Alfred Smith was born in Kentucky on January 12, 1808. A resident of Rockcastle County, Kentucky, he was a local office holder and merchant. The local sheriff, he also served as the clerk of the county court prior to the Civil War. He served as a major in the 14th Kentucky Calvary of the U.S. Army from 1862 to 1864 and later resumed his clerkship from 1864 to 1867. He died in Rockcastle County on October 6, 1870.