John Smith (President of Rhode Island)

An important piece of legislation enacted during this second term in 1652 abolished the slavery of African Americans, the first such law in North America.

John Smith is first positively seen in the public record in June 1648 when he is listed as an inhabitant of Warwick in the Rhode Island colony.

[2][3] However, the subject did reside in Boston before coming to Warwick as stated in a 1649 letter written by Roger Williams to Massachusetts Bay magistrate John Winthrop.

And at the end of terme of ten yeares to sett them free, as the manner is with the English servants..."[4] The legislation was amended in 1676, adding that no Indian shall be a slave.

[4] Another piece of legislation during Smith's tenure concerned speaking evil of the magistrates and for uttering libellous and slanderous words; such outspokenness had come into common use, and was becoming a problem for colonial leaders.