[251] CHIEF JUSTICE WILLIAM SMITH.

(1728-1793.)

Chief Justice William Smith was the eldest son of William Smith, who was a member of His Majesty's Council, and afterwards Judge of the King's Bench for the State of New York. He was born at New York, 18th June, 1728. In his youth, he was sent to a grammar school, and afterwards to Yale College, Connecticut, where he greatly distinguished himself by his learning. He was an excellent Greek and Hebrew scholar, and a thorough mathematician. He was appointed Chief Justice of New York, 24th April, 1780. At the breaking out of the rebellion in 1775, he was a staunch Loyalist, and left New York in the same vessel with the King's troops and Sir Guy Carleton, and landed at Plymouth, 16th January, 1784. As A reward for his loyalty, he was made Chief Justice of Lower Canada, 1st September, 1785, and came to Canada in the Frigate "Thistle" of 28 guns, with Lord Dorchester, the Governor-General of Canada, landing at Quebec, 23rd October, 1786. Chief Justice Smith was the author of the "History of the Province of New York, from the first settlement to the year 1732." He married, 3d November, 1752, Janet, daughter of James Livingstone, Esq., of New York, and died at Quebec, 6th December, 1793. His Royal Highness, Prince Edward, fourth son of King George III, with a numerous train of friends, followed the remains to the grave from his late dwelling on St. Louis street. He owned the land on which his son-in-law, Chief Justice Sewell, subsequently built his mansion, down, he the lot (inclusive) on which stood his dwelling, and where his son the Hon.

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