| John Smith | |
|---|---|
| 11th Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses | |
| In office 1658–1658 |
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| Preceded by | Francis Moryson |
| Succeeded by | Edward Hill, Sr. |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Francis Dade 1620 England |
| Died | 1663 At sea |
John Smith (1620–1663), also known as Francis Dade (Francis Dade (Virginia Burgess)), was a Virginia politician and landowner. He was an English Royalist who emigrated to Virginia some time after the death of Charles I, possibly after involvement in some plot against Oliver Cromwell. In Virginia he adopted the name "John Smith". He served as Speaker of the Virginia House of Burgesses in 1658. He died at sea in 1663.[1]
Smith served in the House only during the 1658 session, representing Warwick County, and was chosen as Speaker. Governor Samuel Mathews tried to dissolve the House on April 1. The House, under Smith's leadership, replied that the dissolution was illegal; it swore its members to secrecy and threatened to censure anyone who left the session. The following day, Mathews and his council offered to refer the dispute to Cromwell. The House refused and declared the governor's and councillors' offices vacant. It then proceeded to reelect Mathews and his council, forcing them all to swear an oath to honor the sovereignty of the House.[1]
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