Monday, October 28, 2013

Selman DeWitt Smith


1900 census

1910 census

Marriage

WWI draft card

1920 census

1930 census

1940 census

WWII draft card

1942

Death

Selman DeWitt "Sel" Smith was born December 7, 1889 in Leagueville, Tx. to Phelps and Sarah Brownlow Smith where he lived his entire life. Three sisters and two brothers were born in Tennessee: Forrest and Eugenia (both died in Tennessee)Amner, Beulah and Bertie (these three moving to Texas in 1880), Milton Martin, Egbert Gip, Una Blanche and Ina Bland were born in Leagueville. He attended Leagueville School. After the death of his Father he was largely responsible for providing for his widowed Mother and two older and two younger sisters. He married Ella Hopson in 1912; they were parents of eight children: a still born son, Ina Bess, Willie Mae, Selman Gip, Bruce Phelps, Mason Lynn, Beulah Dot and William Wayne.

He was a farmer and rancher, growing cotton and grain crops in the early years and later diversifying to truck crops and livestock production. He worked mules until 1946 when he purchased a Ford tractor and equipment. During the 'T-MODEL' days a trip with other family members was made to Oklahoma to visit his brother Egbert and family. 

Politically active, he served as precint chairman and election judge as long as Leagueville had a voting box. He served on the board for Leagueville School until consolidation with Brownsboro School in 1934. He served on the board of Brownsboro Independent School District until his death.

In the early 1950's he became ill with Parkinsons Disease. In 1957 he had a successful brain surgery which relieved some of the symptoms. While undergoing a second surgery he had a hemmorage from which he never recovered and passed away on November 23, 1957 and was buried in Leagueville Cemetery.

Father: Phelps Smith


Children with Ella Mae Hopson Smith:

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