Smith, Thomas Whistler, 1824 – 1859

Thomas Whistler Smith (1824-1859), businessman and parliamentarian, was born at Middlesex, England, son of Thomas and Penelope Smith. The family arrived at Sydney in 1830 and Thomas Whistler worked as a clerk in the family business, Smith Brothers, from an early age. After his father's death in 1842 and his uncle Henry Gilbert Smith's retirement in 1848 he took over the business. Smith married Sarah Maria Street in 1847 and they lived firstly at Ecclesbourne, Darling Point, before moving into the family home Glenrock, Darling Point.

Smith was elected to the NSW Legislative Assembly for the seat of Cumberland (1857-1859). In 1859 Smith resigned his company directorates and went to London to open the first office of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney. He died of diphtheria in the same year. [ref:ADB 2]