He was educated at local schools before attending Queen's College, Belfast.

[1] At the 1888 colonial election, Smith successfully stood for the seat of Bowen, defeating Mr Collings.

[2] He held the seat for fourteen years before retiring at the 1902 state election.

[1][3] Two years later, Smith was appointed by premier Arthur Morgan[4] to the Queensland Legislative Council, remaining there until his death in 1911.

[1] In 1889, Smith married Ada Cecil Fulchier at Sydney and together had 2 children.