[1] Smith was born on a farm in Hickman County, Kentucky, and was educated in the local schools.

[3] In June 1877, Smith began reading law in the office of Colonel Edward Crossland in Mayfield, Kentucky.

Then he moved to Helena, Montana, and formed a law partnership with Samuel Word.

Five years later failing health forced Smith to move to the east shore of Flathead Lake where he engaged in the orchard business.

He died on November 16, 1908, and is interred at Conrad Memorial Cemetery, Kalispell, Flathead County, Montana.