This series of caches are designed to highlight the people who have made Tamworth the great place to live. They might be one of our pioneers, our sporting greats, or our quiet achievers who rose to enormous heights in our society. We love to explore our Australian History and have found some unique gems for all to enjoy.
The sixth person in focus is William Joseph Smith (1846-1916)
When William Joseph Smith was born on 15 September 1846 in Melbourne, Victoria, his father, William, was 25 and his mother, Grace, was 19. He married Catherine Robertson on 29 September 1870 in Liverpool, New South Wales. They had six children in 11 years. He died on 28 October 1916 in Tamworth, New South Wales, at the age of 70, and was buried there.
Was an alderman and mayor of Tamworth council . Involved in turning on the electricity in Tamworth
William J. Smith, was born in Melbourne in 1846, arriving with his wife and brother Alfred in late 1875 or early 1876. He established a thriving tannery and boot factory business in today's Johnston Street which employed around 40 men. He also had property at Loomberah and Woolbrook. As a Tamworth Alderman, his great interest in electricity saw him push to form a Lighting Committee, which eventually led to the introduction of street lighting in 1888. William Smith took over as our seventh Mayor, serving in 1890/91.
