La Vernia in Wilson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Deaf Smith Oak Tree - the Next Generation

Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2021

1. Deaf Smith Oak Tree - the Next Generation Marker

Inscription.

This oak tree was grown from an acorn saved from the Deaf Smith tree which stood for almost 180 years on what is now the Circle N Dairy, about 300 yards from FM 775, near the Wilson-Guadalupe County line. In 1835, high up in that tall oak, where one could see far and wide, Erastus "Deaf" Smith, a scout for Gen. Sam Houston, is reported to have spied on Santa Anna's troops which were camped nearby, where the Gonzales Road crossed the Cibolo Creek about one mile from here.

The acorn was grown into a sapling by Iris and Skipper Seale, who transplanted it here on Nov. 18, 2007.

Erected 2019 by La Vernia Historical Association.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • War, Texas Independence. A significant historical date for this entry is October 18, 2007.

Location. 29° 21.31′ N, 98° 6.912′ W. Marker is in La Vernia, Texas, in Wilson County. Marker is at the intersection of U.S. 87 and Bluebonnet Drive, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 87. The marker is located west of the La Vernia Heritage Museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Vernia TX 78121, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rector Chapel Bell (here, next to this marker); La Vernia (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Chihuahua Road

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Suttles Pottery (within shouting distance of this marker); Brahan Lodge No. 226, A.F. & A.M. (approx. ¼ mile away); La Vernia United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named La Vernia United Methodist Church (approx. 0.3 miles away); Immanuel Lutheran Church (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in La Vernia.

Also see . . . Smith, Erastus [Deaf] (1787–1837).

Erastus (Deaf) Smith was born in Duchess County, New York, on April 19, 1787, the son of Chilaib and Mary Smith. At the age of eleven or twelve he moved with his parents to Natchez, Mississippi Territory. A childhood disease caused him to lose his hearing. Smith first visited Texas in 1817 but did not remain long. He returned in 1821 and settled near San Antonio, where he married a Mexican widow, Guadalupe Ruiz Durán, in 1822. The couple had four children, three of whom, all daughters, survived to adulthood. In the fall of 1825 Smith and five other men settled on the claim of James Kerr, the surveyor for the new colony of Green
Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2021

2. Deaf Smith Oak Tree and marker
DeWitt, about one mile west of the site of present Gonzales. This tiny community was the first in DeWitt's colony and one of the first American settlements west of the Colorado River. Source: The Handbook of Texas

(Submitted on March 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the Deaf Smith Oak tree from the La Vernia Heritage Museum. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By James Hulse, February 21, 2021

3. The view of the Deaf Smith Oak tree from the La Vernia Heritage Museum.

Credits. This page was last revised on March 1, 2021. It was originally submitted on March 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 59 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 1, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.