William Smeathers facts for kids

William "Bill" Smeathers (born around 1767 – died August 13, 1837) was an important pioneer who helped settle new lands in Kentucky and later Texas. He was also known by the names Smithers or Smothers.

Not much is known about his early life. He was likely born in Pennsylvania, Virginia, or North Carolina. When he was about 12 years old, his family faced difficult times. William later married twice, and his second wife was Mary Winters from Tennessee. He had two sons, John and Archibald, and four daughters.

Exploring and Settling Kentucky

William Smeathers was one of the very first people to settle in the Rough River area of Kentucky in 1782. There, he built a place called Smeathers Station.

He also helped establish other important settlements:

• He was an early settler of Fort Hartford, which is now Hartford.
• He helped build a fort at Vienna, later known as Calhoun, on the Green River.

In 1797 or 1798, Smeathers built a home on the Ohio River. This spot became known as Yellow Banks and is now the city of Owensboro, Kentucky. He was the first settler in that area.

William Smeathers also served his community. He was part of the Kentucky "Corn Stalk" militia in 1803. Later, he served as a captain in the Kentucky Mounted Spies during the War of 1812.

Pioneering in Texas

William Smeathers reportedly visited Texas, which was under Spanish rule at the time, in 1810. He eventually moved there permanently.

In 1821, he helped Stephen F. Austin explore the Texas coast. They were looking for the best place to start Austin's first colony.

A year later, in 1822, Smeathers was one of five men who built Fort Bend. This fort was located at a bend in the Brazos River, near where Richmond, Texas is today. The fort later gave its name to Fort Bend County.

Smeathers is listed as one of the Old Three Hundred. These were the first settlers in Austin's colony along the Brazos River in Mexican Texas. They were among the first Americans allowed to settle in Texas by the Mexican government. Later, he was also one of the first settlers in the DeWitt Colony near Hallettsville.

William Smeathers' family continued to play a role in Texas history. His son and three grandsons fought in the Texas Revolution.

William Smeathers passed away in Columbia, Texas, on August 13, 1837.

Honoring William Smeathers

William Smeathers is remembered in several places for his important contributions as a pioneer:

• Bill Smeathers Park in Owensboro, Kentucky, honors him as the first settler of the area. A Kentucky Historical Marker (#744) stands there in his honor.
• Another Kentucky Historical Marker (#1548) in Hartford, Kentucky, recognizes his help in building forts there and at Vienna (now Calhoun).
• A monument near Fort Bend, Texas, lists his name as "William Smithers." It celebrates his role in founding Fort Bend with four other men.
• A Texas State Historical Marker near Hallettsville tells the story of his achievements, listing his name as "William Smothers."
• It is believed that Smithers Lake in Fort Bend County was named after him.
• Smothers Creek in Lavaca County is also named for him. It is sometimes called Smathers or Smeathers Creek.