Smith, Thomas Vernor, 1890-1964

Variant names

Dates:

Birth 1890-04-26

Death 1964-05-24

Biographical notes:

Educator and politician.

From the description of Papers, 1934-1945. (University of Chicago Library). WorldCat record id: 52247966

Thomas Vernor Smith (1890-1964) was active academically and politically in Chicago. A native of Texas, he received a B.A. from the University of Texas in 1915 and an M.A. in 1916. He taught at the University from 1919 to 1921. In 1922, he received a PhD from the University of Chicago, where he served as Professor of Philosophy, and later dean, until 1948. Smith was among the producers and moderators of the University's Round Table radio program.

During the 1930's, Smith interested himself in politics, and ran successfully for State Senator in 1935. His next campaign was in 1938, when he was elected Congressman-at-large for Illinois. In the 1940 congressional election, he was defeated. During the war, Smith was made Lieutenant Colonel (1943-1945), and conducted courses on military government for the Army. He also participated in experimental programs for re-educating German prisoners of war. In 1946, he was a member of the United States Educational Commission in Japan and Germany.

In 1948, Smith became the Maxwell Professor of Citizenship and Philosophy at the University of Syracuse, where he served until his retirement in 1959. He held visiting and lecture positions at numerous universities and published widely on philosophy, politics and public service.

Smith and his wife, Nannie Stewart had two children. He died in 1964 in Hyattsville, Maryland.

From the guide to the Smith, Thomas Vernor. Papers, 1934-1945, (Special Collections Research Center University of Chicago Library 1100 East 57th Street Chicago, Illinois 60637 U.S.A.)