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Ashbel Smith

1805-08-13 – 1886-01-21

Portrait of Ashbel Smith
Ashbel Smith was born in Hartford, Connecticut in 1805. Recieved his M.D. degree from Yale in 1828, and came to Texas from South Carolina in 1837. He established a plantation called Headquarters on Goose Creek in 1840 and in 1847 purchased property adjoining his and a plantation home named Evergreen on Tabbs Bay, part of the San Jacinto Estuary. Dr. Smith kept the name Evergreen for the combined estates. This **** acre estate remained his home until his death in 1886. Dr. Smith's active life as physician, statesman, soldier and educator often took him away, but he always returned to Evergreen and his life as a farmer, rancher, scientist and writer. Dr. Ashbel Smith served the Republic of Texas as Surgeon General 1837--1839, Minister to England and France 1842--1843, and Secretary of State 1845: worked to establish the Texas Medical Association 1853 and the Texas State Agricultural Society 1863: represented Harris County in the 11th and 16th Legislatures of the State of Texas: formed the Bayland Guards 1861: was Colonel 2nd Texas Infantry Confederate Army: led the way in founding Prairie View State Normal School 1879, The University of Texas in Austin 1881 and the medical branch in Galveston. Served as the first president of the University of Texas Board of Regents 1881--1886.Credit: i_am_jim

Life & Legacy

Ashbel Smith (August 13, 1805 – January 21, 1886) was a slave owner, key anti-abolitionist, pioneer physician, diplomat, and official of the Republic of Texas, Confederate officer and first President of the Board of Regents of the University of Texas. Smith helped lead efforts to keep Texas a Republic and slave state.

Occupation & Career

diplomat, politician, physician

Education

Yale University

Legacy Highlights

Education & Institutions

Yale University

Sources & Provenance

  1. Wikidata population candidate Q4804613 — wikidata View source

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