Edwin Thomas Smith
Sir Edwin Thomas Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Walsall, Staffordshire, England |
| Died | December 25, 1919 (aged 89) Marryatville, South Australia |
| Occupation(s) | Brewer, entrepreneur, municipal councillor, mayor, legislator, benefactor |
| Years active | 1853–1902 |
| Known for | Brewing industry in South Australia; Mayor of Adelaide; Member of South Australian House of Assembly and Legislative Council; benefactor to local institutions |
Sir Edwin Thomas Smith (6 April 1830 – 25 December 1919) was an English-born figure in South Australia known for his roles as a brewer, entrepreneur, municipal councillor, mayor, legislator, and benefactor.
Early life
Born on 6 April 1830 in Walsall, Staffordshire, England, Smith was the son of Edwin Smith. He received his education at Queen Mary's Grammar School in Walsall and acquired initial business skills working with an uncle. By the age of 20, he had already become involved in local government affairs.
Migration
In 1853, Smith relocated to South Australia aboard the ship California. Upon arrival in Adelaide, he commenced his career as an importer specializing in ironmongery, initially forming a partnership with his cousin James Alexander Holden. On 25 June 1857, he wed Florence Stock, daughter of Robert Stock from Clifton, England. The couple had two children who survived infancy before Florence passed away in 1862.
Brewing career
By 1860, Smith entered into a partnership with Edward Logue’s brewery located on King William Street in Kent Town. Following Logue’s death in 1865, Smith continued operating under the name Kent Town Brewery. The enterprise was moved in 1876 to premises on Dequetteville Terrace and Rundle Street. In 1888, Smith joined forces with William Knox Simms to establish the South Australian Brewing Company.
The malt silos of the original Kent Town Brewery have since been transformed into high-end residential apartments offering views over the Adelaide Park Lands and city centre.
Local government
Smith held the office of Mayor for the Town of Kensington and Norwood during two periods, from 1867 to 1870 and again between 1871 and 1873, before becoming a member of the Adelaide City Council. He was elected Mayor of Adelaide three separate times: from 1879 to 1882, then 1886 to 1887, and finally 1887 to 1888. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Adelaide's inaugural tram system, extending King William Street, and developing Torrens Lake.
Member of the House of Assembly
In 1871, Smith was elected to the South Australian House of Assembly representing the East Torrens seat, a position he maintained until his retirement in 1893, aside from a one-year absence spent in England. Although actively engaged in legislative affairs, he sought ministerial office only once, briefly serving as Minister for Education in the Bray government in 1884.
He championed significant legislation such as the first offenders act and played a pivotal role in organizing the Adelaide Jubilee International Exhibition held during 1887–88. In recognition of his service, he was knighted () in 1888. Additionally, in 1894 he gifted a bronze statue of Queen Victoria, which was installed at the heart of Victoria Square.
Member of the Legislative Council
Smith secured election to the South Australian Legislative Council representing Southern Districts in 1894 and remained a member until 1902. Remarkably, throughout his political career he never experienced electoral defeat.
Other roles, retirement and death
As the founding president of the Kensington and Norwood Institute, Smith was responsible for obtaining funds for its building completed in 1876, now recognized as the heritage-listed Norwood Library on The Parade. A devoted church member, he served for many years as a deacon at Clayton Congregational Church in Kensington.
Smith withdrew from active business pursuits in 1888 and left parliament in 1902. During retirement, he devoted both time and financial support to various organizations, holding positions such as chairman of national park commissioners and trustee of the Savings Bank of South Australia. His involvement extended to institutions including the Blind, Deaf and Dumb Institution; the Royal Adelaide Hospital; Old Colonists' Association; Elder workmen's homes; Adelaide Botanic Garden; and Adelaide Zoo.
He passed away due to a cerebral haemorrhage on 25 December 1919 at his residence "The Acacias" located in Marryatville.
Family
Edwin Smith married Florence Stock (circa 1837 – 12 February 1862), daughter of Robert Stock from Clifton, England, on 25 June 1857. Their children were:
- Horace Edwin Smith (1858–1858)
- Florence Ida Smith (1859–1932), who wed George Henry Dean in 1882
- Sydney Talbot Smith BA LLB (1861–1948), married Florence Oliver Chettle in 1887; they had four offspring
In 1869, Sir Edwin entered into a second marriage with Elizabeth Spicer (died 1911), which produced no children.
Sir Edwin and Lady Smith's Gifts, Walsall
In his birthplace Walsall, England, Sir Edwin established a fund in 1917 dedicated to providing Christmas presents for impoverished elderly parish members.
Norwood Football Club
In December 2005, Smith was honored as one of the initial non-playing inductees into the Norwood Football Club Hall of Fame. From its foundation in 1878 until his death in 1919, he acted as patron and played a crucial role in shaping the club’s formative years. Notably, he discovered a small gold nugget at Norwood Oval in 1902 and donated it along with his old red socks; these gifts inspired the club’s nickname, the Redlegs.
Adelaide Oval
In 1922, the stand at Adelaide Oval was dedicated as the Sir Edwin Smith Stand to commemorate his legacy. Additionally, a proximate street carries the name Sir Edwin Smith Way.
The Acacias
In 1878, Smith acquired the estate called The Acacias, situated at the intersection of Portrush and Kensington Roads, where he undertook significant remodeling. Following his passing in 1919, the residence was transformed into Loreto Convent and subsequently evolved into Loreto College, Marryatville.