Joseph J. Smith (left), one of De Leon’s early blacksmiths, brought his family to De Leon from Lafayette Springs, Mississippi in 1905.  He was the father of Charlie W., W.H. Smith Sr., Whaley, Bob, and Emmett and the grandfather of W.H. Smith Jr.

    This blacksmith shop was located on the northwest corner of the intersection of Austin and Gonzales.  The man in the middle is unidentified but the man on the right is Sam Short.

      The work seems to have centered on the repair and sharpening of plow shares as several are scattered in the work area.  The machines and tools are powered by leather belts suspended from a revolving shaft up above the work stations.  Notice the turn wheels mounted above the work area.  Power was probably provided by an engine outside the building that rotated the drive shaft.  A water bib is shown ion the left  foreground.

    The sign at the back right says “All Work Strictly Cash.”

JOSEPH J. AND MICKEY SMITH

Left:  Joseph J. and Mickey Ann Smith.  Joe is holding W.H. Smith Sr. and Charlie is standing.  The photo was taken on December 18, 1901.


Right:  From a tin type, Mickey Ann Smith at a very early age.


Below:  World War II Ration Books for Joe and Mickey