Thomas Smith Grimké

b.9/26, d.10/12.

Brother of Sarah and Angelina Grimke. Native of Charleston SC.

Educated at Yale from 1805 - 7. A educator and reformer widely regarded as very eccentric A spoof on his reform activities was printed in the U.S. Telegraph has him preaching

"that the practice amont the male sex of wearing pantaloons in the summer season is ... unnatural, and therefore contrary to human duty. In accordance with this opinion, he has appeared for several days past in King Street in petticoats of striped gingham. To render the dress still more cool, it is made to reach just below the knees, and is worn with the old fashioned hoops" (Source: U.S. Telegraph, 5/5/34, quoted in Freehling, Prelude to Civil War, p181)

Studied law under Langdon Cheves (at his father's behest, despite his inclination to be a Minister), and was then, for some years, the law partner of Robert Y. Hayne. In the State Senate from 1826-30, supporting the federal gov't on the Tariff issue and opposing then and later, Nullification.

In education, he would have replaced the central role of the classics and mathematics in education with a combination of religious, and strictly practical teaching. He also tried to reform English spelling and himself, refused to spell out silent letters. He played an important role in the informal education of Sarah Grimke. (Main source: DAB)