"George F. Smith, who for many years was prominently identified with the business, social, and political interests of St. John, was born in that city, October 19, 1839, and died March 6, 1894. He was the son of Thomas M. and Rebecca (Findlay) Smith and grandson of Nathan Smith M.D., a surgeon of one of the Loyalist regiments, the famous De Lancy's brigade, who settled in St. John in 1783, received haif-pay, and practised his profession in that city till his decease.
Thomas M. Smith was for many years connected with the firm of Johnson & Walker, ship-chandlers and ship-owners. He later transacted a large business in the same line for himself, and was one of the most active men of his day. For saving a large amount of specie which had been sunk off the coast, he was presented with a gold watch by the Cunard Company. He was for some years the head of the fire department. Apart from his extensive business undertakings, he took a lively interest in the various institutions of the city, religious, charitable, fraternal, and others, and was a Master Mason. Thomas M. Smith died in 1867. He was the father of eight children; namely, John, Rufus, Julia, William, Eleanor, George F. (the subject of this sketch), Edwin, and James. The widow of Thomas M. .Smith died in 1877, aged seventy-three years.
George F. Smith acquired the primary branches of his education in St. John, and went from the grammar school there to a private educational institution in Kingston, N.B. When a young man he became associated in business with his father, and, succeeding to the business after his father's death, he enlarged and carried it on successfully for many years. He was an extensive shipowner, and was one of the first in St. John to own steel and iron ships. His interest in the affairs of the city was most beneficial to the community, and the salary he received during his term as Alderman was used to erect a fountain in the old cemetery. He ever took a deep interest in militia matters, and as a young man was a member of the old "Peters' Battery." At the time of his death he was Captain and Paymaster of the NewBrunswickBrigade of Garrison Artillery, and was one of the best loved officers of that corps. He was respected for his high sense of honor and absolute integrity, as well as beloved for his kindliness and charm of manner, and his death was regretted by the citizens at large. In October, 1879, he married Miss Minnie Gordon, of Pictou, N. S., daughter of William Gordon, who came to that place from Scotland when a young man. Besides his widow he left three daughters.
The late Mr. Smith belonged to the Masonic order; the Union Club, of which he was one of the organizers; the Neptune Rowing Club; the Athletic Association, and other institutions of a public or social nature, and he availed himself of every opportunity to advance the interests of his native city, of which he was a most loyal son. He had travelled extensively in both Europe and America, was a man of powerful physique, and took a great interest in athletic sports. In his religious belief he was a member of the Church of England, and for many years was a Vestryman of the "Stone Church," in the affairs of which he took a deep interest and leading part up till the time of his death. " [1]
[1] Isaac Allen Jack, ed., Biographical Review, Leading Citizens of the Province of New Brunswick (Boston: Biographical Review Publishing Company, 1900), 108, [HathiTrust], [InternetArchive].