Colby Smith, a Revolutionary War soldier prominent in America’s War of Independence, settled in the 89th District in 1798 and received property from the Governor of Georgia in honor of his service to America. He served as constable in Chatham County, North Carolina, in 1790 before settling in Washington County, Georgia, with other yeoman families of Brantley, Peacock, Wood, Young, and Irwin. He, his children, and his grandchildren owned property extending from Harrison to Irwins Crossroads and were among the founders and leaders of early churches in this area, throughout Georgia, and in adjoining states. He was the son of Thomas Smith and Anita Colby, and he and his wife Anna Henry had 9 children, 73 grandchildren, and more than 200 great-grandchildren. He died in 1840 at the age of 85. Thirty-seven of his great-grandsons served in the Confederate Armies of Georgia. He is presented as the forebear of thousands of Americans, many of whom became prominent in government, medicine, and the ministry, including Jane New Dorsey, wife of band leader Tommy Dorsey; Janet Reno, descended from his grandson Rev. James R. Wood; Jeff Brantley; Dr. James Ezra New; Rev. Isaac Smith; Dr. Benjamin Darius Smith; Honorable George L. Smith II; State Rep. Isaac Albany Smith; State Rep. Ben D. Joiner; Dr. W.F. Peacock; Dr. Addison Micajah Smith; Dr. Charles V. Smith; and Dr. Hamilton O. Smith.