Cooper Owens

My husband's family

Stanley Smith Wedding

Leagueville Baptist Church, Leagueville, Texas.

Smith siblings

Stanley, Wade, and Waynette Smith.

(I would love to recreate this photo!)

Stanley Smith

Hopson trio

Ella Mae Hopson Smith, Riley Hopson, Willie Hopson Kidd

Cousins

Nolan Owen and Wayne Smith, Leagueville, Texas

Leagueville Students

Leagueville Students

Fairview School Photo

Edwin Smith and neighbor

Edwin Smith and neighbor, "Shorty."

Colley Grandparents

Most likely Francis M. and Francis J. Skeen Colley. 

The first record of Francis M. and Francis J. Skeen Colley is their marriage certificate in Leake County, Mississippi. 

September 20, 1860

The second record I can find for them is the 1880 census in Van Zandt County, Texas. 

Francis M. Colly

White

Male

44

Farmer

Birthplace: South Carolina

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: South Carolina

    

Francis J. 

White

Female

37

Wife

Keeping house

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Georgia

Birthplace of Mother: Georgia

Nancy C

White

Female

13

Daughter

Birthplace: Missouri

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Sarah E

White

Female

11

Daughter

Birthplace: Mississippi         

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

John A

White

Male

9

Son

Birthplace: Mississippi         

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Thomas

White

Male 

6

Son

Birthplace: Mississippi         

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

James

White

Male 

4

Son

Birthplace: Mississippi         

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Jessee

White

Male

1

Son

Birthplace: Mississippi         

Birthplace of Father: South Carolina

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

1880 Non-Population census record

Sources: "Mississippi, Marriages, 1800-1911," index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/V2ZR-PTK : accessed 30 Nov 2013), F. M. Coley and Frances Skeen, 1860.

"United States Census, 1880," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/MFJN-WS6 : accessed 29 Oct 2013), Francis M. Colly, Van Zandt, Texas, United States; citing sheet 9D, family 0, NARA microfilm publication T9-1330

A.J. and Sarah Brantley

Arch Davidson

Smith Family Photo

Sel, Ella, and Ina Bess Smith

Back to Selman DeWitt Smith and Ella Mae Hopson Smith

Ina Bess Smith Owen

Elmer Hopson and Beulah Smith

Sel and Ella Hopson Smith

Approximately 1942


Back to Selman DeWitt Smith and Ella Mae Hopson Smith

Earnest Edwin Smith

Earnest Edwin Smith

FROM THE QUANAH TRIBUNE CHIEF, 13 AUG. 1908

DOUBLE TRAGEDY

Two young farmers meet on the streets of Chillicothe, Tx., have a duel unto death.

They were brothers-in-law and had a deep-seated grudge which terminated in a horrible manner.

A double killing, the worst that ever happened in this country, took place at Chillicothe yesterday evening at five o’clock, in which two young Wilbarger County farmers lost their lives.

An eye-witness tells us the following:

Joe Smith, a quarter-breed Indian and ex-school teacher, had married the sister of Tom Robbins and the three young people were living together on the former’s farm, three miles East of Chillicothe. Joe was a little man, well thought of by his neighbors, while his brother-in-law was single and a big, strapping fellow, a cousin to Jno. W. Robbins the ex- State treasurer. The two raised a crop together and had a falling-out afterwards. They did not speak to each other, though Robbins continued living at the other’s house.

Yesterday evening Smith, his wife and little baby drove to Chillicothe to meet a relative, who was to come in on the train, while Robbins came to town afterwards. Our informant says he saw a little man lean against a post in front of a Drug Store, when a big, burly fellow came forward and without warning hit him a terrible blow with his fist. Both men drew their knives and Smith’s soon found it’s way to the other’s heart, while he himself was mortally wounded by a knife thrust in the back. Robbins die instantly. While Smith lingered about twenty minutes.

