Smith's father was appointed High Sheriff of Isle of Wight County by Acting Governor of Virginia, Francis Nicholson.
[1] Smith served as a member of the House of Burgesses representing Isle of Wight County from 1720 to 1722, succeeding his father in the seat he had previously held.
[14] In 1750, Captain Smith petitioned the Virginia General Assembly to dock part of his entailed estate to create a town which he would call "Smithfield."
[15] The town of Smithfield was established as a colonial seaport in 1752[16] by Smith, which had four streets and 72 lots to house British merchants and ship captains.
[18] The settlers brought hogs with them and quickly found that the climate of the town was ideal for curing ham and bacon.