He moved to Hoquiam, Washington, in 1911 and completed law studies commenced in Chicago.

During the First World War served as a private in the Coast Artillery Corps from October 9, 1918, to December 15, 1918.

Smith was elected as a Democrat to the Seventy-third and to the four succeeding Congresses (March 4, 1933 – January 3, 1943).

He was appointed special assistant to the Attorney General of the United States on September 26, 1944, and served until his death in Bethesda, Maryland, October 25, 1954.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress