Thomas Green Clemson
| Thomas Green Clemson | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Born |
July 1, 1807 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Died | April 6, 1888 (aged 80) Fort Hill (Clemson) |
| Education |
Norwich University Collège de Sorbonne Royal School of Mines (Paris) |
| Occupation |
Mining engineer Statesman Agriculturist College founder |
| Spouse(s) | Anna Maria Calhoun |
| Children | Floride Clemson Lee, John Calhoun Clemson |
| Parent(s) | Thomas Green Clemson III, Elizabeth Baker |
Thomas Green Clemson, (July 1, 1807 – April 6, 1888) was an American politician and statesman, serving as an ambassador and the United States Superintendent of Agriculture. He served in the Confederate States Army. He founded Clemson University, located in South Carolina.
Born in Philadelphia, Clemson was the son of Thomas Green Clemson, III and Elizabeth Baker. He is descended from Quaker roots and his mother was Episcopalian. Partly because of this mixed religious background, Clemson's personal religious belief is not well documented. In 1813, his father died, and his father’s second cousin John Gest was appointed guardian over him and his five siblings. Clemson was one beneficiary of his father’s $100,000 life savings, which was split up between him and his five siblings. There is not much known about his home life, but his schooling started in the winter of 1814, as he, as well as the older Clemsons, attended day school at Tabernacle Presbyterian Church. There is no knowledge as to exactly how long Thomas attended day school, but his next schooling venture began in 1823. From 1823-1825, Clemson was educated at Alden Partridge's Military Academy in Vermont, also known as Norwich University. It is known that Clemson’s older brother, who had recently graduated from Princeton, had sent Thomas a letter outlining the courses and subjects that he should study. He completed those studies sometime in late 1825, but the exact month is not certain. What is known, however, is that he went back to Philadelphia in 1825 and he started studying Mineralogy. Later on, sometime in 1826, Clemson left for Paris, France. His departure date, the ship name, and where exactly he landed in France is unknown, as well as when he returned to Philadelphia.
Not much is documented from the beginning of his trip to Paris that started in 1826. A letter that he wrote to his Mother did not include anything about his scientific study but did vaguely reference that he had a particular interest in expanding his knowledge. In addition, the letter states that if he were to die he wants all of his wealth to be left to his mother and then after she passes it be left to any sister who is not married. Later on in 1829, Clemson wrote a letter to Benjamin Silliman, M.D., about his research of Iron Ore. In 1826–27, he expanded his knowledge of practical laboratory chemistry while working with chemist Gaultier de Clowbry. He soon furthered his chemistry study by working with other Parisian chemists. Following his time there he further trained at Sorbonne and the Royal School of Mines. He received his diploma as an assayer from the Royal Mint.
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