Longview in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

John Tyson Smith

(Oct. 29, 1846-May 15, 1916)

Photographed by James Hulse, December 16, 2025

1. John Tyson Smith Marker

Inscription.
In 1855 Alabama-born John Tyson Smith moved with his parents to Upshur County Texas. A Confederate veteran, he settled in Longview about 1872. He served as City Tax Assessor and was Justice of the Peace for two terms. He was elected to five terms as Gregg County Judge, 1888-1898. Actively involved in downtown real estate development, he ran the Smith Upstairs Opera House, 1902-1915.

Married twice, Smith had six children who lived to adulthood. Recorded-1978

Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9999.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement. A significant historical year for this entry is 1855.

Location. 32° 29.872′ N, 94° 43.86′ W. Marker is in Longview, Texas, in Gregg County. It is at the intersection of East Magrill Street and North Fourth Street, on the right when traveling west on East Magrill Street. The marker is located in the southwest section of the Greenwood Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 705 East Magrill Street, Longview TX 75601, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Greenwood Cemetery (within shouting distance

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of this marker); David Sutton Meredith (within shouting distance of this marker); David Sutton Meredith, Jr. (within shouting distance of this marker); O.H. Methvin (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Anthony Catholic Church (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Campbell "Honeymoon Home" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Robert A. McLain House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Longview High School (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Longview.

John Tyson Smith Marker and gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 16, 2025

2. John Tyson Smith Marker and gravestone

He is buried next to his wife, Nannie.

The view of the John Tyson Smith Marker in the cemetery image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, December 16, 2025

3. The view of the John Tyson Smith Marker in the cemetery

Credits. This page was last revised on December 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 49 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 18, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. 3. submitted on December 19, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.