Thomas Green Clemson
Encyclopedia
Thomas Green Clemson, 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.
. 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.
, 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.
Upon his return to the U.S., he co-authored significant legislation to promote agricultural education. With knowledge of both French
and German
, he served as U.S. charge d'affaires
to Belgium
from 1844 to 1851. Because of his education, historians have called Clemson "a quintessential nineteenth-century Renaissance man.”
. Named “Canebrake” due to the vast amount of dense and thick canes along the riverbank, the land, as well as the twenty slaves he placed there, had an estimated cost of $24,000. Though this plot of land did not do well while Clemson was abroad in Belgium
, he was furthering his studies in the field of Agriculture
. He successfully translated the lengthy article “Extraction of Sugar from the Beet”, written by Professor Melsens, a professor at one of Belgium’s State colleges, from French to English. Upon his return from Belgium, in 1853 Clemson purchased a small 100 acre piece of land in Maryland
which he called “The Home”. The advantages for Clemson to live in Maryland, not too far from Washington
, was the ability to get better access to utilities and resources for his research, studies, and experiments. While there, his studies in Agricultural Chemistry led to findings that were published in scientific journals, such as The American Farmer. In addition, he attended the meetings of both the Maryland and the United States Agricultural Societies. With that, he did a study of cattle disease. The disease showed that when cattle came from the North to the South get the disease, whereas cattle going from the South to the North give the disease. This brought out the knowledge to Texas Fever
, which was the disease observed by Clemson. His findings and distinction as a scientist got him an invitation to speak at the Smithsonian Institution
in Washington in 1858. Clemson was an active member in the society of agricultural development for plenty of years to come as more of his documents became published.
and Floride Calhoun
. John C. Calhoun was the noted Senator
from South Carolina
and 7th Vice President of the United States
. After Calhoun's death, Floride Calhoun, Anna Clemson, and two other Calhoun children inherited the Fort Hill plantation near Pendleton, South Carolina
. It was sold with 50 slaves for $49,000 to Calhoun's oldest son, Andrew Pickens Calhoun, in 1854. After the war and upon the Andrew's death in 1865, Floride Calhoun foreclosed on his heirs prior to her death in 1866. After lengthy legal procedures, Fort Hill was auctioned in 1872. The executor of her estate won the auction, which was divided among her surviving heirs. Her daughter, Anna Clemson, received the residence with about 814 acres (329.6 ha) and her great granddaughter, Floride Isabella Lee, received about 288 acres (116.6 ha). Thomas Green and Anna Clemson moved into Fort Hill in 1872. After Anna's death in 1875, Thomas Green Clemson inherited Fort Hill and lived there to his death. He died on April 6, 1888 and is buried in St. Paul's Episcopal churchyard in Pendleton, South Carolina
.
. Around this time, the Clemson’s were having health problems with another child. Cornelia “nina” Clemson was born in October of 1855, but just a few years into her life in 1858, she died from Scarlet Fever
. On July 23, 1871, their daughter Floride died. Not shortly after, in less than three weeks, tragedy struck the family again as Clemson’s only son John died on August 10, 1871.
administration as Superintendent of Agriculture in 1860-61. As the threat of civil war became a reality, Clemson resigned this post on March 4, 1861. He stood on the side of his adopted state. Following the firing on Fort Sumter
on April 12, 1861, Clemson left Maryland
for South Carolina. In Pendleton on November 2, 1861, Clemson spoke to the Farmers Society and publicly "Urged the establishment of a department of agriculture in the government of the Confederate States which, in addition to fostering the general interest of agriculture, would also serve as a sort of university of the diffusion of scientific knowledge and the improvement of agriculture."
starting October 4, 1844 and ending January 8, 1852. He received the position largely due to his father in-law John C. Calhoun
. Calhoun, currently, was the Secretary of State
under the Taylor Administration
. President Taylor had given the task of filling the position to Calhoun, who quickly nominated his son in-law Clemson. Clemson was more than qualified to serve this position for the government. From his time spent in Paris
studying, he picked up on European culture and their way of living. In addition, the time there also gave him a feel for continental problems and thinking. It goes on from there, with his extensive knowledge of not just Belgium
’s but the vast majority of Europe’s, economics, politics, and social life, he was better able to connect the United States to Belgium, as well as the other European countries. In his time in Belgium, only one treaty was passed by the two countries. The treaty was the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation. The treaty, which was set to last ten years, removed trade and tariff restrictions between the two countries. This led to an increase in commerce between the United States and Belgium.
