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Smith Family History & Genealogy

1,188,051 biographies and 1,639 photos with the Smith last name. Discover the family history, nationality, origin and common names of Smith family members.

Smith Last Name History & Origin

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Summary

The surname Smith is a common surname in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other English speaking countries. This surname probably originated with "smith" - one who works metals - and is of Old English origin.  However, many people have taken the surname Smith for a variety of reasons (see "Smith History") so having the surname Smith does not necessarily mean that a particular family named Smith is of Anglo-Saxon roots.  There are many variations of "Smith" such as "Smyth" and "Smythe" in English but the surname, when originally related to a profession in other lands, may also be Schmidt or Schmieder or many other spellings.  Because of the wide variety of reasons for the taking of the surname Smith (and the changing to "Smith" from the original language), not all families named Smith are related.

History

While the surname Smith probably originated in the United Kingdom (the earliest recorded instance of Smith was in 975 in England), the history of the surname spans many cultures and many times.  Most probably, the surname was originally related to someone who was a blacksmith, a goldsmith, or any type of person who worked with metals and would have been taken by those who practiced the profession and subsequently their family.  However, as time went on, the surname was also taken due to life circumstances.  For instance, many Native Americans took the name (which was common even in Colonial times) in order to make dealings with the colonists easier.  Also, freed slaves would take the name Smith because that was the name of the slaveholder.  In other cases, because of the frequency of the surname, Smith was often taken as an alias.  Especially during World War 1 and World War 2, in the United States, the German name Schmidt or Schmitt would be changed to "Smith" - "americanizing" it in order to hide German heritage. So the history of the Smith family (and related names) is one of the most complex and widely misunderstood family histories.

The surname Smith is a common surname in the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and other English speaking countries. This surname probably originated with "smith" - one who works metals - and is of Old English origin.  However, many people have taken the surname Smith for a variety of reasons (see "Smith History") so having the surname Smith does not necessarily mean that a particular family named Smith is of Anglo-Saxon roots.  There are many variations of "Smith" such as "Smyth" and "Smythe" in English but the surname, when originally related to a profession in other lands, may also be Schmidt or Schmieder or many other spellings.  Because of the wide variety of reasons for the taking of the surname Smith (and the changing to "Smith" from the original language), not all families named Smith are related.

Name Origin

Originally, the name Smith was an Anglo-Saxon (Old English) term meaning "one who works in metal."  However, some think that the surname "Smith" may also have been related to the word "smite," which was linked with being a warrior.

Spellings & Pronunciations

In English,  variations of Smith may be Smyth, Smythe,Smijth Smithman, Smithson and Smithfield
In German, Schmid, Schmidt, Schmitt, Schmitz, and Schmied 
In Yiddissh: Schmieder

In southern Dutch: De Smid, De Smedt, Desmedt, De Smet, Smeets, and Smets, and in northern Dutch and Afrikaans: Smit, Smid, Smidt, Smed, De Smet

These are just a few of the variations of the "Smith" surname.

Nationality & Ethnicity

The surname Smith originated in the area of the United Kingdom (especially England and Ireland) during Anglo-Saxon times.  But many families used a translation of "Smith" in their nativve lands and later adopted the surname Smith rather than the original surname. So a "Smith" family may be from the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Australia - or any country to which the family emigrated or in which the family "anglicized" their surname. Originally an Anglo-Saxon name, the "Smith" famiy was Caucasian.  However, the Smith family can be of any nationality and ethnicity since people all over the world have adopted "Smith" as their surname.

Famous People named Smith

Captain William Smith Born 1790 Founded discovered the South Shetland Islands.

Early Smiths

These are the earliest records we have of the Smith family.

