Thomas Smith

Thomas Lacey Smith (March 23, 1805 – January 1875) was an American surgeon, writer, lawyer, politician, and judge who served as a justice of the Indiana Supreme Court from January 29, 1847, to January 3, 1853.

Biography Early life, education, and travels Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Smith grew up in the city and attended the University of Pennsylvania. After obtaining his medical degree, Smith was hired as a surgeon on a merchant vessel that traveled to trade in several East Asian ports. It was because of this job that Smith spent nearly ten years in China and learned to speak Chinese.

After returning to Pennsylvania from China, Smith established a medical practice in Chester County and married a local woman. During this time, he also served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

During the Civil War, Smith was a War Democrat, part of the wing of the Democratic Party that supported the Union during the conflict. Smith wrote the lyrics for a pro-Union song called "The Union Soldier's Hymn", composed by Augustus Paulsen.