor was empowered to appoint judges of all city and municipal courts. Page was later elected to fill a vacancy in the U.S. Senate and was twice reelected.