Colonel John Smith, Sr. was a prominent figure in the colonial history of Virginia, serving as a political and military leader. Smith followed in his father's footsteps, serving in the Virginia House of Burgesses, the colony's legislative body.in his father's footsteps,

He held the title of Colonel through his position in the provincial militia.

Colonel Smith was an original trustee and governor of the College of William & Mary from its charter in 1693 until his death.