A leader of the Irish Catholic community, he was the Democratic party boss who sponsored Woodrow Wilson to the governorship in 1910.

[1] Born in Newark, New Jersey, Smith attended private schools and St. Mary's College, in Wilmington, Delaware.

He had been the Chairman of the Committee on the Organization, Conduct and Expenditures of Executive Departments (in the Fifty-third United States Congress).

After his political career, Smith returned to running his businesses, including banking, and raised his son.

[2] After failing to persuade Smith to withdraw, Wilson threw his support to Martine, who was in 1911 chosen by the New Jersey Legislature.