Rodney Lee Smith of 8925 Wesler Rd, in New Paris, Ohio United States was born on December 28, 53 in Richmond, IN, and died at age 48 years old on July 14, 2005 in New Paris, OH.
Irene (Smith) Layton was born on March 3, 1028 to Clarence Peter Smith and Irene (Bullock) Smith, and has siblings William Dean Smith, Henry D. Smith, Lillian Annette (Smith) McCray, Thomas Smith, and Charles Smith. Irene Layton married Charles Wilbur Layton on April 6, 1957, and has a child Jeffrey Paul Layton. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Irene (Smith) Layton.
Carolina May (Smith) Chizek was born on August 28, 1030, and died at age 974 years old on August 25, 2005 in Wichita, Sedgwick County, Kansas United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Carolina May (Smith) Chizek.
Monica Louise (Smith) Wolfe was born on October 23, 1062 in Memphis, Shelby County, Tennessee United States. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Monica Louise (Smith) Wolfe.
John Smith was born in 1530 in St Saviour, Surrey England, and died at age 60 years old on April 13, 1591 in Southwark. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember John Smith.
Mary (Browning) Smith was born in 1572 in North Nibley England, and died at age 95 years old in 1667 in North Nibley. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary Browning Smith.
Thomas Smith was born on March 7, 1573 at Ipswich, Brinspittle, Dorset, England, and died at age 107 years old in 1680 in Brinspittell, Dorset X-England. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Thomas Smith.
Captain John Smith was a soldier and writer who is best known for establishing the Virginia colony at Jamestown. This was England's first permanent colony in North America.
Anne (Smith) Maylard was born on May 9, 1585 in Munich, BY Germany. She was in a relationship with Thomas Mayward, and had a child Elizabeth (Mayward) Lea. Anne Maylard died at age 72 years old on June 2, 1657 in Whitchurch, England United Kingdom. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Anne Smith Maylard.
Abigail (Smith) Eddy was born circa 1639 at Plymouth, Plymouth, Massachusetts, USA, and died at age 80 years old on September 13, 1720 at Swansea, Bristol, Massachusetts, USA. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Abigail Smith Eddy.
Miriam (Smith) Powell was born on July 13, 1670 at Powhatan Indian Village 2110 Jamestown Rd, in Williamsburg, Virginia United States, and died at age 38 years old on January 12, 1709 in Norfolk. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Miriam (Smith) Powell.

Smith Family Photos

Discover Smith family photos shared by the community. These photos contain people and places related to the Smith last name.

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Smith Family Tree

Discover the most common names, oldest records and life expectancy of people with the last name Smith.

