Eugene Allen Smith facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Eugene Allen Smith
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| Born | October 27, 1841 Washington, Alabama
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| Died | September 7, 1927 (aged 85) Tuscaloosa, Alabama
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| Alma mater | University of Alabama University of Heidelberg |
| Occupation | Geologist |
| Spouse(s) | Jane Henry Meredith |
| Children | Eugene Smith |
| Parent(s) | Samuel Parrish Smith Adelaide Julia Allen |
Eugene Allen Smith (born October 27, 1841 – died September 7, 1927) was an important American geologist. Geologists are scientists who study the Earth's rocks, minerals, and landforms. Eugene Allen Smith spent most of his life studying the geology of Alabama. He helped people understand the natural resources found in the state.
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Early Life and Education
Eugene Allen Smith was born in 1841 in a town called Washington, Alabama. His parents were Samuel Parrish Smith and Adelaide Julia Allen. He went to school in Prattville and later attended Central High School in Philadelphia.
In 1860, Eugene started studying at the University of Alabama. He earned his first degree in 1862.
Serving During the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Eugene joined the Confederate States Army. He was a private in the 33rd Regiment Alabama Infantry. Later, his fellow soldiers chose him to be a 2nd lieutenant. In December 1862, Jefferson Davis, who was the president of the Confederate states, asked Eugene to teach military tactics at the University of Alabama. He stayed in this teaching role until the war ended.
Becoming a Geologist
After the Civil War, Eugene Allen Smith continued his education in Europe. He studied at the University of Berlin and the University of Göttingen. He then spent two years at the University of Heidelberg in Germany. In 1868, he earned his Ph.D. from Heidelberg.
Teaching and Research
When he returned to the United States, Dr. Smith became a chemistry teacher at the University of Mississippi. From 1868 to 1871, he also worked as an assistant state geologist for Mississippi. This job involved studying the rocks and land of Mississippi.
In 1871, he moved back to the University of Alabama. He became a professor of geology there. On July 10, 1872, he married Jane Henry Meredith Garland. They had one son named Merrill Smith.
Alabama's State Geologist
While still teaching at the University of Alabama, Dr. Smith took on a very important role in 1873. He became the State Geologist of Alabama. This meant he was in charge of studying all the geological features of the state.
Discovering Resources
Dr. Smith restarted a state geological survey that had stopped years earlier. He worked hard to find and report on Alabama's valuable natural resources, like minerals. His work helped people understand where to find important materials in the state.
He also represented Alabama at big events. In 1878, he was an honorary commissioner for Alabama at the Exposition Universelle (a world's fair) in Paris, France. From 1884 to 1889, he was part of the American committee for the International Geological Congress. This group helps geologists from different countries share their knowledge.
In 1904, he was a vice president for the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He also served as vice president (1906) and president (1913) of the Geological Society of America. These were important leadership roles in the world of science.
Legacy and Recognition
Eugene Allen Smith passed away in 1927 at the age of 86. During his long career, he wrote 116 scientific papers about geology.
A building on the University of Alabama campus is named after him: Smith Hall. Today, this building houses the Alabama Museum of Natural History. In 1953, Eugene Allen Smith was honored by being made a member of the Alabama Hall of Fame.