and was assigned to the Army of the Trans-Mississippi Department. Clemson worked in Arkansas
and Texas
developing nitrate mines for explosives. He was paroled on June 9, 1865 at Shreveport, Louisiana
, after four years of service. His son, Captain John Calhoun Clemson, enlisted in the Confederate States Army
and spent two years in a Union prison camp on Johnson's Island
, in Lake Erie, Ohio.
estate. He believed that education, especially scientific education, leads to economic prosperity. He wanted to start an agricultural college because he felt that government officials did not appreciate the importance of agricultural education.
Although the college was an all white, all male college when it opened, Clemson did not explicitly ban women or African Americans from attending Clemson, unlike the founders of Vanderbilt, Tulane, Rice and other southern universities.
The military college, founded in 1889, opened its doors in 1893 to 446 cadets. Clemson Agricultural College was renamed Clemson University
in 1964. A statue of Thomas Green Clemson and the Fort Hill
house are located on the campus. The town of Calhoun that bordered the campus was renamed Clemson
in 1943.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
politician
Politician
A politician, political leader, or political figure is an individual who is involved in influencing public policy and decision making...
and statesman
Statesman
A statesman is usually a politician or other notable public figure who has had a long and respected career in politics or government at the national and international level. As a term of respect, it is usually left to supporters or commentators to use the term...
, serving as an ambassador and the United States Superintendent of Agriculture. He served in the Confederate States Army. He founded Clemson University
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
, located in South Carolina.
Early life and education
Born in Philadelphia, Clemson was the son of Thomas Green Clemson, III and Elizabeth Baker. He is a descendent from Quaker roots and his mother was Episcopalian. Because of this mixed religious background Clemson's exact religion is unknown. 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 oh 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 Clemson’s, 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 UniversityNorwich University
Norwich University is a private university located in Northfield, Vermont . The university was founded in 1819 at Norwich, Vermont, as the American Literary, Scientific and Military Academy. It is the oldest of six Senior Military Colleges, and is recognized by the United States Department of...
. It is known that Clemson’s older brother, who had recently graduated from Princeton
Princeton
-Princeton, New Jersey:*Borough of Princeton, New Jersey*Princeton Township, New Jersey*Princeton, New Jersey -Other places in New Jersey:*Princeton Junction, New Jersey*Princeton Meadows, New Jersey...
, 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
Mineralogy
Mineralogy is the study of chemistry, crystal structure, and physical properties of minerals. Specific studies within mineralogy include the processes of mineral origin and formation, classification of minerals, their geographical distribution, as well as their utilization.-History:Early writing...
. Later on, sometime in 1826, Clemson left for Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. His departure date, the ship name, and where exactly he landed in France is unknown, as well as when he returned to Philadelphia.
Paris, France
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 SillimanBenjamin Silliman
Benjamin Silliman was an American chemist, one of the first American professors of science , and the first to distill petroleum.-Early life:...
, 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
Sorbonne
The Sorbonne is an edifice of the Latin Quarter, in Paris, France, which has been the historical house of the former University of Paris...
and the Royal School of Mines. He received his diploma as an assayer
Assayer
An assayer is a person who tests ores and minerals and analyzes them to determine their composition and value. They may use spectrographic analysis, chemical solutions, and chemical or laboratory equipment, such as furnaces, beakers, graduates, pipettes, and crucibles.An assayer separates metals...
from the Royal Mint.
Upon his return to the U.S., he co-authored significant legislation to promote agricultural education. With knowledge of both French
French language
French is a Romance language spoken as a first language in France, the Romandy region in Switzerland, Wallonia and Brussels in Belgium, Monaco, the regions of Quebec and Acadia in Canada, and by various communities elsewhere. Second-language speakers of French are distributed throughout many parts...
and German
German language
German is a West Germanic language, related to and classified alongside English and Dutch. With an estimated 90 – 98 million native speakers, German is one of the world's major languages and is the most widely-spoken first language in the European Union....
