James SMITH, Congress, PA (1713-1806)

SMITH, James, a Delegate from Pennsylvania; born in Ireland in 1713; immigrated to the United States with his father in 1727 and settled in Pennsylvania; pursued classical studies; attended the Philadelphia Academy (now the University of Pennsylvania); worked as a surveyor in Cumberland County; studied law; was admitted to the bar in 1745 and began practice in Shippensburg, Pa.; moved to York, Pa., and engaged in the manufacture of iron; delegate to the provisional conference in Philadelphia; delegate to the state convention in January 1775; organized the Pennsylvania Militia and the two regiments of the Flying Camp in Perth Amboy, N.J., in 1776; Member of the Continental Congress 1776-1778; a signer of the Declaration of Independence; member of the state house of representatives in 1780; brigadier general of state militia; state councilor; resumed the practice of his profession in York, Pa., and died there on July 11, 1806; interment in the First Presbyterian Churchyard.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present