Smith, Erastus "Deaf"

Born in New York State; family moved to near Natchez, MS, in 1798. In 1817, made his first trip to Texas; in 1825, went to Gonzales, TX, and then to San Antonio. In the Texas War of Independence, served as a scout, spy and captain in the Texas Rangers; just before the Battle of San Jacinto, destroyed a bridge to prevent the Mexican army from using it, which was instrumental in the Texan victory over the Mexican army. In retirement, settled in Richmond, TX, where he died and was buried in an Episcopal churchyard that has since vanished. The exact site of Smith's grave is now lost, but is believed to lie underneath the intersection of Houston and 3rd Street, near the northeast corner. The short-lived Republic of Texas put Smith's face on its five-dollar bills. Deaf Smith County in Texas is also named in his honor, although he never actually visited that part of the state.