James Edward Smith

James Edward Smith (December 25, 1831 – March 9, 1892) was a Canadian businessman and politician who served as the mayor of Toronto. He was born in London, England, and moved to Toronto, Canada, as a child. He operated a grocery business and was involved in real estate and insurance. He was elected to the Toronto City Council in 1857, and the council elected Smith as the city's mayor in 1867. He oversaw the Canadian Confederation celebrations and was reelected in 1868. He did not want to be considered for a third term, but remained on the council until 1870. He continued operating his businesses and was a collector of customs at the port of Toronto until a scandal precipitated his retirement in 1879. He died in Toronto on March 9, 1892.

Early life and business career

James Edward Smith was born in London, England, and Smith's family moved to Toronto, Canada, in 1841. He studied law in Henry Sherwood's law office, but did not complete his education. In the late 1850s he ran a grocer near Toronto. The grocer moved to downtown Toronto by 1861, and was called James E. Smith & Co. The business was profitable by importing grocery items and alcoholic beverages. Smith invested the money from the business into real estate. He was also a manager of the British Empire Life Insurance Company.