John Derby Smith facts for kids
John Derby Smith (April 9, 1812 – April 26, 1884) was an important American figure. He was a minister, a doctor, and a politician. He even served in the Massachusetts state legislature.
Quick facts for kids
John Derby Smith
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| Born | 9 April 1812  |
| Died | 26 April 1884 (aged 72) |
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| Occupation | Politician |
Early Life and Education
John Derby Smith was born in Hanover, New Hampshire on April 9, 1812. He was the youngest son of Nathan Smith, a famous doctor. His father was a professor of medicine at Dartmouth College.
A year after John was born, his father became the head of the new Medical Institution of Yale College. John followed in his father's footsteps by attending Yale College. He graduated in 1832.
After college, John decided to study religion. He attended the Yale Divinity School and the Andover Theological Seminary. In 1837, he was licensed to preach.
A Life of Service
John Derby Smith became a pastor in Charlemont, Massachusetts, in 1839. He served there until 1844.
Later, because of some health problems, he started studying medicine. He earned a diploma from the Baltimore Medical College in 1846.
In 1848, he returned to his role as a pastor in Charlemont. He left this position in 1852. Even after leaving the church, he stayed in Charlemont for a while. In 1854, he represented the town in the State Legislature. This means he was a politician helping to make laws for Massachusetts.
He continued to serve as a minister in other towns, including Berkley, Massachusetts (1854-1858) and Douglas, Massachusetts (1860-1863).
Military and Government Work
In 1863, John Derby Smith joined the U.S. Army as a contract-surgeon. This meant he worked as a doctor for the army during the American Civil War.
After the war ended, he worked briefly for the Treasury Department in Washington. In 1867, he became an acting assistant surgeon in the U.S. Navy. He was in charge of the Naval Hospital in Pensacola, Florida, for four years.
Later Years
After his time in the Navy, John Derby Smith's health declined due to fevers. He was sent home on sick leave.
He spent his final years in Scotland, a village in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. He passed away there on April 26, 1884, at the age of 72. He had a large family, and one of his sons also became a doctor.
This article incorporates public domain material from the 1884 Yale Obituary Record.
