Smith was a hunter, rancher, Texas Scout and spy for Sam Houston during the Texas Revolution. He served as a messenger for Col. William B.Travis, who considered Smith “the bravest of the brave in the cause of Texas”, carrying messages from the Alamo defenders to Sam Houston. Smith is credited with destroying Vince’s Bridge across a bayou, the only route Santa Anna could get reinforcements to the Battle of San Jacinto. He later commanded a company of Texas Rangers.