Smith, Augustus Washington

Parents

Augustus Washington Smith, of Tipton County, was born in Davidson County, N. C., November 17, 1824, and is one of the pioneers of Tipton County. His parents were Leonard and Susan (Holmes) Smith, both natives of North Carolina, and of Dutch descent. The father was born in 1784, and died in Tipton County, May 15, 1847. The mother was born October 16, 1788, and died in Tipton County, May 6, 1844. They came to Tipton County in 1830, and settled seven miles southwest of Covington, where the town of Brighton is now located. The father was a most successful farmer, and in politics a Whig. Though not a church member, he was a man of fine moral character, and in sympathy with the Missionary Baptist Church, of which his wife was a devout member. Both Leonard and Susan are buried in A. W. Smith Cemetery.

Life

Our subject was the ninth of twelve children, and as soon as he left school, commenced farming. He was but six years of age when his parents moved to the county, and has since made it his home. October 2, 1845, he married Miss Mary E. Yarbro, who was born in Tipton County, September 22, 1829. The have had ten children — six sons and four daughters — one son and three daughters are dead. Mr. Smith came into possession of the old homestead in 1847, which consisted of 500 acres, and by his industry and enterprise he has increased this to 745 acres, besides buying other land in various parts of the country, to the amount of 800 acres. Mr. Smith has been in public office ever since he attained his majority; was first elected magistrate of the Seventh District in 1850 and filled this office until 1865. In 1866 he was elected constable, and four years later was elected sheriff of Tipton County by the county court, to fill an unexpired term. In 1872 he was again elected magistrate, and still holds the office, showing that he is trusted and esteemed by his fellow citizens.

Overview

He is a Democrat, and an influential member of the Methodist Church, as is his wife. Two of the children belong to the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, two to the Cumberland Presbyterian and one to the Missionary Baptist.

[Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee, 1887]

Augustus Washington Smith Sr., after a fall from his horse, dies.

He is buried in A W Smith Cemetery. Also, he may have been called “Augusta”.