Obituaries Australia

John Smith, n.d.

from Pastoral Review, 16 September 1921

Mr. John Smith, of Grassdale Estate, Grassdale, was a well-known pastoralist of the Western District of Victoria, and a noted breeder of Shorthorn cattle. He was a native of Glencrawe, Argyllshire, Scotland, and came with his parents to Victoria at 12 years of age in the ship Cornelius (Captain Clarke), landing at Portland in 1852, after a six months' voyage. His parents settled at Balochile, Coleraine, the property still being held by the family, and where a widowed sister, Mrs. McLean, now resides.

Mr. Smith was manager for the late Hon. Neil Black at Glenormiston, and afterwards at Mount Noorat for 22 years. In 1886, in partnership with Mr. Neil Black's sons, he purchased the Grassdale Estate, and ultimately bought the homestead portion in 1905, where he resided until the date of his death, 26th March, 1921.

Mr. John Smith stood for everything that was honourable and straightforward and true. He was beloved and respected by a large circle of friends, and by people of every class in the community. He was a member of the Portland Shire for 30 years, and his eldest son has now succeeded him. Mr. Smith was a familiar figure at the Royal Show, Melbourne, having acted as a Shorthorn cattle judge year after year. He had a wonderful collection of judges' badges, which date back to 1885, when the Royal was called the National Agricultural Society. Besides judging at Brisbane and Sydney, he has acted at different times at almost every show in the Western District of Victoria. For many years he was a successful exhibitor of cattle, sheep and horses at Hamilton and other district shows, and his judgment of the principal breeds of live stock was unerring.

Mr. Smith married the eldest daughter of the late Mr. D. S. Walker, of Dixie, Terang, who survives him. Three sons were born of the marriage—Mr. Donald Campbell Smith, who manages Merino Downs Estate; Mr. Norman Stuart Smith, of Strone, Coleraine; and Mr. Eoin Lindsay Smith. The last-mentioned enlisted with the 8th L.H. and made the supreme sacrifice in action at Gallipoli.