E.J. Smith was born on 27 January 1850 in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, England, UK. He was married to Sarah Eleanor Smith. He died on 15 April 1912 in North Atlantic Ocean.
Smith held the rank of Commander within the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) and wore his two decorations when in uniform: the Decoration for Officers of the Royal Naval Reserve and the Transport Medal.