Benjamin Smith (slave trader)
Benjamin Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1717 St James Goose Creek, near Charles Town, South Carolina |
| Died | 1770 |
| Occupation(s) | Slave trader, planter, shipowner, merchant, banker, politician |
| Known for | Speaker of the South Carolina House of Assembly (1755–1763) |
Benjamin Smith (1717 – 1770) was a prominent American figure known for his roles as a slave trader, planter, shipowner, merchant, banker, and politician. He held the position of speaker of the South Carolina House of Assembly between 1755 and 1763.
Biography
Smith was born at St James Goose Creek near Charles Town. He was the son of Thomas and Sabina Smith, both of English heritage. His father originated from Nevis in the British West Indies as a planter, while his mother descended from an influential South Carolina lineage that included colonial governors and leaders such as Thomas Smith II, Thomas Smith, Joseph Blake, John Yeamans, and James Moore. Benjamin Smith was also the uncle of North Carolina’s governor Benjamin Smith.
As a key merchant banker within the colony, Smith inherited a plantation spanning 2,000 acres in St James Goose Creek parish. He additionally possessed the Accabee plantation located on the Ashley River along with multiple other estates. His main dwelling was a Charleston townhouse at 49 Broad Street—currently recognized as the Benjamin Smith House—constructed during the 1740s and home to twelve enslaved individuals.
Smith engaged actively in both the slave trade and fur trading industries, owning seven vessels in partnership with other merchants. His public service included various civic responsibilities and membership in the Royal Assembly from 1747 until 1765, where he also served as Speaker. Furthermore, he financially supported a "negro school" overseen by priest Alexander Garden.
He married Mary Wragg, daughter of Judith DuBose and Joseph Wragg, who was for many years North America’s leading slave trader. Their daughter, Judith Smith, became the wife of revolutionary officer and South Carolina lieutenant governor James Ladson.