Smith, Persifor Frazer, 1798-1858

American general.

Persifor Smith served as Brevet Major General commanding the 8th Military Department (Texas). He was born in Philadelphia, Pa., son of Jonathan and Mary Anne Frazer Smith.

Persifor Frazer Smith, an officer in the U.S. Army, served in the Seminole War, 1836-1838, in the Mexican War, 1846-1848, and commanded the Pacific Division, the Department of Texas, 1850-1856, the Western Department, 1856-1858, and the Department of Utah, 1858.

Persifor Frazer Smith (November 16, 1798 – May 17, 1858) was a U.S. Army officer during the Seminole Wars and Mexican-American War. He was also one of the last governors of California before it became a state and he commanded the Department of Texas. Smith served first in the Seminole Wars in Florida and then in the Mexican–American War. He commanded the 2nd Brigade in William J. Worth's Division at the Battle of Monterrey. He was then brevetted brigadier general in September 1846 and served as commander of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division in Winfield Scott's army. He and his brigade fought in the battles of Veracruz, Cerro Gordo and Contreras. He was brevetted major general for and fought in several battles for Mexico City. He later served as military governor of Mexico City. After the war ended, he commanded the Pacific Division of the U.S. Army. He next commanded the Department of Texas, where he selected the site for Fort Davis and issued orders for the establishment of Fort Lancaster. He also authorized construction of Forts Ewell, Merrill, Clark, Terrett, Mason, McKavett, Chadbourne, Phantom Hill, and Belknap, creating a double line of forts protecting Texas’ southern and western borders. He died at Leavenworth, Kansas, while trying to quiet a disturbance.

A native of Philadelphia, Pa., Persifor F. Smith graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) and studied law before settling in New Orleans, La. His military career began with service in the volunteer companies of New Orleans. He served in the Seminole War, 1836-1838, in the Mexican War, 1846-1848, and commanded the Pacific Division, the Department of Texas, 1850-1856, the Western Department, 1856-1858, and the Department of Utah, 1858, achieving the rank of Brigadier General.