Mark Cole
James Smith was born in Ireland around 1713, and was brought to Pennsylvania while still a small boy. Early on, his father recognized his intellectual gifts, so it was arranged for Smith to be tutored in Greek and Latin by a Rev. Allison, the provost of the College of Philadelphia.
As he advanced in his studies, Smith took up surveying, and then finally studied law in Lancaster, before settling in York where he was the only lawyer in town for many years.
Very early on in his legal practice Smith recognized the growing oppression of the British crown and he advocated independence publicly as early as 1774 – well before many others and certainly well before the Pennsylvania delegation to the Continental Congress was fully committed to independence.
Smith was also an early organizer of the Pennsylvania militia, recognizing earlier than most that the need for an organized self-defense was on the horizon. Eventually he held the rank of Brigadier General in the militia.
There was no question, then, in 1776, when Smith was serving in the Second Continental Congress that he would sign the Declaration of Independence.
In the fall of 1776, Smith continued to serve in Congress, and worked tirelessly on the congressional committee charged with assisting and advising General Washington in halting the advance of General William Howe through New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Smith also served on the committee that drafted the first post-colonial Pennsylvania constitution.
After independence was obtained, James Smith served in the Pennsylvania legislature and was even elected to Congress under the Articles of Confederation but declined to serve because of his advancing age.
He died in 1806, and was more than ninety years old.
Check out Mark’s book:Â
Lives, Fortunes, Sacred Honor: The Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence
