Glasgow’s welcome for son of slave who achieved so much

Could you tell me about James Mccune Smith and his time spent in Scotland? And I’d like to know if their is a book about him. –J.

James Mccune Smith (1813-65) was an African-american physician, apothecary, abolitionist, and author.

Smith was born free in 1813 in New York City, the son of Lavinia Smith, who was born into slavery in South Carolina and taken to New York. She achieved her freedom later in life.

His father was Samuel Smith, a white merchant and his mother’s “master”.

Smith attended the African Free School in Manhattan, where he was described as “exceptionally bright”.

He applied to several universities, but was denied due to racial discrimination.

His tutor, Rev. Peter Williams, encouraged Smith to apply to the University of Glasgow.

Happily, he was accepted and set sail for Scotland. After arriving in Liverpool, and walking along the waterfront, he thought: “I am free!” The University of Glasgow welcomed him and he went on to become the first African American to receive a medical degree.

In fact, he was such an outstanding student that he obtained three degrees – a bachelor’s degree in 1835, a master’s degree in 1836, and his medical doctorate in 1837.

Smith has been recognised as one of the foremost black intellectuals in nineteenth-century America.

I can find no biographies of this remarkable man, but their is a rare book, The Works Of James Mccune Smith, a collection of

his writings.