William Stephens Smith

William Stephens Smith (November 8, 1755 – June 10, 1816) was an American politician who served as a United States representative from New York. He was married to Abigail "Nabby" Adams, daughter of President John Adams and First Lady Abigail Adams, making him the son-in-law of John Adams and brother-in-law of President John Quincy Adams.

Early Life:

Smith was born in Suffolk County, Long Island, New York. He graduated from the College of New Jersey, now known as Princeton University, in 1774. After completing his college education, he studied law briefly.

American Revolutionary War:

During the American Revolutionary War, Smith served in the Continental Army. His military appointments included aide-de-camp to General John Sullivan in 1776. He participated in several key battles, including the Battle of Long Island, where he was wounded at Harlem Heights. He also fought at the Battle of White Plains and was promoted to lieutenant colonel following the Battle of Trenton. Smith’s military service continued through the Battles of Monmouth and Newport. In 1780 and 1781, he was on the staff of General Lafayette and later transferred to serve on the staff of George Washington as an adjutant in the Corps of Light Infantry.

Later Career:

In 1784, Smith was appointed secretary of the Legation in London, where he met and courted Abigail Adams, whom he married in 1786. He returned to the United States in 1788. President George Washington appointed him as the first U.S. Marshal for the District of New York in 1789. Subsequently, he served as a supervisor of revenue. Smith was instrumental in establishing the Society of the Cincinnati and served as its president from 1795 to 1797. In 1800, President John Adams appointed him Surveyor of the Port of New York.

Smith and his wife purchased land outside New York City and planned an estate called Mount Vernon, named in honor of George Washington. Although they never lived there, a carriage house on the property was converted into the Mount Vernon Hotel Museum.

Involvement in Venezuela Independence Efforts:

Smith joined General Francisco de Miranda in efforts to liberate Venezuela from Spanish colonial rule. He helped raise funds, procure weapons, and recruit soldiers for this cause. In February 1806, Smith, along with his son William Steuben and others, set sail from New York aboard the Leander to support Miranda's expedition. The voyage was part of a series of attempts beginning in April 1806 to invade Venezuela. The first attempt failed when Miranda's forces were defeated at Ocumare de la Costa, leading to the capture of the ships Bacchus and Bee and the imprisonment of Smith's son and others in Puerto Cabello. Smith survived the captivity, escaped, and returned to the United States.

Following the failed expedition, Smith and Samuel G. Ogden were indicted under the Neutrality Act of 1794. They were tried but acquitted, with Smith claiming that his orders originated from President Thomas Jefferson and Secretary of State James Madison, who did not appear in court.

Later Life:

In 1807, Smith moved to Lebanon, New York. He was elected as a Federalist to the 13th United States Congress, serving from March 4, 1813, to March 3, 1815. He sought reelection in 1814; however, although initially appearing to have been elected to the 14th Congress, Smith declined to claim the seat after the House determined that Westel Willoughby Jr. was entitled to it due to electoral discrepancies.

Death:

William Stephens Smith died in Smith Valley, Lebanon, New York, in 1816. He is buried in West Hill Cemetery in Sherburne, New York.

Family:

Smith was the son of John Smith, a prominent merchant in New York City, and Margaret Stephens. His sister, Sally Smith, married Charles Adams, son of John Adams and brother of John Quincy Adams. Their daughter Abigail Louisa Smith Adams married Alexander Bryan Johnson, a banker and philosopher. Their son, William's grandson, Alexander Smith Johnson, served as a judge.

William and Abigail Adams had four children: William Steuben Smith (1787–1850), John Adams Smith (1788–1854), Thomas Hollis Smith (1790–1791), and Caroline Amelia Smith (1795–1852), who married John Peter DeWint of Fishkill-on-Hudson.

In Popular Culture:

William Stephens Smith was portrayed by actor Andrew Scott in the 2008 miniseries "John Adams."

References:

- Biographical Directory of the United States Congress

- Raymond, Marcius Denison. "Colonel William Stephens Smith," New York Genealogical and Historical Record, 1894.

External Links:

- Media related to William Stephens Smith at Wikimedia Commons

- Full text of "General Miranda's Expedition," Atlantic Monthly, May 1860

- Find a Grave entry for William Stephens Smith