Gerard Smith (governor)

Sir Gerard Smith KCMG
Born	12 December 1839 Pimlico, London
Died	28 October 1920
Occupation	Public official
Spouse	Isabella Chatelaine Hamilton
Parent(s)	Martin Tucker Smith Louisa (Ridley) Smith
Relatives	Martin Tucker Smith (paternal grandfather) Matthew White Ridley, 1st Viscount Ridley (maternal grandfather)

Lieutenant-Colonel Sir Gerard Smith KCMG (1839-1920) was Governor of Western Australia from 1895 to 1900.

Biography

Early life

Gerard Smith was born on 12 December 1839 in Pimlico, London. He was the third son of Martin Tucker Smith (1803–1880), politician, banker and director of the East India Co., and Louisa (Ridley) Smith. His paternal grandfather was John Smith (1767–1842), a banker and Tory Member of Parliament; and his maternal grandfather was Matthew White Ridley, a baronet

Career

He joined the Royal Scots Fusiliers as an ensign in 1857 and briefly saw service in Canada, retiring from the Army in 1874. He joined the family bank, Samuel Smith, Bros. & Co., and went on to become a business leader in Kingston-upon-Hull, being instrumental in the formation of the Hull and Barnsley Railway in 1880. He was a Groom-in-Waiting to Queen Victoria from 1883 to 1885 and was knighted in 1895.

He served as Governor of Western Australia from 1895 to 1900.

Freemasonry

He was a Freemason, being initiated to the craft in the United Studholme Alliance Lodge No. 1591 on 4 May 1880 at the age of 41, and "passed" and "raised" within two months. On 17 January 1890, he became Worshipful Master of the Lodge. As was usual, when he was appointed Governor of Western Australia he also became Honorary Past Junior Grand Warden. As the Grand Lodge of Western Australia had not been founded at the time, he was appointed District Grand Master of Western Australia. When the Grand Lodge was founded he became its first Grand Master.

Death

He died in London on 28 October 1920. His wife predeceased him in 1915.

External links

• Hansard 1803–2005: contributions in Parliament by Gerard Smith