Wilson Small

Wilson Small (1810–1886) was an American tradesman, businessman, politician and public servant. A jeweller by trade, Small took an interest in politics from an early age, and in the 1830s was an organizer of the Locofocos faction of the Democratic Party. In the 1840s, he served two terms as an assemblyman in the New York State Assembly.

After an interval in the 1850s as proprietor of a marine engineering facility—Brooklyn's West Street Foundry—Small joined the civil service, holding a wide variety of government positions over the course of several decades. He was highly active in a voluntary capacity, particularly as a fireman and as a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.

Life and career

Wilson Small was born in New York City on February 13, 1810. His family being unable to afford a good education for him, he entered the workforce at the age of twelve as a jeweller's apprentice. After completing his apprenticeship, he continued to earn a living in the trade until the Panic of 1837.

Small took an interest in politics from an early age, and by 1832 was an organizer of the Equal Rights Party, and was re-elected the following year. After the completion of his second term, he was elected president of the Board of Aldermen in New York's 10th Ward. During his proprietorship, the company built the engines for at least 18 steam vessels, most notably that of , one of the finest and fastest New England steamers of her day. Small's contacts through the foundry also led to him briefly accepting a position as captain of the New York steam ferry Boston, but he resigned after finding this line of work unprofitable. After living all his life in New York City, he died there on October 21, 1886, at the age of 76. He was survived by his third wife and three children.