Thomas Stuart Traill Smellie

Who was Thomas Stuart Traill Smellie?

Thomas Stuart Traill Smellie was an Ontario physician, merchant and political figure. He represented Fort William in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1905 to 1911 as a Conservative member.

Smellie was born in Fergus, Canada West, the son of the Reverend George Smellie, and studied at the University of Toronto and McGill University. He married Janet Eleanor Lawrie April 14, 1879. He came to Prince Arthur's Landing in 1879 and was a town councillor in 1885. He settled in Fort William in 1891, where he became Medical Officer of Health. Smellie was owner of the Daily Times-Journal from 1901–1908. With his brother, A.G.P. Smellie, he owned a number of stores and creameries in the Russell, Manitoba area. He was appointed registrar of the High Court and Surrogate Court for Thunder Bay District in 1911 and served in these positions until February 1921.

According to the Daily Times-Journal, "He was man of broad views. Physically a big man, he had a mind constructed on the same massive proportions, and he was endowed with a fine capacity for learning."