The following is a continuation of information provided by Vicki Betts (vbetts@gower.net) after she and others worked diligently to have the Universe/University Cemetery designated as a Historic Texas Cemetery in July 2020. This information is about Benjamin Goss Donor of Universe Cemetery, Smith County, Texas Benjamin Goss was born in a ...[Read More]
Benjamin Goss Donor of Universe Cemetery, Smith County, Texas
Sharing African American History
Since I have been a member of the historical society, still–after all these years African American history is one of the most under donated topics in our holdings. As a member of the community I do hold things close to my heart and in my personal collections, but I will also share whatever I can for the better of the community. Here at the Society we are at the mercy of donations to the co ...[Read More]
State-Wide 2019 Genealogy Lock-In Program
In celebration of October, as Family History Month, the Smith County Historical Society will join the Genealogy Network of Texas (GNT) for a collaborative event on October 18, 2019 from 10 am – 8:30 pm. The GNT is a state-wide initiative to connect libraries and provide educational and research opportunities and is spearheaded by the Genealogy Center of the Waco-McLennan County Library. ...[Read More]
Things to Do in Tyler, Texas
Are you looking for things to do in Tyler, Texas? The population of Tyler is growing at a fast rate, and so is tourism. The Keepin’ Tyler Rosy Destination Training tour is hosted by The Tyler Area Chamber of Commerce for employees of the hospitality industry of Tyler. I was fortunate enough to be a part of this tour along with 22 fellow associates and Susan Travis, Vice President of Tourism ...[Read More]
Alliene Gaston Coker, The First Woman Elected as an Officer of a Tyler Bank
At our April 2019 monthly meeting, Kathy Gaston, a Smith County Historical Society Board member, spoke about Alliene Gaston Coker, the first woman elected as an officer of a Tyler bank. Alliene Gaston Coker was born in 1891 to a prominent Tyler dentist, Finis Ewing Gaston, and his wife, Bessie Clarinda James. A lifelong resident of Tyler, Alliene was proud of her family and her city. She wa ...[Read More]
Egg Art Eggshibit through April 27, 2019
Come see our Egg Art Eggshibit through April 27, 2019! The Fall 2018 through April 27, 2019 newest exhibit at the Smith County Historical Society is of Egg Art! We have approximately 180 hand blown eggs painted and decorated into whimsical characters. The collection was donated to us by Dr. Kerfoot Walker and family, longtime residents of Tyler, TX. The Walker’s and their three children (now adul ...[Read More]
Tyler’s Music Man ‘Doc’ Witt Celebrates the Armistice in 1918
John Franklin Witt was known to many as ‘Doc’ Witt, Tyler’s Music Man. Mr. Witt was a trumpet player, band leader, composer and teacher of music. He made a name for himself in Smith County Texas through his extraordinary musical talent. He was Bandmaster for the Tyler Kid Band in 1908, then the Tyler Municipal Band in 1916. It is no wonder that this leader of bands helped lead the Armistice ...[Read More]
2018 Genealogy Lock-In Program
The 2018 Genealogy Lock-In Program is a cooperative effort to bring genealogical topics and speakers to a wider audience using modern technology through the Genealogy Network of Texas. There will be 8 one hour to one and a half hour sessions featuring some of the nation’s best known genealogical speakers. This live webinar will be shown on a projection screen in the Smith County Historical Society ...[Read More]
First African American Board Member, Mr. Larry D. Wade, Sr.
The Smith County Historical Society would like to introduce our first African American Board member Mr. Larry D. Wade, Sr. Larry Wade has been a member of our Society for 20 years. He has been involved in our Society Archives on many levels, including the research of African American historical data for Smith County Texas. We are honored to have Mr. Wade represent our Society as a Board mem ...[Read More]
Missing Page from African American Life Book
While I was preparing the index for the book African American Life in Tyler, Texas compiled by Rodney Lamar Atkins, I discovered that the edition published in 2007 and the one published in 2008 had a one page difference. The 2008 edition was missing the information from page 159 in the 2007 edition featuring a profile of Pearlie Henderson. I transcribed the 2007 edition page so that the owners of ...[Read More]