Background
Smith, William Stephens was born on November 8, 1755 in Long Island, New York, United States. Son of John and Margaret (Stephens) Smith.
Smith, William Stephens was born on November 8, 1755 in Long Island, New York, United States. Son of John and Margaret (Stephens) Smith.
Graduate Princeton, 1774.
Aide-de-camp to General Sullivan as major 1776. Participated in Battle of White Plains. Lieutenant colonel in William R. Lee’s Regiment.
Fought at battles of Monmouth and Newport, 1778.
Inspector and adjutant to a corps of light infantry under General Lafayette, 1780-1781. Served in 22 engagements in Revolutionary War.
Aide to George Washington, 1781. Charged with supervision of evacuation of New York City by British in accordance with treaty of peace, 1781.
Secretary legation, London, England., 1785-1788.
Visited Prussia to study organization of Frederick the Great, circa 1786. Sent on diplomatic mission to Spain and Portugal, circa 1787. Was federal marshal, supervisor of the revenue, surveyor Portuguese of New York, 1789-1800.
Commanded 12th Infantry, 1798.
Member United States House of Representatives (Federalist) from New York, 13th Congress, 1813-1815, presented his credentials of election to 14th Congress, did not qualify and Westel Willoughby, Junior successfully contested his election, December 1815. A founder Society of Cincinnati in New York, president, 1795-1797.
Member United States House of Representatives (Federalist) from New York, 13th Congress, 1813-1815, presented his credentials of election to 14th Congress, did not qualify and Westel Willoughby, Junior successfully contested his election, December 1815.
Married Abigail Amelia Adams, June 12, 1786, 3 children.