, he served as U.S. charge d'affaires
Chargé d'affaires
In diplomacy, chargé d’affaires , often shortened to simply chargé, is the title of two classes of diplomatic agents who head a diplomatic mission, either on a temporary basis or when no more senior diplomat has been accredited.-Chargés d’affaires:Chargés d’affaires , who were...
to Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
from 1844 to 1851. Because of his education, historians have called Clemson "a quintessential nineteenth-century Renaissance man.”
Agricultural studies
In 1843, Thomas purchased a 1000 acre plot of land in the Edgefield district in South CarolinaSouth Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
. Named “Canebrake” due to the vast amount of dense and thick canes along the riverbank, the land, as well as the twenty slaves he placed there, had an estimated cost of $24,000. Though this plot of land did not do well while Clemson was abroad in Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
, he was furthering his studies in the field of Agriculture
Agriculture
Agriculture is the cultivation of animals, plants, fungi and other life forms for food, fiber, and other products used to sustain life. Agriculture was the key implement in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that nurtured the...
. He successfully translated the lengthy article “Extraction of Sugar from the Beet”, written by Professor Melsens, a professor at one of Belgium’s State colleges, from French to English. Upon his return from Belgium, in 1853 Clemson purchased a small 100 acre piece of land in Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
which he called “The Home”. The advantages for Clemson to live in Maryland, not too far from Washington
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
, was the ability to get better access to utilities and resources for his research, studies, and experiments. While there, his studies in Agricultural Chemistry led to findings that were published in scientific journals, such as The American Farmer. In addition, he attended the meetings of both the Maryland and the United States Agricultural Societies. With that, he did a study of cattle disease. The disease showed that when cattle came from the North to the South get the disease, whereas cattle going from the South to the North give the disease. This brought out the knowledge to Texas Fever
Texas Fever
Texas Fever is a 1984 mini-album released by the Scottish post-punk band Orange Juice. This mini-album has been re-issued on CD, but is currently out-of-print.-Track listing:All tracks composed by Edwyn Collins; except where indicated# "Bridge" - 3:38...
, which was the disease observed by Clemson. His findings and distinction as a scientist got him an invitation to speak at the Smithsonian Institution
Smithsonian Institution
The Smithsonian Institution is an educational and research institute and associated museum complex, administered and funded by the government of the United States and by funds from its endowment, contributions, and profits from its retail operations, concessions, licensing activities, and magazines...
in Washington in 1858. Clemson was an active member in the society of agricultural development for plenty of years to come as more of his documents became published.
Marriage and family
On November 13, 1838, at the age of 31, Clemson married Anna Maria Calhoun, daughter of John C. CalhounJohn C. Calhoun
John Caldwell Calhoun was a leading politician and political theorist from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, but often changed positions. Calhoun began his political career as a nationalist, modernizer, and proponent...
and Floride Calhoun
Floride Calhoun
Floride Bonneau Calhoun was the wife of prominent U.S. politician John C. Calhoun.-Background and early life:...
. John C. Calhoun was the noted Senator
United States Senate
The United States Senate is the upper house of the bicameral legislature of the United States, and together with the United States House of Representatives comprises the United States Congress. The composition and powers of the Senate are established in Article One of the U.S. Constitution. Each...
from South Carolina
South Carolina
South Carolina is a state in the Deep South of the United States that borders Georgia to the south, North Carolina to the north, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east. Originally part of the Province of Carolina, the Province of South Carolina was one of the 13 colonies that declared independence...
and 7th Vice President of the United States
Vice President of the United States
The Vice President of the United States is the holder of a public office created by the United States Constitution. The Vice President, together with the President of the United States, is indirectly elected by the people, through the Electoral College, to a four-year term...
. After Calhoun's death, Floride Calhoun, Anna Clemson, and two other Calhoun children inherited the Fort Hill plantation near Pendleton, South Carolina
Pendleton, South Carolina
Pendleton is a town in Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,966 at the 2000 census. It is a sister city of Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland....
