SMITH, Edward (?1704-62), of Edmondthorpe, Leics.

Smith, whose family had settled at Edmondthorpe in the seventeenth century, contested Rutland unsuccessfully as a Tory at a by-election in 1730. Returned unopposed for Leicestershire as a Tory in 1734 and re-elected after a contest in 1741, he voted against the Walpole and Pelham Administrations in all recorded divisions, though withdrawing on the motion for the dismissal of Walpole in February 1741. During the election campaign in 1740 his interest in the county was said to be ‘exceedingly good and his manner of canvassing inimitable’.1Braye mss, Leicester Mus. 23 D. 57-3029. He is described in the 2nd Lord Egmont’s electoral survey, c.1749-50, as ‘a good natured Tory who does not love attendance, but will be with us, if his friends are’. He continued to represent Leicestershire till his death, 15 Feb. 1762.