James Smith (c. 1719 – July 11, 1806) was an Irish-born lawyer, politician, and Founding Father of the United States. After emigrating to the Province of Pennsylvania, he established a successful career as a lawyer and became actively involved in colonial politics. A fervent supporter of the independence cause, he was elected as a delegate to the Continental Congress. His most significant and lasting contribution was signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, representing Pennsylvania. During the American Revolutionary War, he also held military roles, serving as a colonel and later as a brigadier general in the state militia. After the conflict, he continued his public service, holding several offices, including as a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. His historical recognition stems almost exclusively from his role as a signatory of the document that established the birth of the United States, solidifying his place among the key figures of the revolution.