John Smith and Ella Shotwell married August 16,1887, Polk County, Texas. Their children were Janey, Mamie, Louella, Corey, Emma, Ross, Clint, John Wesley, Elkford, Johnny and Arthur.

Mathan and Janey (maiden name Smith) Thomas, were the parents of Bernice "Bunny", Addie, Vertis, Steve "Bubba", Mathan Jr, "Skinny") and Janie (currently resides in Houston, TX).

Mathan Thomas Sr. was born August 24, 1884 to the parents of Jack and Nancy (maiden name James) of Polk, Texas.