SIR EDWIN THOMAS SMITH (1830-1919),



politician and public man

was born at Walsall, Staffordshire, England, on 6 April 1830. He was educated at Queen Mary's Grammar School, Walsall, and on leaving school had business experience with an uncle. When only 20 years of age he was taking part in local politics, but in 1853 he emigrated to South Australia and began business as an importer of ironmongery at Adelaide. He subsequently went into brewing and in a few years was in control of the most important brewery in South Australia. He took part in municipal government, was mayor of Kensington and Norwood, 1867-70, and 1871-3, and then was elected to the Adelaide city council. He was mayor of Adelaide in 1879-81, and 1886 and 1887. He had entered parliament in 1871 as member for East Torrens in the house of assembly, and except for a year while he was visiting England, continued to represent this constituency until he retired in 1893. He was elected to the legislative council in 1894 and remained a member until 1902. During the whole of his parliamentary experience he never lost an election. Though an active member of parliament he was not anxious for office, and only once was included in a government;he was minister for Education from March to June 1884.
He died on 25 December 1919. He was married twice, (1) in 1857 to Florence Stock who died in 1862, (2) in 1869 to Elizabeth Spicer who died in 1911. He was survived by a son and a daughter of the first marriage.

The Register and The Advertiser, Adelaide, 27 December 1919.

Thanks for this chellin. Very interesting. I've added a link to your topic
from our "Smith & Related of Other UK counties" Board - here........
STAFFS:b1830 Walsall - Edwin T.Smith, Australian Politician

Carole