DUANE
Duane's take
Here's how the official marker tells it — the story of Thomas Jefferson Smith, as recorded for Fort Bend County. Born in Virginia in 1808, reared in Georgia, this man had a habit of showing up exactly where history was being made — whether he wanted to or not. In 1836, he fought in the Texas War for Independence, riding under James W.
Fannin at Refugio Mission. Now, if you know your Texas history, you already feel a chill at that name — Fannin, Refugio, 1836. And sure enough, Smith was captured at Goliad.
One of the darkest episodes of that whole war. But here's where his story takes a turn most of his comrades never got. He was spared — kept alive to repair guns for the Mexican Army.
Think about that. A Texas fighter, kept breathing to keep the other side's weapons working. Whatever he felt about that arrangement, he did what he had to do.
Then came San Jacinto. While that battle raged, Thomas Jefferson Smith escaped. Just like that, the war ended and he walked out the other side of it — alive, free, and ready to start over.
He settled in Richmond after the war. Built himself a life, the way a practical man does: a blacksmith shop, a hotel, a livery stable. The tools, the travelers, the horses — he had it covered.
The county took notice of a man like that. He served as Sheriff of Fort Bend County from 1853 to 1857. He married twice and raised eight children.
Thomas Jefferson Smith died on February 16, 1890. Born in Virginia, made in the fire of Goliad, shaped by San Jacinto — and finally laid to rest in the county he helped build.
What the marker says
Born in Virginia 1808, reared in Georgia. Fought in Texas War for Independence, 1836, under James W. Fannin at Refugio Mission. Captured at Goliad, was spared to repair guns for Mexican Army. Escaped during Battle of San Jacinto. Settled in Richmond after the war; owned blacksmith shop, hotel, livery stable. Sheriff of Fort Bend County 1853-1857. Married twice and father of eight; he died Feb. 16, 1890.