Family background
John Barker Smithers was the son of John W Smithers. On 14 January 1832 at St James Church of England in Sydney, he married Ann Newton (d.1887), the daughter-in-law of Thomas Collins, late of the Royal Oak Hotel in George Street. They had four sons and a daughter. He died on 17 October 1889 at Manly. He was Church of England.
Occupation & interests
In 1842, John Baker [sic] Smithers offered for sale a handsome cottage and grounds near Hyde Park. In 1858, he had a tailoring shop at 119 King Street and lived at 243 Riley Street. By 1867 he was living at The Corso, Manly. He also acquired freehold property in Charles Street and at 41 Argyle Street.
Local government service
Smithers was elected Alderman for Fitzroy Ward, 11 April 1857 to 30 November 1857 and for Cook Ward, 1 December 1857 to 30 November 1863.
References
City of Sydney Archives: NSCA CRS 51/25, Demolition books, 1900-1949
Society of Australian Genealogists: ACGI index;