CAPTAIN JOHN T. SMITH
 New
York may justly be proud of her contribution to
Houston County's honor roll of pioneers. On
March 5th, 1815 Captain John T. Smith was born
in the State of New York and later moved to
Georgia, where he served in the Legislature of
the State before coming to Texas in 1849 to
begin a memorable career as a citizen of the
Lone Star State. He served in the Texas
Legislature during three sessions in 1866, 1873
and 1874.
He died in Austin on February 16th, 1874, while
serving in the Legislature and a delegation of
Representatives escorted his remains to Crockett
for burial. Dr. Frank Rainey, one of his
best friends, also served with him in 1874, and
at the memorial services held in the Legislative
Hall, paid him a high and glowing tribute and
accompanied his remains to Crockett. Among
other things, Dr. Rainey said: "During the Civil
War, he served
in the Confederate
Army, and his services proved him to be worthy.
He was the head of a family who almost idolized
him for his many virtues. One of Texas noblest
sons had died. His character was irreproachable.
Captain Smith
also served several terms as Chief Justice of
Houston County. At one time he operated
the steamboat "Ida Reese" on the Trinity River.
His family was hardly less distinguished than
himself. His oldest daughter, Augusta Louise,
first married Isaac Adair, who died while
serving in the Confederate Army. She later
married J. M. Porter, one of the outstanding
citizens of Houston County, who gave his name to
the town of Porter Springs. His next
oldest daughter, Georgiana, married Captain B.
B. Arrington, and they have a number of
descendants still living in Crockett. His
third daughter, Elizabeth, married B. F.
Chamberlain, the father of our fellow-townsman,
B. F. Chamberlain. His fourth daughter,
Grace, married Dr. S. T. Beasley, and was the
mother of Mrs. W. H. Denny and Stephen T.
Beasley. His fifth daughter, Mollie,
married I. W. Murchison and she was the mother
of Smith and Gaines Murchison. The one son of
Captain Smith was Dr. John B. Smith, an eminent
physician, who also served as Representative in
the Texas Legislature
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