Private Samuel Smith was born in 1790 at Newry, Down in Ireland, and enlisted there. He was 5 foot 5.5 inches tall, with hazel eyes, a fresh complexion, and fair hair. He was a Roper by trade.  

He enlisted on 2nd October 1808 aged 18, but deserted on 6th June 1812. The British Army Muster Books and Pay Lists of 18142-1817 show that during that time, he worked as a Labourer in Winfield, Derby. Smith volunteered into the 1st Battalion on 22nd September 1812. He served in the Peninsula War of 1812-1814, where he was present at the battles of Toulouse, Orthes, Pyrenees, and Vittoria. He then served in the East Indies from 11th July 1819 to 23rd June 1829.  

He was discharged at Moulmein on 31st December 1828, as he was suffering with Hepatitis and a general impaired constitution. His conduct in service was described as good. The Chelsea Out-Pensioners Name Index of 1806-1838 shows that he received pension on 16th September 1829.  

Smith was awarded the Military General Service Medal with bars (Vittoria, Pyrenees, Orthes, and Toulouse), and the Army of India Medal with clasp (Ava).  

Smith died of diarrhoea in India in 1831.