. It was sold with 50 slaves for $49,000 to Calhoun's oldest son, Andrew Pickens Calhoun, in 1854. After the war and upon the Andrew's death in 1865, Floride Calhoun foreclosed on his heirs prior to her death in 1866. After lengthy legal procedures, Fort Hill was auctioned in 1872. The executor of her estate won the auction, which was divided among her surviving heirs. Her daughter, Anna Clemson, received the residence with about 814 acres (329.6 ha) and her great granddaughter, Floride Isabella Lee, received about 288 acres (116.6 ha). Thomas Green and Anna Clemson moved into Fort Hill in 1872. After Anna's death in 1875, Thomas Green Clemson inherited Fort Hill and lived there to his death. He died on April 6, 1888 and is buried in St. Paul's Episcopal churchyard in Pendleton, South Carolina
Pendleton, South Carolina
Pendleton is a town in Anderson County, South Carolina, United States. The population was 2,966 at the 2000 census. It is a sister city of Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland....
.
Children
Thomas Green Clemson and his wife Anna Calhoun Clemson had four children. Their first child, whose name is not known, died as an infant in 1839. In 1841, John Calhoun Clemson was born. Shortly after in 1842, Anne Clemson gave birth to her daughter Floride Elizabeth Clemson. At age 15, John was getting treatment for a Spinal condition in Northampton, MassachusettsNorthampton, Massachusetts
The city of Northampton is the county seat of Hampshire County, Massachusetts, United States. As of the 2010 census, the population of Northampton's central neighborhoods, was 28,549...
. Around this time, the Clemson’s were having health problems with another child. Cornelia “nina” Clemson was born in October of 1855, but just a few years into her life in 1858, she died from Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is a disease caused by exotoxin released by Streptococcus pyogenes. Once a major cause of death, it is now effectively treated with antibiotics...
. On July 23, 1871, their daughter Floride died. Not shortly after, in less than three weeks, tragedy struck the family again as Clemson’s only son John died on August 10, 1871.
Politics
From 1860-61, Clemson served in the BuchananJames Buchanan
James Buchanan, Jr. was the 15th President of the United States . He is the only president from Pennsylvania, the only president who remained a lifelong bachelor and the last to be born in the 18th century....
administration as Superintendent of Agriculture in 1860-61. As the threat of civil war became a reality, Clemson resigned this post on March 4, 1861. He stood on the side of his adopted state. Following the firing on Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter
Fort Sumter is a Third System masonry coastal fortification located in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina. The fort is best known as the site upon which the shots initiating the American Civil War were fired, at the Battle of Fort Sumter.- Construction :...
on April 12, 1861, Clemson left Maryland
Maryland
Maryland is a U.S. state located in the Mid Atlantic region of the United States, bordering Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia to its south and west; Pennsylvania to its north; and Delaware to its east...
for South Carolina. In Pendleton on November 2, 1861, Clemson spoke to the Farmers Society and publicly "Urged the establishment of a department of agriculture in the government of the Confederate States which, in addition to fostering the general interest of agriculture, would also serve as a sort of university of the diffusion of scientific knowledge and the improvement of agriculture."
Diplomatic career
Clemson, through representation of the United States government, served as the Chargé d’affaires to BelgiumBelgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
starting October 4, 1844 and ending January 8, 1852. He received the position largely due to his father in-law John C. Calhoun
John C. Calhoun
John Caldwell Calhoun was a leading politician and political theorist from South Carolina during the first half of the 19th century. Calhoun eloquently spoke out on every issue of his day, but often changed positions. Calhoun began his political career as a nationalist, modernizer, and proponent...
. Calhoun, currently, was the Secretary of State
Secretary of State
Secretary of State or State Secretary is a commonly used title for a senior or mid-level post in governments around the world. The role varies between countries, and in some cases there are multiple Secretaries of State in the Government....
under the Taylor Administration
Zachary Taylor
Zachary Taylor was the 12th President of the United States and an American military leader. Initially uninterested in politics, Taylor nonetheless ran as a Whig in the 1848 presidential election, defeating Lewis Cass...