Most Common First Names

Updated Smith Biographies

Arlene Smith of Walaka St, in Kihei, Hawaii United States, was married to Dennis Harmon Thornton, and has a child Santosha Harmon thornton. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Arlene smith.
Agnes Edith (Smith) Tillotson of Cheltenham, VIC Australia was born on August 13, 1883 in Sunshine, City of Brimbank County to Elizabeth Mary Howe and Henry Brombley Smith. She had a sister Mabel Alice "May" Smith. She married George Samuel Tillotson in 1911, and had children George Henry John Tillotson, Norman William Tillotson, and May Vi Tillotson. Agnes Tillotson died at age 89 years old on May 21, 1973 in Cheltenham.
Henry Brombley Smith of Brighton, City of Bayside County, VIC Australia was born in December 1853 in Harwich, Essex County, England United Kingdom. He married Mary Ellen (Deverell) Smith in 1885. They had children Stella Marion Smith, Violet Hawthorn Smith, Henry Stenhold Smith, Gertrude Lillian Smith, and Olive Edith Smith. He would also marry Elizabeth Mary Howe, and they had children Mabel Alice "May" Smith and Agnes Edith (Smith) Tillotson. Henry Smith died at age 87 years old on July 13, 1941 at Middle Brighton in Brighton, City of Bayside County, VIC Australia.
Mabel Alice Smith of Healesville, Yarra Ranges Shire County, VIC Australia was born in 1881 in Prahran, City of Stonnington County to Elizabeth Mary Howe and Henry Brombley Smith. She had a sister Agnes Edith (Smith) Tillotson. Mabel Smith died at age 73 years old in October 1955 in Healesville, Yarra Ranges Shire County.
Violet Hawthorn (Smith) Clarke of Ringwood, Maroondah City County, VIC Australia was born in 1888 in Hawthorn, City of Boroondara County to Henry Brombley Smith and Mary Ellen (Deverell) Smith. She had siblings Stella Marion Smith, Henry Stenhold Smith, Olive Edith Smith, and Gertrude Lillian Smith. She married Percy Edgar Clarke in 1919, and had children John Clarke and John Clarke. Violet Clarke died at age 69 years old in 1957 in Ringwood, Maroondah City County.
Olive Edith Smith of Kew, City of Boroondara County, VIC Australia was born in 1898 in Brunswick East, City of Merri-bek County to Henry Brombley Smith and Mary Ellen (Deverell) Smith. She had siblings Stella Marion Smith, Henry Stenhold Smith, Gertrude Lillian Smith, and Violet Hawthorn Smith. Olive Smith died at age 83 years old on May 2, 1982 at 18 Barry St, in Kew, City of Boroondara County.
Stella Marion Smith of Sunshine, City of Brimbank County, VIC Australia was born on September 28, 1886 in Hawthorn, City of Boroondara County to Henry Brombley Smith and Mary Ellen (Deverell) Smith. She had siblings Henry Stenhold Smith, Olive Edith Smith, Gertrude Lillian Smith, and Violet Hawthorn Smith. Stella Smith died at age 29 years old on April 25, 1916 in Sunshine, City of Brimbank County.
Elizabeth Mary (Howe) Smith of Prahran, City of Stonnington County, VIC Australia was born on January 24, 1857 in Brunswick, City of Merri-bek County to Simeon Howe and Mary Maria (Smith) Howe. She had siblings Henry Howe, Matilda Frances Howe, Ruth Howe, Samuel Howe, Agnes Phillis Howe, Mary Ann Howe, Simeon Edward Howe, Charles Smith Howe, Emma Maria Howe, Alfred John Howe, Alice Eliza Galley, Ruth Marchant, and Maria Bickerdyke. She married Henry Brombley Smith, and had children Mabel Alice "May" Smith and Agnes Edith (Smith) Tillotson. Elizabeth Smith died at age 28 years old on May 3, 1885 in Prahran, City of Stonnington County.
Gertrude Lillian (Smith) Bampfield of Sunshine, City of Brimbank County, VIC Australia was born circa 1897 in Brunswick, City of Merri-bek County to Henry Brombley Smith and Mary Ellen (Deverell) Smith. She had siblings Stella Marion Smith, Henry Stenhold Smith, Olive Edith Smith, and Violet Hawthorn Smith. Gertrude Bampfield died at age 38 years old on August 23, 1936 in Sunshine, City of Brimbank County.
Mary Ellen (Deverell) Smith of Footscray, City of Maribyrnong County, VIC Australia was born on December 13, 1850 in Queenscliff, Queenscliffe Borough County to Robert Deverell and Elizabeth Waen (Davies) Deverell. She had siblings Georgina (Deverell) Gemmell, Elizabeth "Lilly" May Deverell, Amelia Charlotte "Lottie" (Cholerton) Deverell, William Henry Deverell, Stella Marion (Deverell) Oakley, Robert Deverell Jr., Henrietta (Deverell) Russell, Alfred James Deverell, and Henry Frederick Deverell. She married Henry Brombley Smith in 1885, and had children Stella Marion Smith, Violet Hawthorn Smith, Henry Stenhold Smith, Gertrude Lillian Smith, and Olive Edith Smith. Mary Smith died at age 89 years old on August 9, 1940 in Footscray, City of Maribyrnong County.
Thomas Smith of Tullahoma, Coffee County, Tennessee was born on September 30, 1899, and died at age 75 years old in August 1975.
Nellie (Smith) Mcmanus Mrs of Norwich,NY, in Syracuse, New York United States, was in a relationship with John Mcmanus, and has children Roy McManus and John Mcmanus. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Nellie Smith.
Margaret Anne (Mcpherson) Smith of Gobur Australia was born in 1891 in Gobur, Murrindindi Shire County, VIC to John Mcpherson and Anne Isabella (Gillies) Mcpherson. She had siblings John Mcpherson, George Ross Mcpherson, James Mcpherson, Alex Joseph Mcpherson, Duncan Mcpherson, Archibald Swift Mcpherson, Isabella Catherine Mcpherson, Ewen Mckinley Mcpherson, Hector Malcolm Mcpherson, and Dugald Gillies McPherson. Margaret Smith married Leslie Alexander Patullo Smith in 1925, and died at age 36 years old in 1927 in Alexandra.
Willie Smith
Willie Smith of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee United States was born in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee United States, and died in Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee United States.
Pansy Anne (Smith) Moore of Chattanooga, Tennessee United States was born on November 11, 1938 in Chattanooga. Pansy Moore was in a relationship with Homer Douglas Moore Jr, and has children Marcus Lamar Moore and Michael Anothony Moore. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Pansy Anne (Smith) Moore.
Pansy Anne (Smith) Moore
Pansy Anne (Smith) Moore of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee United States was born on November 11, 1938 in Soddy-Daisy, Hamilton County to Edna Mae Smith and Willard willoughby smith. She has siblings Larry Clay Smith, Robert Smith, Jack Smith, Gerenia Ferguson, Carrie Redden, Diane Walker, and Mary Routt. Pansy Moore married Homer Douglas Moore Jr in September 1959 at Silverdale Baptist Church 7236 Bonny Oaks Drive, in Chattanooga, Hamilton County, and has children Marcus Lamar Moore and Michael Anothony Moore.
Wanda Smith
Wanda Smith of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee United States was born on August 17, 1939 in Soddy-Daisy, and died at age 84 years old on December 23, 2023 in Soddy-Daisy.
Robert Smith
Robert Smith of Soddy-Daisy, Tennessee United States was born on May 14, 1944 in Soddy-Daisy to Edna Mae Smith and Willard willoughby smith. He had siblings Pansy Anne (Smith) Moore, Larry Clay Smith, Jack Smith, Gerenia Ferguson, Carrie Redden, Diane Walker, and Mary Routt. Robert Smith died at age 79 years old on October 17, 2023 in Soddy-Daisy.
Jack Smith was born to Edna Mae Smith and Willard willoughby smith, and has siblings Pansy Anne (Smith) Moore, Larry Clay Smith, Robert Smith, Gerenia Ferguson, Carrie Redden, Diane Walker, and Mary Routt. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Jack Smith.

