Smith, Robert Burdett, 1837 – 1895

Robert Burdett Smith (1837-1895), solicitor and parliamentarian, was born at Sydney the son of John Lloyd Smith and his wife Mary Ann, nee Salmon. Baptised Robert Lloyd Smith he had taken the name Robert Burdett Smith by the time of his admission as a solicitor in 1863. Smith established a successful law practice in Sydney and by 1871 had acquired pastoral interests in the Albert and Darling districts.

Smith was one of the founders of the Australian Patriotic Association (1886), a magistrate (1878-1882), a director of Sydney Hospital and an examiner in law for admission of attorneys and solicitors. He was a founder of the local branch of the Geographical Society of Australasias and was elected to the Royal Society of NSW.

Smith was elected member of the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seats of The Hastings (1870-1880) and The MacLeay (1880-1889). He was a member of the NSW Legislative Council (1889-1895). [ref:ADB 6]