US Congressman. He was educated at the College of William and Mary and is supposed to have served in the Revolution, though in what capacity is not known. He then studied medicine in England, afterwards beginning a medical practice in Augusta, Georgia. Smelt developed a successful practice and also conducted published research on the causes of infectious diseases. Interested in religion, he was a founder of the Augusta Meeting House, one of the first (possible the first) churches in Augusta. Active in education, he was a member of the University of Georgia's Board of Trustees from 1800 to 1811. A leader in Augusta's politics, he was an organizer of the Anti-Federalist (later Democratic-Republican) party in Georgia and served as a presidential elector in 1800. In 1806 he was the successful Democratic-Republican nominee for the US House of Representatives in the special election held to fill the vacancy created by Joseph Bryan's resignation and served the remainder of Bryan's term and two full terms, September, 1806 to March, 1811. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1810 and returned to his medical practice.
US Congressman. He was educated at the College of William and Mary and is supposed to have served in the Revolution, though in what capacity is not known. He then studied medicine in England, afterwards beginning a medical practice in Augusta, Georgia. Smelt developed a successful practice and also conducted published research on the causes of infectious diseases. Interested in religion, he was a founder of the Augusta Meeting House, one of the first (possible the first) churches in Augusta. Active in education, he was a member of the University of Georgia's Board of Trustees from 1800 to 1811. A leader in Augusta's politics, he was an organizer of the Anti-Federalist (later Democratic-Republican) party in Georgia and served as a presidential elector in 1800. In 1806 he was the successful Democratic-Republican nominee for the US House of Representatives in the special election held to fill the vacancy created by Joseph Bryan's resignation and served the remainder of Bryan's term and two full terms, September, 1806 to March, 1811. He was not a candidate for reelection in 1810 and returned to his medical practice.
Bio by: Bill McKern
Family Members
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See more Smelt memorials in:
Records on Ancestry
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