Smith was baptized by his father on his eighth birthday.[2] From 1902 to 1905, Smith served as a LDS Church missionary in the Netherlands. During part of the time he was on his mission he was president of the AmsterdamDistrict of the church.[2]
Smith was married to Florence Gay and was the father of four sons: Girard Gay, John Henry, Stanford Groesbeck, and Nicholas Groesbeck Jr.
Some LDS Church sources state that Smith served as Acting Presiding Patriarch of the LDS Church between 1932 and 1934.[1] However, Smith was never sustained to this calling in a general conference of the LDS Church. It is unknown whether he was ordained or set apart to serve in this office or calling.