Andrew Melontree Sr., the county’s first Black commissioner
Andrew Melontree Sr., who served on the Tyler City Council from 1979 to 1982, was elected Smith County commissioner in 1982 and served Precinct 4 from 1983 to 2002.
The county called him its first Black commissioner, and KLTV the first of the 20th century.
Note
KLTV’s headline limits the first to the 20th century, which leaves room for Black officeholders during Reconstruction.
Sources
- KLTV: Andrew Melontree Sr, first Black Smith County commissioner of 20th century, dies at age 89 (July 2020; Smith County news release)kltv.com
Pictured is Andrew Melontree, Smith County's first Black commissioner.
Melontree served on the Tyler City Council from 1979 to 1982, and as Smith County Commissioner for Precinct 4, from 1983 to 2002.
be elected Smith County Commissioner (1982)
Checked October 15, 2026. How the cards are filed