He worked as a planter and practiced law in Albany, Dougherty County, Georgia, for most of the period 1846–1858.

Although opposed to secession, Smith enlisted in the Fourth Georgia Volunteer Infantry of the Confederate States Army as a lieutenant.

[2] In 1874, Smith was offered and declined the office of circuit judge of Georgia; that same year, he was also elected as a representative to the United States Congress.

In 1886, Smith began a term as state senator and was also President of the Georgia Democratic Convention.

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