Smith was an African American abolitionist, Underground Railroad contributor and politician, including three terms as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

He also played a key role in rescuing Shadrach Minkins (a then slave) from federal custody, along with Lewis Hayden and others.

[1] Smith was an African American abolitionist leader who helped people escape slavery on the Underground Railroad.

He was also a recruiting officer for the all-black 5th Cavalry during the Civil War and then a three-term member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives.

[2] The house is a Boston African American historical site located on the Black Heritage Trail in Beacon Hill.