Background
The son of David Smythe of Methven, and Mary, daughter of James Graham of Braco, he was born on 17 January 1746.
The son of David Smythe of Methven, and Mary, daughter of James Graham of Braco, he was born on 17 January 1746.
Having studied for the law, he was admitted advocate on 4 August 1769.
Smythe was raised to the bench, in succession to Francis Garden of Gardenstone, on 15 November 1793, taking the title of Lord Methven. He was appointed a commissioner of justiciary on the death of Lord Abercromby, 11 March 1796, resigning the post in 1804. He died in Edinburgh on 30 January 1806.