Town: Columbia
SMITH, Robert Davis, educator; born Columbia, Tenn., October 9, 1842; son of Rev. Frank Gillette and Sarah Ann (Davis) Smith; his father was a teacher from 1816 until date of his death in 1866, founded the Columbia Athenaeum 1852; paternal grandparents Dr. Chaincy and Hannah (Brown) SMITH, maternal grandparents Henry and Sally (Anthony) DAVIS; educated by his father and private tutors; began his career as business manager and teacher in Columbia Athenaeum; married Margaret I. THOMAS, April 23, 1867; was for thirty President and proprietor of the well-known school for young ladies, the Columbia Athenaeum; was forced by ill health to close this institution June 1900, and has since been engaged in literary work at his residence on the Athenaeum grounds; chief literary production is a biography of Major General P. R. Cleburne, C. S. A.; enlisted as private in Company B, Second Tennessee Infantry, C. S. A., May, 1861, and surrendered with General Johnston’s army in North Carolina, May, 1865, as Captain on staff of Major General Walthall; member Masonic Chapter and Knights Templar; for six years was Eminent Commander of DeMolay K. T., also member B. P. O. Elks; member of Episcopal Church.
