William A. Hudson II Collection

Biographical Note

William A. Hudson II is a Fort Worth lawyer and the great-grandson of John Peter Smith (1831-1901), a prominent figure in Fort Worth history.  Smith was a lawyer and major land owner in the City of Fort Worth. He donated much of his land, time, and wealth to the development of Fort Worth as a major city and hub of activity His contributions to the community included building the first stockyard, serving as the first mayor, helping to establish the independent school district, and providing land for hospitals, one of which is still named after him. Smith married Mary E. Fox in 1867, and they had five children. Smith died in 1901 and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery.

Scope and Contents

The items in this collection were previously owned by John Peter Smith. The rocking chair was given to Hudson by his mother, Josephine Terrell Smith Hudson, when he began practicing law at the McGown, Godfry, Decker Law Firm. She told him that the chair was made by state prison inmates. The desk and table were kept by Josephine until her death in 2002, when they moved between members of the family.

Materials in this collection consist of the following:

• John Peter Smith's wood rocking chair with wicker seat and side arm extension (image shown)
• John Peter Smith's wood roll top desk
• John Peter Smith's extendable wood dining table with lion carvings and eight matching wood chairs with cream colored upholstery