Smith, Francis H. (Francis Henney), 1812-1890

Professor and later superintendent, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, Va.

Owner of a boot and shoe store in Erie, Michigan.

Francis Henney Smith was born 18 October 1812, the son of Francis Smith and Ann Marsden Smith, of Norfolk, Va. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1833. He served as professor of mathematics at Hampden-Sydney College. In 1839, he became principal professor and after 1840, superintendant of Virginia Military Institute, a position he held until 1889. Smith died in 1890.

Benjamin Stoddert Ewell was born in Georgetown, D. C., 10 June 1810, the son of Thomas Ewell and Elizabeth Stoddert. He graduated from United States Military Academy and taught there. He taught at Hampden- Sydney College and at Washington College (now Washington and Lee University). In 1848, he was elected professor of mathematics and acting president of College of William and Mary and in 1854, became president. He was colonel of 32nd Virginia Infantry Regiment and later assistant adjutant-general to Joseph E. Johnston. He was president of William and Mary 1854-1888 and died 1894. He was the brother of Richard Stoddert Ewell, had another brother, William Stoddert, a sister Elizabeth S. Ewell and a daughter Elizabeth S. Ewell Scott.

Francis Henney Smith was the first Superintendent of Virginia Military Institute. He served there from 1839 to 1889. In the Civil War, Smith was a Colonel in Companies F and S of the 9th Virginia Infantry. Smith was also the President of the United States Military Academy Board of Visitors.

No information could be found on Captain M. F. Maury.

Sources:

"VMI Archives," http://www.vmi.edu/archives.aspx?id=6287

Trask, Benjamin H. 9th Virginia Infantry . 1984. Print.