[1][2] Smith was born at Snow Hill, Maryland, and attended private schools and Union Academy.

Senator to Maryland Ephraim K. Wilson in 1891, Smith sought to be elected to replace him, but lost nomination to fellow Democrat Charles H. Gibson.

In education, Smith reorganized the public school system, guaranteed free textbooks for all students, appointed a school superintendent, and removed the Agricultural College of Maryland (now known as the University of Maryland, College Park) from private control and placed it under the guidance of the State.

Smith retired to private life and died in Baltimore, Maryland on April 19, 1925 after a short illness.

[3] He is buried in the Makemie Memorial Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Snow Hill, Maryland.