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Title
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Smith, Sophia (1796-1870)
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birthday
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1796-08-27
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Birthplace
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Hatfield, MA
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Death Date
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1870-06-12
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Occupation
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Educator
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Biographical Text
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Sophia Smith was the founder of Smith College for women. Smith was the first daughter after three boys, and took on a parental role for her younger sisters growing up. She attended schools in Hatfield, MA and Hartford, CT, and later Hopkins Academy in Hadley, MA. Following the death of her oldest brother, Smith acquired his sizable fortune. She first thought to use this money towards an institute for the deaf, but ultimately chose to use it to endow Smith College, a college solely for women. The university opened its doors in 1875, and had fourteen students in its first class. Smith also put money towards Smith Academy, a coeducational high school located in Hatfield, MA.
Smith passed on June 12, 1870 at the age of seventy-three.
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Contributor
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O'Neill, Iris
Sophia Smith, House