Disability History Factoid: Erastus "Deaf" Smith
Office of the Governor Texas sent this bulletin at 10/04/2011 08:14 AM CDTCommittee on People with Disabilities
Erastus "Deaf" Smith
Texas owes its independence from Mexico to a person with a disability: Erastus "Deaf" Smith. He was a scout during the Texas Revolution and considered to be the "Bravest of the Brave" by Colonel William Travis, who in 1835 destroyed Vince's Bridge during the Battle of San Jacinto, which prevented the retreat of the Mexican army and helped pave the way for Texas' independence. Deaf Smith County is also named after Erastus Smith.
In the painting "Surrender of Santa Anna," by William Henry Huddle http://www.tspb.state.tx.us/SPB/gallery/HisArt/02.htm, Erastus can be seen with his hand cupped behind his ear. Artist William Henry Huddle painted the scene of the morning of April 22, 1836, the day after Texas' victory over Mexico at the Battle of San Jacinto. Mexican General Antonio López de Santa Anna, in the uniform of a private soldier, was brought before Texas General Sam Houston as a prisoner of war. Houston, wounded in the battle, rested on a pallet under the oak tree while arranging an armistice with Santa Anna. To the right, seated on a log, was Erastus "Deaf" Smith, famous Texas scout; the captured Mexican battle flags were leaning nearby against the tree. To the left and rear of Houston was his Secretary of War, Thomas Jefferson Rusk, who was standing next to Colonel Mirabeau B. Lamar. Over thirty other historical figures were depicted in this painting. It has been on display in the first floor south wing of the Capitol since February 1891.
For more information on Erastus "Deaf"Smith: http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fsm10
About the Facts
The Disability History Daily Facts are presented each day in October to celebrate "Persons with Disabilities History and Awareness Month," in Texas. HB 3616, passed during the 82nd Legislative session encourages public schools and state agencies to celebrate the accomplishments of people with disabilities. To learn more about Disability History, go to http://governor.state.tx.us/disabilities/resources/disability_history/