Benjamin Smith (1717 – 1770) was an American slave trader, planter, shipowner, merchant, banker and politician who served as speaker of the South Carolina House of Assembly from 1755 to 1763.

[2] He inherited a two-thousand-acre plantation located in the St James Goose Creek parish.

He also owned the Accabee plantation on the Ashley River and several other properties, including a town house with twelve slaves in Charleston.

He held numerous civic offices and served in the Royal Assembly from 1747 to 1765, including as Speaker for many years.

They were the parents of Judith Smith who was married to the revolutionary officer and lieutenant governor of South Carolina James Ladson.