THE SMITH FAMILY SMITH |
VIRGIL STEWART "TOM" SMITH, second child of William and Emily Smith, was born on September 4, 1843 in Early County, Georgia. The Smith family moved from Macon Georgia to DeRidder, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana, in 1844. He enlisted, age 18, with his father, in the Confederate Army. Both were wounded in Battle of Mansfield. After the war, Virgil walked from Mansfield, Louisiana, through Shelbyville to Newton County, Texas. He worked at various jobs throughout Texas and Louisiana. He married RACHEL JOSEPHINE BRAZER on February 2, 1879 in DeSoto Parish, Louisiana. Rachel was born in Bosque County, Texas near Waco on February 3, 1862. She was the daughter of EZEKIAL BAZER (July 5, 1833-August 10, 1867) and SUSIAN FRANCES THIGPEN (d.1864). After the death of her parents, Susian "Fanny", an older sister, and Rachel were brought to their grandmother (Mrs. Joe Bazer) in DeSoto Parish Louisiana. Tom and Rachel were married in 1879. They purchased a place two miles from Mansfield, Louisiana. On New Years day of 1900, they moved to Center, Shelby County, Texas where the family grew and roots were established. Virgil "Tom" died at home on March 22, 1920. Rachel died at home on January 14, 1931. Both are buried in Fairview Cemetery, Center, Shelby County, Texas.
The children of Virgil "Tom" and Rachel Smith:
| Index | The Children | Date of Birth/Notes |
| 1. | 01/21/1880 | |
| 2. | 08/31/1882 | |
| 3. | 01/02/1883 | |
| 4. | Irby Frances Smith | 09/11/1884 died 05/02/1887 |
| 5. | Infant Smith | 09/10/1886 died 10/01/1886 |
| 6. | 08/15/1888 | |
| 7. | 04/17/1890 | |
| 8. | 06/17/1892 | |
| 9. | 01/04/1894 | |
| 10. | 08/02/1895 |