[Newspaper]
Publication: The Brooklyn Daily Eagle
Brooklyn, NY, United States
vol. 61, no. 3, p. 3, col. 6
OBITUARY
Thomas C. Smith.
Funeral services over the remains of Thomas C. Smith, one of the oldest and best known residents of Greenpoint, will be held to-morrow evening from his late home, 140 Milton street, where his death occurred yesterday from a complication of diseases. Mr. Smith was 85 years old, and up to recently was as active as a man of 50 or 60. Born in Bridgehampton, L. I., he came to New York at an early age and learned the trade of builder, erecting many structures in the downtown section of the metropolis. At one time he was Superintendent of Buildings for New York City. While on a visit to Europe he became interested in the manufacture of porcelain, and on his return to this country in 1861 established a manufactory for the ware in Greenpoint, the product from which compared favorably with the finest output of Europe. This manufactory, which is known as the Union Porcelain Works, is one of the most extensive in the United States. Mr. Smith was one of the organizers and president of the Seventeenth Ward Bank, a trustee of the Greenpoint Savings Bank, a member of the Mechanics and Traders’ Society of New York, president of the Ophthalmic Hospital and College of New York for more than a quarter of a century, member of the New York Historical Society, and a director and organizer of the Manufacturers’ Insurance Company. Mr. Smith was also at one time a Brooklyn Park Commissioner, and served as a director and trustee of the Grant Monument Building Committee. Mr. Smith was intimately acquainted with Edwin Forrest, the tragedian, and ex-governor Flower. He leaves a widow, one son and three daughters.