Deaf Smith - Biography

Biography

Smith was born in Dutchess County, New York. He was the son of Chilab and Mary Smith. In 1798, his family moved near to Natchez, Mississippi, where the Grand Gulf Nuclear Generating Station is currently located. He came to Texas in 1821 for health reasons but returned to Natchez in 1822. His health apparently recovered except for a partial loss of hearing, hence the nickname "Deaf" Smith, pronounced "Deef Smith." Smith, also known as "El Sordo," appeared in many areas of Mexican Texas and was in most significant actions related to development of the region both under Mexico and during evolution of independence. At San Jose Mission, he introduced a fine stock of Muley cattle from Louisiana to the San Antonio area, where the Longhorn breed was previously popular. He used San Antonio de Bexar as a base. Smith's family lived at the southwest corner of Presa and Nueva Streets in San Antonio de Bexar.