Niles F. Smith
Sabine Pass, Jefferson County, Texas
Marker Inscription
A native of New York, came to Texas with Robertson's colony in 1834. He served as a soldier in the Texas Revolution. In 1839 he moved to Jefferson County, and settled in Sabine Pass in 1841. He held many official positions in the Republic of Texas government, including the first banking commissioner, collector of customs and land agent. A developer of Sabine Pass, he built the first steam sawmill and the first church in Jefferson County. Smith supported the annexation of Texas to the United States in 1845. He is buried here along with his wife Abigail and their two sons. Sesquicentennial of Texas Statehood 1845 - 1995
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A New Yorker who came to Texas with Robertson's colony in 1834, Niles F. Smith fought in the Texas Revolution and then helped build the young Republic, serving as its first banking commissioner along with posts as customs collector and land agent. Settling at Sabine Pass in 1841, he erected Jefferson County's first steam sawmill and its first church, and backed annexation to the United States in 1845. He rests here beside his wife Abigail and their two sons.
Why it matters
Smith's career threads through the whole founding arc of Texas—revolution, independent republic, and statehood—showing how one frontier developer helped turn a raw coastline into a functioning American community.
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Related people
- · Niles F. Smith
- · Abigail Smith
Related events
- · Texas Revolution
- · Annexation of Texas
Themes & tags
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