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Thomas Smith

1805 – 1875

American judge

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About Thomas Smith

Lived 1805 – 1875 (aged 69–70). Thomas Smith was a writer.

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.

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Important facts

Born
1805
Birth century
Died
1875
Occupation
Also known as
Thomas Lacey Smith

People in Thomas Smith's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Thomas Smith's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Thomas Smith?

American judge

When was Thomas Smith born?

Thomas Smith was born in 1805.

When did Thomas Smith die?

Thomas Smith died in 1875.

What was Thomas Smith's occupation?

Thomas Smith was a writer.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Thomas Smith

· Wikidata: Q111947887

· DBpedia: Thomas Smith (Indiana judge)

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Thomas Smith. https://biography.guide/thomas-smith-writer/

MLA: "Thomas Smith." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/thomas-smith-writer/.

Chicago: "Thomas Smith." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/thomas-smith-writer/.

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