The tragedy was over in a few seconds and the grief of Mrs. Smith, who had been in the Drug Store, was one of the saddest things imaginable to witness.

Sheriff Walker, who had left town a few minutes before was notified upon his arrival at Quanah of what had happened and returned on the next train.

The Woodmen of the World took charge of the body of Smith and it was shipped back to his old home in Anderson County this morning.

Compiled by Jon Harris, great-nephew of Smith

Corrections:

Smith’s name was Ernest Edwin (not sure where the Joe came from) and was not thought to have Indian blood; his body was brought back to HENDERSON COUNTY where he was buried in New Hope Community Cemetery beside two infant children. He was the son of Phelps and Sarah Jane Brownlow Smith.

Corley-Colley Brothers

On back: J? Corley, JJ Corley

Probably James J. "Jim" Colley and brother, Jesse Corley

Group Photo in Leagueville, Texas

Walter Hopson - Wayne Smith

Walter Hopson and Wayne Smith at Leagueville Baptist Church. Circa 1989.

Littleton Davidson

Submitted by Leta Davidson Lantrip
Great Granddaughter of Littleton Davidson

William Davidson and his son, John W., were two of the Davidson pioneers who settled in Van Zandt County. William was born March 10, 1798, to John and Martha Campbell Davidson in Anson Co., NC. He married Mary Kinsley in Warren Co., GA in 1820 and to them were born 8 children: John Wesley, Amy, Adam, Gideon, William Henry, Andrew Jackson, Lucinda, Francine, Lucretia and Henry M. John W. married Emaline Spence in 1841 in Decatur Co., GA. To them were born 10 children: John Felin, Littleton, Leaston, Archibald, James F., Mary Ellen, Florida Palmira and Savannah. In 1845, the two families moved to Gadsden Co., FL and resided there until 1853 when they left for Texas by wagon. The Davidsons traveled on the Tyler-Canton Road which ran by the Hambrick Plantation (now Roseland) and then veered north. They settled about 4 miles west of Edom in the year 1854. William was a carpenter and John W. was a farmer.

When the War Between the States began on April 12, 1861, John W. and his three older sons enlisted in the Confederate Army. John Felin, the elder son, is believed to have been killed in Tennessee.

Littleton, the 2nd son of John W., stayed in the settled area his entire life. He married Sabitha Carolina Hardee in 1866. The 1st Davidson cotton gin, one of the first in this area, was located a quarter mile north of the present Hwy 64 on present VZCR 4907. It was built in the late 1860's and could only gin about 4-5 bales of cotton per day. Littleton lived at this location until the late 1890's when he moved 2 miles to Primrose. A new gin was built located at the intersections of present VZCRs 4905 and 4907 and could gin 1-2 bales per hour. Along with his son, Asbury, Littleton operated a grist mill and a general store. A federal post office was commissioned there on January 10, 1902, located in the store and Littleton was appointed postmaster of Primrose, TX. The post office was abolished and (contents) moved to Ben Wheeler on January 31, 1910.

Leaston Davidson married (1) Mary Anna Germany in 1868, and (2) Virginia Germany (Anna's sister) in 1877. James F. Davidson married Fannie Rains in 1883. The two brothers built a new gin at a community they named "Davidson," three miles west of Edom. They operated a general store with a federal post office located in the store. James F. served as postmaster until the office (contents) was moved to Edom, TX. James F. founded the Alamo Institute, Ben Wheeler, TX, and served as schoolmaster and teacher. Leaston served as VZ County Judge from 1917-1920. His son, John Wesley, served as county judge from 1901-1905. Leaston was also in the store business with Gulledge in Edom and Ben Wheeler.

Archibald Davidson resided near Ben Wheeler and was a prosperous farmer. He married (1) Eugenia Hays in 1878 and (2) Susan Johnson in 1884. Mary Ellen Davidson married Buck Adrian in 1874. Florida Palmira Davidson married Benjamin Cates in 1874. Savannah married King Lollar Melvin Adrian in 1878.

