Francis 'Frans' Smith

Francis Smith, Frans Smith, (1847–1912), was a Sierra Leonean Puisne Judge in the Gold Coast. Francis Smith was the second Sierra Leonean to qualify as a barrister after he passed the bar at Middle Temple on January 26, 1871.

Early life and background

Francis Smith was born in 1847 to William Smith Jr., registrar of the Mixed Commissary Court in Freetown, and his wife, Charlotte Smith (née Macaulay). William Smith was born in Cape Coast and was the son of a Fante princess and Judge William Smith Sr., (1795-1875) who served as head of the Mixed Commissary Church in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Charlotte Macaulay was born to a Recaptive from the "Nigerian ports" and Kenneth Macaulay, a distant relation of Lord Macaulay and second cousin to Zachary Macaulay.

Education

Francis Smith was educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, Wakefield in Yorkshire. After completing his secondary education, Smith entered the Middle Temple on January 10, 1868.

Judicial career

Smith rose rapidly through the judicial rank and was appointed Chief Magistrate in the Gambia. He eventually served as Puisne Judge on the Gold Coast.

Family and descendants

Francis Smith was the younger brother of Dr. Robert Smith, (1840-1885), who served as Assistant Colonial Surgeon in Sierra Leone. Smith was the maternal grandfather of Frances Wright through her mother, Eva Wright (née Smith).

Retirement and death

Smith died in London, England on May 12, 1912. His achievements were recognized in glowing tributes across West Africa.