Notable South Australians/Captain J. W. Smith
Captain J. W. Smith,
BORN in London in 1816; and entered the merchant service in 1830, principally in the South American trade. Arrived in South Australia in 1847, between which time and 1849, whilst in command of the ship "David Malcolm," trading between Great Britain and this colony, he introduced upwards of one thousand emigrants to these shores. He finally settled here in 1851, and engaged in mercantile pursuits, principally at Port Adelaide. Appointed Consular Agent for the United States of America in 1857, a position he still creditably fills. Elected Mayor of Port Adelaide, and occupied the civic chair for six years between 1859 and 1866. He is the oldest member of the Marine Board, having with a years' interval in 1868-9, held a portfolio since May 1861. In 1866 he was returned as member for the House of Assembly to represent Port Adelaide. At that time all the wardens were nominated by the Government, but his election to Parliament did not invalidate his position on the Marine Board, as he remained in the House till its dissolution in 1868. During a long and honorable career, Captain Smith has been universally esteemed by all who have had business transactions with him.