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Henry Louis Smith

1859 – 1951

American educator

University president
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About Henry Louis Smith

Lived 1859 – 1951 (aged 91). Henry Louis Smith was an American university president.

Henry Louis Smith (July 30, 1859 – February 27, 1951) was an American academic administrator, educator, and physicist. He was president of Davidson College and of Washington and Lee University. He was a pioneer in the use of the X-ray machine and psychological warfare.

Early life Smith was born on July 30, 1859, in Greensboro, North Carolina.

He graduated from Presbyterian High School, operated by his uncle in Greensboro. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta and Phi Beta Kappa.

He received an MA in physics from the University of Virginia in 1887, followed by a Ph.D in physics in 1890. For this pioneering invention in psychological warfare, he received an award from the American Security League. He died at his home in Greensboro on February 27, 1951. He was buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
University president
Nationality
Education
Davidson College
Employers
Washington and Lee University

People in Henry Louis Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Henry Louis Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Henry Louis Smith?

American educator (1859–1951)

When was Henry Louis Smith born?

Henry Louis Smith was born on 30 July 1859 in Greensboro.

When did Henry Louis Smith die?

Henry Louis Smith died on 17 February 1951 in Greensboro.

What was Henry Louis Smith's occupation?

Henry Louis Smith was a university president.

What nationality was Henry Louis Smith?

Henry Louis Smith was American.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Henry Louis Smith

· Wikidata: Q31942030

· DBpedia: Henry Louis Smith

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Henry Louis Smith. https://biography.guide/henry-louis-smith/

MLA: "Henry Louis Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/henry-louis-smith/.

Chicago: "Henry Louis Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/henry-louis-smith/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-24 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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