Near Tennille in Washington County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Colby Smith

Photographed by David Seibert, November 14, 2004

1. Colby Smith Marker

Side One

Inscription. Colby Smith, a Revolutionary War soldier who was prominent in America’s War of Independence settled in the 89th District in 1798 and was granted property by the Governor of Georgia in Honor of his service to America. He, his children, and his grandchildren owned property reaching from Harrison to Irwins Crossroads and were among the founders and leaders of the early churches of this area, throughout Georgia and other adjoining states. He died in 1840 at the age of 85. The marker on his grave was erected July 1920 by the General Samuel Elbert Chapter of the D.A.R. He was the son of Thomas Smith and Anita Colby. He and his wife Anna Henry had 9 children, 73 grandchildren and over 200 great-grandchildren. 37 of his great grandson’s served in the Confederate Armies of Georgia. He served as constable in Chatham County, North Carolina in 1790 prior to settling in Washington County, Georgia with other sturdy yeoman families of BRANTLEY, PEACOCK, WOOD, YOUNG, AND IRWIN. He is the forbearer of thousands of American’s, many of whom were prominent in the fields of Government, Medicine, and the Ministry.

Among them are: Jane

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New Dorsey, wife of American Band Leader Tommy Dorsey. Janet Reno, Attorney General of the United States, descended from Colby Smith's grandson, Rev. James R. Wood, 1809-1882, prominent pioneer minister and founder of numerous churches. Jeff Brantley, National League All-Star Pitcher. Dr. James Ezra New, 1878-1942, early prominent physician and founder of Dexter Banking Company. Rev. Isaac Smith, 1796-1860, beloved minister, farmer, landowner and faithful founder of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Association in 1859, who was ordained in the pioneer O'Hoopee Baptist Church under Rev. Joseph Brantley, 1826. Dr. Benjamin Darius Smith, 1831-1905, physician and minister. Honorable George L. Smith II, 1912-1973, Speaker of the House of Representatives and one of Georgia's most beloved and influential Statesman;the World Congress Center in Atlanta is named in his honor. State Rep. Isaac Albany Smith, 1854-1924. State Rep. Ben D. Joiner, 1850-1925. Dr. W.F. Peacock, 1905-1987, prominent surgeon and hospital leader. Dr. Addison Micajah Smith, 1856-1885. Dr. Charles V. Smith, 1862-1926, Johns-Hopkins University. Dr. Hamilton O. Smith, 1978 recipient

Photographed by David Seibert, November 14, 2004

2. Colby Smith Marker

Side Two

of the Nobel Prize, Johns-Hopkins Medical Center

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Religion & Religious Structures • Science & Medicine • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is July 7, 1920.

Location. 32° 50.44′ N, 82° 46.529′ W. Marker is near Tennille, Georgia, in Washington County. It is at the intersection of Georgia Route 15 S and Montgomery Road, on the right when traveling south on Georgia Route 15 S. The marker is in a small park, with other patriotic monuments and symbols. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tennille GA 31089, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Coastal Plain and in the Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one

Photographed by David Seibert, November 8, 2011

3. Colby Smith Marker

Side One

of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Irwin’s Crossroad (approx. 4½ miles away); Jared Irwin (approx. 5.4 miles away); Sherman and Hardee at Tennille (approx. 6.9 miles away); Tennille Station (approx. 6.9 miles away); Tennille (approx. 6.9 miles away); Nancy Hart Highway (approx. 7 miles away); In Honor of Our Confederate Soldiers (approx. 7 miles away); Riddleville (approx. 7.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tennille.

More about this marker. While the marker appears to have been erected by the State, it is in fact a private marker, almost certainly erected by descendants of Colby Smith.

Photographed by David Seibert, November 8, 2011

4. Colby Smith Marker

Side Two

Photographed by David Seibert, November 8, 2011

5. Colby Smith Marker

Side One

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 1, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 3,300 times since then and 78 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 1, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 16, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.