Background
He was the eldest son of John Smith, cheesemonger, of Jermyn Street, Saint James’s, Middlesex.
He was the eldest son of John Smith, cheesemonger, of Jermyn Street, Saint James’s, Middlesex.
He served in India as an ensign in the Madras Army in 1752, rising to the rank of captain. In 1761 returned to London and became a prominent shareholder in the East India Company. When he went out to India again in 1764 it was as Colonel of one of the East India Company"s three brigades.
In 1767 he was promoted to Commander-in-Chief, India.
He was made Brigadier-General in 1768 before retiring in 1770. He was appointed High Sheriff of Berkshire for 1779-1780.
He lived at Chiltern Lodge near Hungerford in Berkshire.
14th Parliament of Great Britain. 15th Parliament of Great Britain. 17th Parliament of Great Britain]
In 1774 he went into politics as Member of Parliament for Hindon, later serving as Member of Parliament for Wendover in 1780 and as Member of Parliament for Wareham in 1790.