[1] In 1715, he emigrated with his family to New York where his father became one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church on Wall Street, inviting Jonathan Edwards to serve as minister.

[2] Once in America, Smith studied religion, law and the classics at Yale College, graduating in 1719.

Smith declined the offer, in order to begin a law practice in New York City.

[5] Smith was also known for opposing the Anglican domination of King's College in New York (today Columbia University).

[6] Smith was also known as part of the legal team that was victorious on behalf of the printer and newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger.