One of Graham’s first professional men was Dr. Matt Hackworth Chism. Born on March 13, 1854, in Tippah County, Mississippi, his parents brought him to Texas at the age of six months, settling at Brenham on December 24th. His father, Jehu McPherson Chism, and his mother, Sarah Ann Hackworth were married in 1850 in Mississippi.
Dr. Chism was born in Tippah County, Mississippi, and brought to Texas at the age of six months, settling at Brenham on Christmas Eve of 1854. The family moved to Mercer’s Colony in 1855, then to Cora, which was the county seat of Comanche County in 1856.
In Comanche County, Texas where he grew up, his father was active in Texas Rangers and followed the usual agricultural activities when not on ranger duty.
As a small boy, Dr. Chism exhibited a remarkable memory of people, places, and incidents. He recalled a family incident, which occurred when he in 1859 when Gen. Sam Houston, visited the frontier during his campaign for Governor. So impressed was young Matt Chism, that he named his pet rooster, “Sam Houston.”
Growing up in Comanche County, Dr. Chism often spoke of his experiences on the frontier and with the Indians. One incident involved him and his brother, Jehu Chism out running the Indians a quarter mile before reaching the safety of their home.
Too young for military duty during the Civil War, Dr. Chism became the “handyman” about the settlement, helping his mother in spinning and weaving and in gathering berries, barks, and herbs for the dying of clothing and other articles, and providing food for the family.
It was Dr. Chism’s privilege to be able to be educated in any profession or university and he chose dentistry, though at that time there were only two schools of dentistry in the United States. Dr. Chism was one of the colorful pioneer dentists who had practiced dentistry for three years in the raw frontier county before locating in Graham in the spring of 1882 becoming the city’s first permanent dentist. He practiced dentistry for 56 years in the Graham area.
Dr. Chism met Miss Mary Kirk, who was born in Kentucky in Sunday School in the Tonk Valley church during the spring of 1883. They married on September 2, 1883, at the same church. After their marriage, the couple made their home in Graham. The Chism family was active members of the First Christian Church in Graham. Mary and Matt Chism enjoyed music and sang in the church choir. Mrs. Chism was the organist and pianist for the First Christian Church in Graham until her death in 1918. Three children were born into this union:
- Sarah “Sallie” Frances, who married Joseph Lynn Clark on August 28, 1913, in Graham. She was born on July 13, 1884, in Graham and died on Jan 18, 1961, in Huntsville, Texas. Her husband, Dr. J.L. Clark was head of the history department at Sam Houston State Teachers College. Mr. Clark was the son of Randolph Clark, one of the founders of Add-Ran Jr. College in Thorp Springs which eventually became Texas Christian University. They had no children.
- Aytchie Hermine “Syphie” was born June 3, 1890, in Graham and died Sept 27, 1988, in Huntsville. Her husband, Dr. Francis McCray was head of the agriculture department at Sam Houston State Teachers’ College. They had no children.
- Kester Kirk Chism was born on March 24, 1888, in Graham and died on July 24, 189,8 at the age of 10 years.
As a young dentist, Dr. Chism went farther west. He recalls the stirring days when Fort Griffin was a supply headquarters for buffalo hunters and the hangout of gamblers and other desperadoes. In 1886-1887 with his father-in-law, J.H. Brown, he contracted railroad construction, building the Santa Fe railroad into Ladonia, Texas.
In 1934, Dr. Chism was one of the dentists to be presented with a life membership by the Texas Dental Association, in recognition of his long practice in the profession.
When the first law was passed to regulate the practice of dentistry, Dr. Chism was appointed on the first board of dental examiners of the 30th District. After serving two years he was reappointed but resigned.
Dr. Chism was a member of the Knights of Pythias for 56 years and the Odd Fellows Club, both of Graham. Dr. Chism was on the First Board of Examiners.
He was the first permanent photographer during his early life in Graham. Matt Chism sold his photography business to Miller Studios in the 1930s and retired from active life. His first dental and photo studio were located at the corner of Third and Oak Street, facing east.
Mr. Chism moved to Huntsville, Texas to live with his daughters in 1937. Though no longer practicing his profession, Dr. Chism was frequently in consultation with the Huntsville dentists. Dr. Chism was a practicing dentist back in the days when he traveled from community to community.
Dr. Matt Hackworth Chism died on February 23, 1952, in Huntsville, Texas. His service was held in Huntsville First Christian Church and he is buried in the Oak Grove cemetery in Graham beside his wife and young son.