Jacob Smith (fur trader)

Jacob Smith (Wahbesins "The Young Swan"; c. 1773 – 1825), was a fur trader in the Michigan Territory, the founder of Flint, Michigan, and an American spy best known for developing close relations with many Native American tribes in the Michigan Territory and brokering significant land treaties on behalf of the United States government.

Working as an intelligence gatherer and confidential agent for the United States in the War of 1812, Smith was captured at Fort Mackinac in an attempt to inform Lieutenant Porter Hanks of the impending war. Smith served as a captain in the War of 1812 and was present during the surrender of Detroit under General William Hull. Smith also served as an Indian interpreter-liaison for the United States and helped negotiate the release of several white families taken prisoner by Native American tribes.