Western Pioneer. Born in Kentucky, he relocated to the Texas Territory 1853. He worked as a teacher, clerk and surveyor before his appointment as Deputy Surveyor of the Denton Land Department in 1855. He also was a student of law and was later admitted to the bar in 1860. During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Army Texas 7th Calvary and was severely wounded at Donaldsville, Louisiana. After the war, returned to Fort Worth, where he became involved in the development of the City. He helped organize a bank, gas light company and street railway. He also donated land for parks, cemeteries, the first stockyard in Fort Worth and a hospital, later named the John Peter Smith Hospital. In 1882, he became Mayor serving until 1891 and directed the establishment of many public services, including the school system and the water department. He died at age 69 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Western Pioneer. Born in Kentucky, he relocated to the Texas Territory 1853. He worked as a teacher, clerk and surveyor before his appointment as Deputy Surveyor of the Denton Land Department in 1855. He also was a student of law and was later admitted to the bar in 1860. During the Civil War, he served in the Confederate Army Texas 7th Calvary and was severely wounded at Donaldsville, Louisiana. After the war, returned to Fort Worth, where he became involved in the development of the City. He helped organize a bank, gas light company and street railway. He also donated land for parks, cemeteries, the first stockyard in Fort Worth and a hospital, later named the John Peter Smith Hospital. In 1882, he became Mayor serving until 1891 and directed the establishment of many public services, including the school system and the water department. He died at age 69 in St. Louis, Missouri.
Bio by: John "J-Cat" Griffith
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