So, the early Davidsons were carpenters, farmers, gin men, store owners, postmasters, and school teachers in the Edom area. They served on school boards, cemetery boards, worked in the Methodist churches and community organizations. Our home stands on my grandparents' homeplace. From 1854 until 2004, Davidsons have lived in this section of Van Zandt County. My Grandmother's flowers still bloom after all this time for me to enjoy.

A.J. Adrian

Cemetery Day

Cemetery Day at Leagueville Cemetery. The food was served on tables outside. 

Man with hand on his, Gaines "Bug" Smith

Woman with her back to the camera, Una Adair

Girl looking at camera, Shanna Smith

Boy looking at camera, Scott Smith

Col. Gaines Chisholm Smith

father: Phelps Smith

mother: Elizabeth Unknown

spouse: Matilda Jane Davis

spouse: Eliza Louisa Wickham

spouse: Elizabeth Johnson

children with Matilda Jane Davis:

1. Mary Ann Smith
2. Phelps Smith
3. Harriet D. Smith
4. Elizabeth Smith
5. Milton Long Smith
6. Matilda Jane Smith
7. John Smith
8. Margaret Smith
9. Melissa Smith
10. Emma Thomas Smith

children with Eliza Louisa Wickham:

1. Robert Lee Smith
2. Jeff D Smith
3. Ida J Smith
4. Flora Smith
5. Alice Smith

children with Elizabeth Johnson:

1. BeBedford Forrest Smith
2. Custer W Smith
3. Robert Ewell Smith
4. Tommy Smith (?)


marriage certificate - 1845

marriage to Matilda Jane Davis - 1845

Mexican-American War record

1850 census

1860 census

In letter from William Cowan McClellan - 1861

injury at Gettysburg - 1863

marriage to Eliza Louisa Wickham - 1868

1870 census

Alabama, Her History, Resources, War Record, and Public Men: From 1540-1872 (summary of 9th Alabama Infantry)

1880 census

marriage to Elizabeth Johnson - 1884

Witness on Blaney W. Wade's Mexican War Pension application - April 6, 1887

article: An Old Veteran - 1894

Mexican War pension application -1889

witness to Haney - Walker marriage - September 1, 1889

1900 census

pension application, with widow application

1907 Alabama Census of Confederate Soldiers

1910 census

Obituary

Burial

Mexican War pension application by widow, Elizabeth Smith

house picture - 1930s

homesite picture - 1970

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

Mother: Sarah Jane Brownlow Smith

Wife: Ella Mae Hopson Smith

Children with Ella Mae Hopson Smith:

1. Infant son

2. Ina Bess Smith Owen

3. Wille Mae Smith Gideon

4. Selman Gip Smith

5. Bruce Phelps Smith

6. Mason Lynn Smith

7. Dorothy Beulah Smith Skrobanek

8. William Wayne Smith

Sylvan "Buck" Philen

Sylvan "Buck" Philen, half-brother of my great-grandfather, James Colley. 

Peter Lesley Smith

Burial: Bayou Macon Cemetery, West Carroll Parish, Louisiana

1910 census
1920 census
1930 census
1940 census


Descendants

1940 census: Peter Lesley Smith

1940 census
Location: Floyd, West Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Date: 08 Apr 1940

P. L. Smith-
Head
Male
Negro
70
Married
Highest grade completed: 7th
Birthplace: Mississippi
Residence April 1, 1935: same place

Matilda-
Wife
Female
Negro
64
Married

Highest grade completed: 7th

Birthplace: Mississippi

Residence April 1, 1935: same place

P. L. Jr.-

Son

Male

Negro

22

Single

Highest grade completed: 7th

Birthplace: Mississippi

Residence April 1, 1935: same place

Source: "United States Census, 1940," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1961-27774-4903-5?cc=2000219&wc=M9QX-9MX:n613815835 : accessed 28 Oct 2013), Louisiana > West Carroll > Police Jury Ward 2 > 62-4 Police Jury Ward 2 E of State Highway 16, Darnell (part), Floyd, Pioneer (part); citing NARA digital publication of T627.

