Early Life

John Peter Smith was born on September 16, 1831, in Owen County, Kentucky, to Samuel and Polly (Bond) Smith. He was the eldest of six children. In 1844, his family moved to Hartford, Connecticut in search of better opportunities. Tragically, both parents died that same year, leaving thirteen year old John and his siblings orphaned. He was placed under the guardianship of his cousin, William H. Garnett.

Despite these hardships, Smith demonstrated discipline and a love of learning. Under Garnett’s care, he attended local schools in Hartford and later enrolled at Franklin College in Indiana. By 1850, he was admitted to Bethany College in West Virginia, where he excelled in mathematics, classical languages, and public speaking.

In July 1853, Smith graduated with top honors, earning first prize in mathematics and ancient languages. While at Bethany, he was strongly influenced by Alexander Campbell, a leader in the Disciples of Christ movement, whose beliefs on service and civic responsibility shaped Smith’s lifelong commitment to education and public service.

Later in 1853, Smith moved to Fort Worth, Texas, which at the time was little more than an abandoned army outpost. In January 1854, he converted the vacant army hospital into Fort Worth’s first school. Although poor health forced him to resign after only a few months, this effort marked the beginning of organized education in the city and established Smith as a community leader at just 22 years old.

“The true strength of a city is found not in its walls or commerce, but in the learning of its people.”
— John Peter Smith