Smith, William Steuben, 1787-1850.

Willliam Steuben Smith was the son of Col. William Stephens Smith (1755-1816), a former aide-de-camp to George Washington and Abigail Adams (1765-1813), daughter of John Adams. His grandfather was John Adams, second President of the United States. At the age of 22 Smith served as a private secretary to his uncle, John Quincy Adams when Adams served as Minister to Russia in 1809. From 1817 to 1829, he served as a clerk in the U.S. Treasury, but was dismissed from office when Andrew Jackson assumed the Presidency. When Jackson learned of the firing, he objected to the move, fearing that it was not a wise political move. Jackson asked his Treasury Secretary to secure Smith another position. In October, Secretary Samuel Ingham managed to secure Smith a clerkship in the General Land Office where he was employed until 1836.

From the description of William Steuben Smith letter, [manuscript], 7 September 1825. (Indiana University). WorldCat record id: 779188650