1930 census: Peter Lesley Smith

1930 census
Location: Police Jury 2, West Carroll Parish, Louisiana
Date: 08 Apr 1930

Pete L. Smith-
Head
Family lives on farm
Male
White
60
Married
Age at first marriage: 23
Birthplace: Mississippi
Birthplace of Father: Alabama
Birthplace of Mother: Alabama
Occupation: Farmer on general farm

Matilda-
Wife
Female
White
52
Married
Age at first marriage: 15
Can read and write.

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Norris-

Son

Male

White

21

Single

Did not attend school within the past year. 

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

P. L.-
Son
Male
White
13
Single

Attended school within the past year. 

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Louisiana

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

James-

Son

Male

White

11

Single

Attended school within the past year. 

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Louisiana

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Pearl Felker-

Daughter

Female

White

20

Married

Age at first marriage: 17

Can read and write.

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Source: "United States Census, 1930," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1-12065-56589-12?cc=1810731&wc=M974-WRV:508934553 : accessed 27 Oct 2013), Louisiana > West Carroll > Police Jury Ward 2 > 0002; citing NARA microfilm publication T626.

1920 census: Peter Lesley Smith

1920 census
Location: West Carroll Parish, Louisiana

P. L. Smith-

Head

Male

White

50

Married

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Farmer on general farm

Matilda-

Wife

Female

White

44

Married

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

John-

Son

Male

White

23

Single

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Farmer on general farm

Edward-

Son

Male

White

17

Single

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Farmer on general farm

Winnie-

Daughter

Female

White

13

Single

Attended school within the past year. 

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Norris-

Son

Male

White

12

Single

Attended school within the past year. 

Can read and write. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Pearl- 

Daughter

Female

White

9

Single

Attended school within the past year. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Gondel-

Son

Female

White

8

Single

Attended school within the past year. 

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

P. L.-

Son

Male

White

3

Single

Birthplace: Louisiana

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

James-

Son

Male

White

9/12

Single

Birthplace: Louisiana

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Source: "United States Census, 1920," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-267-11765-91462-63?cc=1488411&wc=M97G-W5W:150100257 : accessed 27 Oct 2013), Louisiana > West Carroll > Epps > 0136; citing NARA microfilm publication T625.

1910 census: Peter Lesley Smith

1910 census
Location: Beat 2, Simpson County, Mississippi
Date: 20-21 Apr 1910

P. L. Smith-
Head
Male
White
40
Married
Number of years of present marriage: 17
Birthplace: Mississippi
Birthplace of Father: Mississippi
Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi
Occupation: Farmer

Matilda Smith
Wife
Female
White
34
Married

Number of years of present marriage: 17

Mother of 10 children, 9 living

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Lula Smith

Daughter

Female

White

15

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Student

J. D. Smith

Son

Male

White

14

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Student

Bury Smith

Son

Male

White

12

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Student

Minnie Smith

Daughter

Female

White

11

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Student

Bessie Smith

Daughter

Female

White

9

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Student

Earl Smith

Son

Male

White

7

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Occupation: Student

Winnie Smith

Daughter

Female

White

4

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Norris Smith

Son

Male

White

2

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Pearl Smith

Daughter

Female

White

1/12

Single

Birthplace: Mississippi

Birthplace of Father: Mississippi

Birthplace of Mother: Mississippi

Source: "United States Census, 1910," index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-266-11077-3481-67?cc=1727033&wc=M9WN-ZG9:n480547431 : accessed 27 Oct 2013), Mississippi > Simpson > Beat 2 > 0123; citing NARA microfilm publication T624.