Thomas Smith (missionary)

Thomas Smith (8 July 1817–26 May 1906) was a Scottish missionary and mathematician who was instrumental in establishing India's zenana missions in 1854.

[1] He was educated at the local parish school in Symington and then studied mathematics and physics at the University of Edinburgh, matriculating in 1830 aged 13 (this was normal at that time).

[2] In 1839, under the influence of Rev Alexander Duff, Smith was ordained by the Church of Scotland and travelled to Calcutta in India, as a missionary, teaching mathematics and physics in the schools.

When the Indian Mutiny broke out in 1857, Smith acted as the chaplain of the 42nd Highlanders (Black Watch) at Calcutta, accompanying the regiment when it was on active service.

[7] In 1891 he succeeded Rev Thomas Brown as Moderator of the General Assembly, the highest position in the Free Church.