My Genealogy Hound

Capt. David Tucker Smith, one of the leading and enterprising citizens of Richland Township, was born in Henderson County, West Tenn., November 7, 1824. His parents, Merideth and Elizabeth (Tucker) Smith, were natives of North Carolina, and when children came to Tennessee, where after growing up they were married. They then lived in West Tennessee for a few years, and then moved to Bedford County, of the same State where they received their final summons: both in 1853. He died at the age of sixty-three, and there was but a few months difference in their ages. He was a blacksmith all his life, and was a natural mechanic; could make almost anything out of iron or steel. He made money rapidly, but spent it at the same rate. He was a Democrat in politics, and a soldier in the War of 1812. To their marriage were born eight children, Capt. David T. being next to the youngest. He remained at home with his parents, learned his father’s trade, and worked at the same until 1850, when he came to Madison County, Ark., locating at Huntsville, where he lived a few years. He then moved to his present location, and worked at his trade for several years after the war. He has since been engaged in tilling the soil. Early in 1861 he enlisted in Capt. S. Inyard’s company, afterward Capt. Palmer’s company, for two years as Home Guards; first went out as State troops, but were afterward Home Guards. The two last years of the war he was captain of a company that bore his name, and was in Col. Brooks’ Regiment. He was in many battles and numerous skirmishes. He was twice wounded by bursting shells, once in the thigh and once below the knee. Two days afterward he was in the service and in another fight. June 5, 1844, many years previous to the war, Capt. Smith married Miss Elizabeth Trollinger, a native of Bedford County, Tenn., born October 5, 1824, and the daughter of John Trollinger. This union has been blessed by the birth of a large family of children: Joseph M. and Andrew J., twins, born February 25, 1845; Rebecca J., born July 13, 1847, wife of W. Duncan; George W., born July 15, 1849; P. F., born July 18, 1853; Daniel F., born March 21, 1855; Julia Ann, born April 2, 1857, wife of John Clark; Birdine T., born April 7, 1859, wife of Charles Gordon; Jefferson D., born April 18, 1863; Nancy J ., born May 28, 1866, at home; Susan E., born November 9, 1868. Those deceased were named as follows: Sarah E., born May 17, 1851, and died November 7, 1860, and Laura L., born May 27, 1865, and died July 11, 1866. Mr. Smith is a stanch Democrat in politics, and is one of the enterprising citizens of the county.