HistoricSiteMarkers
Early Republic

William Berry Smith

Iredell, Bosque County, Texas

Marker Inscription

Came to Texas from North Carolina in 1834. A soldier in the Texas War for Independence. Veteran of the Indian Wars. Died June 30, 1876 - 84 years old. Erected by the State of Texas 1957

Erected by Texas Historical Commission

The Story

William Berry Smith came to Texas from North Carolina in 1834, served as a soldier in the Texas War for Independence, and went on to fight as a veteran of the frontier Indian wars. He lived to the age of 84, dying in 1876, and was honored with this state marker in 1957.

Why it matters

His life spans the founding struggle of the Republic and the long frontier conflicts that followed, the twin ordeals of Texas's first Anglo generation.

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Related people

  • · William Berry Smith

Related events

  • · Texas Revolution

Themes & tags

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