Young Smith grew up on the farm and attended the public schools where he laid the foundation of his education. He passed from the public schools to Wilberforce University, Xenia, Ohio, for his literary work. For his medical course, he went to Meharry Medical College, Nashville, where he won his M. D. degree in 1908. He took an active interest in college athletics while in school, especially football.
In 1909 he began the practice in Parkersburg, where he remained for eight years, and built a good practice. Conditions at his home developed in such a way that in 1917 it was necessary for him to return to the farm, where he remained for two years. In 1919, he moved to Huntington, re- established himself in the practice during the Flu epidemic, and has since gone ahead with his work, giving special attention to genito-urinary diseases.
In politics Dr. Smith is a Republican, in religion a Baptist. Among the secret and benevolent orders he belongs to the Pythians, Odd Fellows, Household of Ruth and Mosaics. He is also identified with the State Medical Association. He volunteered during the war and was commissioned 1st. Lieut. In the M. R. C., but was not called into the service. He believes the greatest single need of the race is the right sort of education and cooperation.