Popular Smith Biographies

Edward John Smith
Edward John Smith was born to Edward Smith and Catherine Hancock nee Marsh, and had a half brother Joseph Hancock. Edward attended the Etruria British School and served as master of a number of White Star Line vessels. He is best remembered as the captain of the RMS Titanic (see Last Photos of the RMS Titanic).
Esta Smith
Esta Smith was born on June 18, 1888 in Miami County, Ohio United States, and died at age 63 years old on April 29, 1952 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Dayton, Montgomery County. Esta Smith was buried on May 3, 1952 at Woodland Cemetery in Dayton. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Esta Smith.
William Thomas Smith
William Thomas Smith Jr of Troy, Rensselaer County, NY was born on January 24, 1930, and died at age 69 years old on November 30, 1999. William Smith was buried at Gerald B.h. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery Section 7 Site 976 Duell Road, in Schuylerville.
Mary Elizabeth McCutchen Smith
Mary K. (Mccutchen) Smith was born on January 29, 1868 in Stewart, Tennessee United States, and died at age 66 years old on November 14, 1934 in Little Rock, Pulaski County, AR. Mary Smith was buried at Oaklawn Cem in Little Rock, Pulaksi County. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Mary Elizabeth McCutchen Smith.
Helen Melville  Smith
Helen was born to Edward John Smith and Sarah Eleanor Smith and had siblings Thomas, Florence, Ann, and Mabel. There is a record of Helen Melville Smith, age 23, marrying Sidney Russell-Cooke , age 29, on January 18, 1922 in St Mark's, North Audley Street, London, Westminster, England. The license says that Helen's father was E.J. Smith (deceased), a Captain in the Royal Navy, and Sidney's father was William Russell-Cooke (deceased) who was a solicitor. On August 15, 1934, Helen received her certificate from the Airwork School of Flying - she was an Avro Club Cadet on a Genet 7 cyl.?
Sarah H Smith
Sarah H (Butler) Smith was born on July 25, 1890, and died at age 25 years old on May 1, 1916. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Sarah H Smith.
James Washington Smith
James Washington Smith was born on March 30, 1857. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember James Washington Smith .
Glenn Stanton Smith
Glenn Stanton Smith was born on December 27, 1940. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Glenn Stanton Smith.
Edith Eliza Reynolds Smith
Edith Eliza (Reynolds) Smith was born on June 7, 1915 in Elijah, Ozark County, Missouri United States, and died at age 79 years old on May 24, 1995 in Ola, Yell County, AR. Edith Smith was buried in Pearson, Cleburne County. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Edith Eliza Reynolds Smith.
George  Smith
George Clarkson Smith was born on July 18, 1885. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember George Smith.
Joseph H.  Smith
Joseph H. Smith was born on May 2, 1846 in Jennings County, Indiana United States, and died at age 63 years old on July 3, 1909 in Indianapolis, Marion County. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Joseph H. Smith.
Robert M. Smith
Robert D Smith Jr. was born in Nov in Ozark County, Missouri United States, and died on December 11, 1971 in Clarksville, Johnson County, AR. Robert Smith was buried in Clarksville. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Robert M. Smith.
Nettie M Smith
Nettie M Smith was born on July 26, 1910. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Nettie M Smith.
Beth Elizabeth (Smith) Chapman was born on October 29, 1967 in Denver, Denver County, Colorado United States. She married Keith Alan Barmore on August 26, 1991 in Denver, Denver County, CO and they later divorced in 1993. They had a child Cecily Chapman. She was the parent of Dominic Davis. She married Duane Lee Chapman on May 20, 2006 in Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, and they were married until Beth's death in 2019 in Honolulu. They had children Bonnie Joanne Chapman and Gary Chapman. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Beth Elizabeth (Smith) Chapman.
Charles Edward Smith
Charles Edward Smith was born on April 2, 1886, and died at age 31 years old on March 22, 1918. Charles Smith was buried at Portsmouth (kingston) Cemetery Scadden's. 13. 26. in United Kingdom. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Charles Edward Smith.
Jean Ann (Kennedy) Smith
(CNN)Jean Kennedy Smith, a former diplomat and the last surviving sibling of President John F. Kennedy, died Wednesday in her New York apartment, her daughter, Kym Smith, told CNN. She was 92. "It is the end of an era," Kym Smith said of her mother's passing. "She lived a great life" and was vibrant up until her death, her daughter told CNN. Smith was the youngest daughter of Rose and Joseph Kennedy, born in Boston, Massachusetts, on February 20, 1928. She was the eighth child out of nine in a family that was such a major force in American politics and society for decades. Smith was the US ambassador to Ireland in the 1990s, playing a key role in the Northern Ireland peace process. At age 65, she was appointed to the role by President Bill Clinton and served from 1993 to 1998. Kym Smith told CNN her mother was most proud of the Ireland peace agreement she helped broker. "She did an amazing job on the peace process," Kym Smith said. "She worked tirelessly." Smith's first foray into national politics was campaigning for her elder brother, then-Massachusetts Sen. John F. Kennedy, as he sought the presidency in 1960, according to the Kennedy presidential library. Smith would later accompany then-President Kennedy on his June 1963 visit to Ireland, the home of their ancestors, five months before his assassination in Dallas. Two of her other brothers, Robert F. Kennedy and Edward "Ted" Kennedy, both became US senators. In 1974, Smith founded Very Special Arts, a non-profit organization affiliated with the Kennedy Center that provides arts and education opportunities for people with disabilities. She was a recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011 for her work with VSA. In 1956, she married the late Stephen E. Smith, a transportation executive. Together they had four children: Stephen Jr., William, Amanda and Kym.
When Sarah Eleanor Pennington was born on 17 June 1861 in Newton In Makerfield, Lancashire, her father, William, a farmer, was 38, and her mother, Sarah, was 33. They lived at Woodhead Farm Newton In Makerfield, Lancashire. She married Edward John Smith on 13 January 1887 in Winwick, Lancashire. They had one child during their marriage Helen Melville who was born 1898. She died on 28 April 1931 at the age of 69, and was buried in Brookwood, Surrey.
Henry Smith
Henry Bakeman Smith was born circa September 1849. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Henry Smith.
Denwitte A Smith of 101 County, TX was born circa 1966. Denwitte Smith was married to Jane E. (Ftacnik) Smith on October 19, 2001 in 101 County, TX. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Denwitte A. Smith.
Minerva (Pool) Smith
Minerva (Pool) Smith was born in 1882, and died at age 24 years old in 1906. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Minerva (Pool) Smith.

