William Smith (Maryland)

This article is about the Continental Congressmen from Maryland. For other people with the same name, see William Smith.

William Smith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 4th district
In office March 4, 1789 – March 3, 1791
Preceded by	Nobody (District Created)
Succeeded by	Samuel Sterett
Personal details
Born	(1728-04-12)April 12, 1728 Donegal Township, Pennsylvania
Died	Baltimore, Maryland
Political party	Anti-Administration

William Smith (April 12, 1728—March 27, 1814) was an American politician and representative of the fourth congressional district of Maryland in the United States House of Representatives.

Smith was born in Donegal Township of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1761, and was appointed a member of the committee of correspondence in 1774, and a member of the committee of observation in 1775. Smith was also one of a committee appointed by the Continental Congress to constitute a naval board in 1777.

Mrs. James Smith and Grandson, a 1776 portrait by Charles Willson Peale of Smith's mother Mary and his son Campbell.

Smith was chosen as a Maryland delegate to the Continental Congress in 1777. He subsequently pursued a career as a merchant, and then was elected to the 1st United States Congress, from March 4, 1789, until March 3, 1791. Smith was the First Auditor of the United States Treasury from July 16, 1791 to November 27, 1791. He returned to local politics to be elected to the Maryland Senate in 1801. Smith died in Baltimore and was interred in the Old Westminster Graveyard.

Smith's daughter Mary was married to Gen. Otho Holland Williams, founder of Williamsport, Maryland. Williams served in the Revolutionary War as Deputy Adjutant General to both Gens. Horatio Gates and Nathanael Greene.

References

• William Smith at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

Further reading

• Information about Smith's residency in Baltimore on land now included in Herring Run Park:

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by Seat created	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Maryland's 4th congressional district 1789–1791	Succeeded by Samuel Sterett