author

Z. F. (Zachariah Frederick) Smith

1827–1911

A Kentucky educator and historian, he helped rebuild public schooling after the Civil War and went on to write expansive works about the state's past. His books mix civic pride, local memory, and a deep interest in Kentucky families and institutions.

1 Audiobook

The Battle of New Orleans including the Previous Engagements between the Americans and the British, the Indians and the Spanish which led to the Final Conflict on the 8th of January, 1815

The Battle of New Orleans including the Previous Engagements between the Americans and the British, the Indians and the Spanish which led to the Final Conflict on the 8th of January, 1815

by Z. F. (Zachariah Frederick) Smith

About the author

Born in Henry County, Kentucky, in 1827, he was educated at Bacon College in Harrodsburg and began his career as a farmer before moving into education. Records from archival and library authority sources describe him as president of Henry College before the Civil War and later as Kentucky's superintendent of public instruction.

In that state role, he is credited with redesigning Kentucky's public school system after the war and with helping found the Louisville Free Public Library in 1869. He later became especially known as a historian and man of letters, publishing works including The History of Kentucky and The Clay Family.

He remained active in Kentucky historical circles for decades, and archival collections connect him with the Filson Club as well as a long public career in education, writing, and civic life. He died in Louisville in 1911.