. President Taylor had given the task of filling the position to Calhoun, who quickly nominated his son in-law Clemson. Clemson was more than qualified to serve this position for the government. From his time spent in Paris
Paris
Paris is the capital and largest city in France, situated on the river Seine, in northern France, at the heart of the Île-de-France region...
studying, he picked up on European culture and their way of living. In addition, the time there also gave him a feel for continental problems and thinking. It goes on from there, with his extensive knowledge of not just Belgium
Belgium
Belgium , officially the Kingdom of Belgium, is a federal state in Western Europe. It is a founding member of the European Union and hosts the EU's headquarters, and those of several other major international organisations such as NATO.Belgium is also a member of, or affiliated to, many...
’s but the vast majority of Europe’s, economics, politics, and social life, he was better able to connect the United States to Belgium, as well as the other European countries. In his time in Belgium, only one treaty was passed by the two countries. The treaty was the Treaty of Commerce and Navigation. The treaty, which was set to last ten years, removed trade and tariff restrictions between the two countries. This led to an increase in commerce between the United States and Belgium.
American Civil War
Fifty-four-year-old Clemson, enlisted in the ConfederacyConfederate States Army
The Confederate States Army was the army of the Confederate States of America while the Confederacy existed during the American Civil War. On February 8, 1861, delegates from the seven Deep South states which had already declared their secession from the United States of America adopted the...
and was assigned to the Army of the Trans-Mississippi Department. Clemson worked in Arkansas
Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the southern region of the United States. Its name is an Algonquian name of the Quapaw Indians. Arkansas shares borders with six states , and its eastern border is largely defined by the Mississippi River...
and Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
developing nitrate mines for explosives. He was paroled on June 9, 1865 at Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport, Louisiana
Shreveport is the third largest city in Louisiana. It is the principal city of the fourth largest metropolitan area in the state of Louisiana and is the 109th-largest city in the United States....
, after four years of service. His son, Captain John Calhoun Clemson, enlisted in the Confederate States Army
Confederate States Army
The Confederate States Army was the army of the Confederate States of America while the Confederacy existed during the American Civil War. On February 8, 1861, delegates from the seven Deep South states which had already declared their secession from the United States of America adopted the...
and spent two years in a Union prison camp on Johnson's Island
Johnson's Island
Johnson's Island is a island in Sandusky Bay, located on the coast of Lake Erie, 3 miles from the city of Sandusky, Ohio. It was the site of a prisoner-of-war camp for Confederate officers captured during the American Civil War. Johnson's Island was the only Union prison exclusively for Southern...
, in Lake Erie, Ohio.
Founding Clemson University
Outliving his wife and his children, Clemson drafted a final will in the mid 1880s. The will called for the establishment of a land-grant institution called "The Clemson Agricultural College of South Carolina" upon the property of the Fort HillFort Hill (Clemson)
Fort Hill, also known as the John C. Calhoun Mansion and Library, is a National Historic Landmark in South Carolina which was once the home of John C. Calhoun. It is now part of Clemson University.-History:...
estate. He believed that education, especially scientific education, leads to economic prosperity. He wanted to start an agricultural college because he felt that government officials did not appreciate the importance of agricultural education.
Although the college was an all white, all male college when it opened, Clemson did not explicitly ban women or African Americans from attending Clemson, unlike the founders of Vanderbilt, Tulane, Rice and other southern universities.
The military college, founded in 1889, opened its doors in 1893 to 446 cadets. Clemson Agricultural College was renamed Clemson University
Clemson University
Clemson University is an American public, coeducational, land-grant, sea-grant, research university located in Clemson, South Carolina, United States....
in 1964. A statue of Thomas Green Clemson and the Fort Hill
Fort Hill (Clemson)
Fort Hill, also known as the John C. Calhoun Mansion and Library, is a National Historic Landmark in South Carolina which was once the home of John C. Calhoun. It is now part of Clemson University.-History:...
house are located on the campus. The town of Calhoun that bordered the campus was renamed Clemson
Clemson, South Carolina
Clemson is a college town located in Pickens County in the U.S. state of South Carolina. The population was 11,939 at the 2000 census and center of an urban cluster with a total population of 42,199...
in 1943.