Robert L. Steffens

April 11, 1895 – December 1, 1918

Heroic Smithville Soldier Returned to His Home Town

The return trip from Saint-Nazaire, France to Smithville was by ship and train, arriving at our Katy Depot about three in the afternoon on a cold, wintery day.  The awaiting crowd included all members of the local American Legion Post who escorted the hero’s casketed body to the First Methodist Church where it received full military honors.

Smithville’s first fatality in World War 1 had given his life in battle defending and protecting his country, America.  Today, he rests in our Oak Hill Cemetary still looking over his home town, Smithville, Texas.

“He has a soldier’s recompense.  His is a patriot’s grave.”

*Information courtesy of Smithville Heritage Society