John Peter Smith, a name synonymous with the very foundations of Fort Worth, Texas, wasn’t just a resident; he was a driving force, earning the esteemed title of “the father of Fort Worth.” Born on September 16, 1831, in Owen County, Kentucky, his early life, marked by both educational pursuits and personal tragedy, laid the groundwork for a man who would profoundly shape a Texan city. This is the story of John Peter Smith, a pioneer whose vision and tireless efforts transformed a frontier outpost into a thriving urban center.
Smith’s origins were humble, born to Samuel and Polly (Bond) Smith. His childhood in Kentucky provided him with early schooling, but tragedy struck in 1844 when both his parents passed away, leaving young John and his five brothers orphaned. At just seven years old when the family moved to Ohio County and thirteen when orphaned, Smith demonstrated resilience, choosing to live under the guardianship of his cousin, W. H. Garnett. This period didn’t deter his intellectual growth; in fact, Smith received an “excellent education” within the public school system and furthered his studies in higher education.
During the late 1840s, Smith enrolled in Franklin College in Indiana, signaling his commitment to academic excellence. He then transferred to Bethany College in Virginia, where he truly excelled. In July 1853, he graduated with first honors in mathematics and ancient languages, showcasing a sharp intellect and dedication to learning. This strong educational background would prove invaluable in his future endeavors.
Returning to Kentucky after graduation, Smith’s stay was brief. Driven by the spirit of westward expansion and opportunity, he set his sights on Texas. By December 1853, he arrived in Fort Worth, a nascent settlement on the Texas frontier, and immediately recognized its potential. He decided to make it his permanent home, a decision that would irrevocably alter the course of Fort Worth’s history.
In January 1854, Smith took possession of a deserted army hospital, a relic of the Second United States Dragoons. This seemingly unremarkable building became the birthplace of education in Fort Worth. Here, Smith established the city’s first school. Though his tenure as a schoolmaster was brief, lasting only three months due to health issues, the seeds of education had been sown. The schoolhouse was later transformed into the Male and Female Academy, considered Fort Worth’s first permanent educational institution, a testament to Smith’s early commitment to community development.
However, Smith’s ambitions extended beyond the classroom. In 1855, he transitioned from teaching to surveying and land locating, skills crucial in the rapidly developing Texas landscape. For five years, he traversed the region, gaining intimate knowledge of the land and its potential. Simultaneously, he pursued legal studies under A. Y. Fowler. His dedication culminated in 1860 when District Judge Nathaniel M. Burford admitted him to the bar, marking the beginning of his legal career.
The outbreak of the Civil War in 1861 presented Smith with a moral and political dilemma. Despite voting against secession, when Texas joined the Confederacy, Smith demonstrated his loyalty to his adopted state. He rallied 120 men from Tarrant County to form Company K, under the command of Col. William Steele, joining the Seventh Regiment of the Texas Cavalry in Sibley’s brigade. He fought with the Army of Western Louisiana, participating in campaigns across New Mexico, Arizona, and Western Louisiana. He sustained severe injuries at Donaldsonville, Louisiana, in 1863, and was slightly wounded again at the Battle of Mansfield, Louisiana, in 1864. That same year, he was promoted to colonel, commanding 600 soldiers until the regiment disbanded in Navarro County on May 18, 1865, at the war’s end.
Returning to Fort Worth after the war, Smith seamlessly transitioned into civilian life, leveraging his legal expertise and land knowledge. He resumed his law practice and engaged in real estate, amassing 1,000 acres of land in Tarrant County by 1865. His land holdings doubled within five years, and by the early 1880s, his city lots were valued at over $50,000, alongside thousands of acres of land, making him reportedly the largest landowner in Fort Worth.
Smith generously utilized his wealth and influence for the betterment of Fort Worth. He played a pivotal role in moving the county seat from Birdville to Fort Worth, a strategic move that solidified Fort Worth’s position as the regional center. He was instrumental in attracting the Texas and Pacific Railroad to Fort Worth, donating significant sums to railroad expansion, recognizing the railway’s vital role in the city’s growth. Furthermore, he partnered in the Fort Worth Street Railway Company, introducing the first public transportation system within the city, improving urban mobility for residents. In 1891, he was a key figure in establishing Fort Worth’s first stockyard, a development that would transform the city into a major cattle trading hub, boosting its economy and cementing its “Cowtown” image. His support extended to numerous cattle companies and young cattlemen, further solidifying his influence in the region’s agricultural economy.
The citizens of Fort Worth recognized Smith’s invaluable contributions by electing him mayor in 1882. He served six terms, spearheading crucial public services, including the establishment of the city’s first water department, a fundamental necessity for urban growth. He championed public education, helping to create an independent school system and serving as a trustee on the first school board, furthering his early commitment to education. Beyond public office, he served as president of the Fort Worth Gas Light and Coal Company, contributing to the city’s infrastructure development. Despite being urged to run for governor of Texas, Smith declined, preferring to focus on his local interests and Fort Worth’s development.
Smith’s philanthropy extended to land donations for numerous public amenities, including Oakwood, Calvary, and Trinity cemeteries, several parks, churches, and hospitals. Notably, John Peter Smith Hospital still carries his name, a lasting reminder of his generosity and civic dedication. He was a charter member of the Fort Worth Masonic Lodge and a member of the Christian Church, further embedding himself in the social fabric of the community. He married Mary E. Fox, widow of a Fort Worth physician, in 1867, and they had five children.
John Peter Smith’s life, dedicated to the progress of Fort Worth, concluded tragically on April 11, 1901, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was on a promotional trip for Fort Worth when he succumbed to blood poisoning contracted after a robbery and assault outside his hotel. His body was returned to Fort Worth and laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery. The city honored his memory with the John Peter Smith Monument, a marble bust erected near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, on land donated by Smith himself, a permanent tribute in the heart of the city he helped build. John Peter Smith’s legacy as “the father of Fort Worth” endures, a testament to his vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to the city’s growth and prosperity.
