Persifor Smith
| Persifor Frazer Smith | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 5th Military Governor of California | |
|
In office 1849–1849 |
|
| Preceded by | Richard Barnes Mason |
| Succeeded by | Bennett C. Riley |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
November 16, 1798 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | May 17, 1858 (aged 59) Leavenworth, Kansas |
| Spouse(s) |
Frances Jeanette Bureau (m. 1822; d. 1852) Anne Monica Millard Armstrong (m. 1854) |
| Children | Howard Smith (first marriage) |
| Profession | Soldier |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States of America
|
| Service/branch |
 United States Army
|
| Years of service | 1836–1838 1846–1858 |
| Rank |
 Brigadier General Bvt. Major General |
| Commands |
U.S. Regiment of Mounted Riflemen P.F. Smith's Brigade Pacific Division Department of the West |
| Battles/wars |
2nd Seminole War Mexican-American War Bleeding Kansas |
Frances Jeanette Bureau (m. 1822; d. 1852)
Persifor Frazer Smith (November 16, 1798 – May 17, 1858) was a United States Army officer during the Seminole Wars and Mexican–American War, as well as one of the last military governors of California before it became a US state.
Smith was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the son of Jonathan and Mary Ann (Frazer) Smith. His maternal grandfather was Revolutionary War figure Persifor Frazer. General Smith is sometimes confused with his cousin, also named Persifor Frazer Smith, who was a well-known lawyer in Philadelphia. Persifor Frazer Smith the lawyer was the son of Joseph Smith (brother of Jonathan Smith) and Mary Frazer (sister of Mary Ann Frazer). Other notable relatives include his cousin, Joseph Smith Harris.
Smith served as a colonel of volunteers in the Seminole Wars from 1836 to 1838, before taking part in the Mexican–American War. He commanded the 2nd Brigade in Worth's Division at the Battle of Monterrey. He was brevetted brigadier general in September 1846 and joined Winfield Scott's army as commander of the 1st Brigade, 2nd Division. He led his brigade at the battles of Veracruz, Cerro Gordo and Contreras. He was brevetted major general for actions at Contreras and fought in the battles for Mexico City. He served on the armistice commission and then as military governor of Mexico City.
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