 He was also known for his pioneering work on the design of steam yachts in conjunction with the Scottish marine engineer Robert Napier.Smith was born in Queen Anne Street, Cavendish Square, Westminster, London.He was the son of Thomas Assheton Smith I (1752–1828), who made his fortune in the Welsh slate industry and was a noted patron of cricket in the early years of Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) from the 1787 English cricket season.