Background
Smyth, son of Hugh Smyth of Bushmills, County Antrim, by Sarah Anne, daughter of J. Wray, was born at Dervock, County Antrim, on 4 October 1826.
Smyth, son of Hugh Smyth of Bushmills, County Antrim, by Sarah Anne, daughter of J. Wray, was born at Dervock, County Antrim, on 4 October 1826.
He was educated at the University of Bonn and at the University of Glasgow, where he graduated Master of Arts in 1850, and received the honorary Doctor of Divinity and Doctor of Laws degrees in 1867.
In 1870 he became Dill professor of theology in the same college. In 1870 he was re-elected moderator, and took an active part in settling the financial affairs of the church in connection with the withdrawal of the Regium Donum. He sat until his death, which took place at Antrim Road, Belfast, on 4 December 1878 aged 52.
He was buried at Dervock on 6 December.
21st United Kingdom Parliament]
He supported the Irish University Bill of 1873, and, as a Liberal, was elected member of parliament for County Londonderry on 16 February 1874 to support the general policy of Mr. Gladstone"s administration, especially with respect to land tenure and grand jury reform.