Smith Death Records & Life Expectancy

The average age of a Smith family member is 71.0 years old according to our database of 922,867 people with the last name Smith that have a birth and death date listed.

Life Expectancy

71.0 years

Oldest Smiths

These are the longest-lived members of the Smith family on AncientFaces.

Rodney Lee Smith of 8925 Wesler Rd, in New Paris, Ohio United States was born on December 28, 53 in Richmond, IN, and died at age 48 years old on July 14, 2005 in New Paris, OH.
1951 years
Johnny Smith was born on September 13, 1843, and died at age 125 years old in December 1968. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Johnny Smith.
125 years
Bennie Smith was born on May 19, 1849, and died at age 124 years old in November 1973. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Bennie Smith.
124 years
Paul W Smith was born on July 18, 1850, and died at age 123 years old on December 31, 1973. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Paul W Smith.
123 years
Ronald Smith was born on May 5, 1851, and died at age 123 years old in November 1974. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Ronald Smith.
123 years
June Smith was born on October 22, 1846, and died at age 122 years old in November 1968.
122 years
Shelby Smith was born on December 23, 1853, and died at age 118 years old in October 1972. Family, friend, or fan, this family history biography is for you to remember Shelby Smith.
118 years
Carl Smith of Seattle, King County, Washington was born on December 25, 1858, and died at age 117 years old in February 1976.
117 years
Agnes Smith of Hotham West Australia was born in 1782, and died at age 116 years old in 1898 in Hotham West.
116 years
Fannie Smith of Springfield, Clark County, Ohio was born on December 22, 1858, and died at age 115 years old in April 1974.
115 years
Sarah Smith of Evergreen, Conecuh County, Alabama was born on September 16, 1871, and died at age 114 years old in June 1986.
114 years
Bell Smith of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, CA was born on October 1, 1877, and died at age 114 years old on March 17, 1992.
114 years
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I have a Olive Arvilla Sherman. I'm seeing her maiden name might be smith? She married Charles James Thompson. Living in Michigan.
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Looking for a Ollie Smith . Maybe living in Virginia. Moved to Michigan.
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maiden name sellars,
married brewer,shannon,tuttle
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None of these Smiths are mine.
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My dad died at age 57. I miss him so much. His name was Jeremiah p Smith. He married my mom Anna Long. I know my uncles died at a early age to. Calvin Smith. Frank Smith. Eugene ( doc) Smith.My dad was in the army.
Mary did he die in 1986? If so, there is the beginning of a bio for him at Jeremiah P Smith You might consider adding details and photos to celebrate his life. I leave comments and memories on my grandmother's bio frequently.
My daddy died when he was only 63 years old. That's the age I am now. I miss him so much and wish he was still here...many things I never got to tell him...
Always tell your loved ones how much they mean to you...I know how much you loved the ocean and remember that you would stand on the beach in Daytona at night....I could see the glow of your cigarette in your hand. I so wish I could've helped you stop smoking so I would still have you here. You took such good care of all of us and we love you for that. You taught me how to be a GREAT driver, and enjoy it, the same as you loved driving, especially your little Datsun you turned into a "low-rider" before everyone else even knew
I love you "daddy Bill"...Kim
Union Colonel Charles Somers SMITH, GAR Infantry Gray Reserves, Philadelphia and spouse Maria Wilhelmina PALESKE. Is anyone else researching this family? I have no solid proof, but I Believe Charles and Maria could be my great great grandparents, parents of Charles Smith, born 1829 in Philadelphia, married Emeline Champion of southern NJ, and relocated to New Brunswick, NJ abt 1850, then to East Brunswick abt 1870.
 Jennifer (Jenni) Lynne SMITH : b 11-04-1947 in Durban , daughter of Arthur Howard and May Victoria SMITH
 Arthur Howard SMITH : b 14-08-1910 in Kimberley , d _ _ 1988 in Durban , son of Arthur Frederick SMITH
 Arthur married _ _ 194_ to May Victoria nee BUTLER b 31-07-1912 , d 27-04-1968
 Arthur and May had two daughters , Jennifer Lynne b 11-04-1947 and Julia Howard b _ _ 19_

 Arthur Frederick SMITH : b 15-05-1853 , d _ _ 19_ son of Edmund James and _______ SMITH
 Arthur married _ _ 19_ to Julia nee HOWARD-JONES b _ _ __ d _ _ __
 Arthur and Julia had five children , sons Arthur Howard , Reginald Charles (Toonky) , Percival (Boyney) , daughters Mabel and Gina
 Arthur Frederick was the son of Edmund James SMITH

 Edmund James SMITH : b _ _ __ d _ _ __
 Edmund James married _ _ __ to Margaret _________ b _ _ __ d _ _ __
 Edmund and Margaret had __ children , Arthur Frederick , _______ , _______
letter on military stationery:

Co. K 348 Inf. Camp Pike, Ark. May 12, 1918 Mr. Charles Montgomery

Dear Cousin: I received your letter sometime ago and was quite surprised
for I had not thought about hearing from you but was glad to hear from you
as you are the only relative I have in the service. Mabe if we can keep up
correspondense we can meet up with each other when we get across the pond.

Yes things are going as nicely as I could wish for over hear now and I am
liking the Army fine. I have only been in since the third of Dec. so you
see I haven't had quite so much of it as you have. I have been expecting to
leave for France for a month but havn't gone yet. I may go any time. Of
course a fellow can't tell when they will say for him to go. I am real
anxious to go across. What about you do want to go or not? It nearly
scares some of the boys here to death to mention going across.

You are having some real hard luck with your guard duty but then you are not
the only one. I have been on ever other day for a month. They have sent so
many of the boys away from hear until it takes nearly all of us to go on
guard and that is the reason you see. I think I would like the army lots
better if they didn't have any guarding to do don't you ha! ha!

Now Charles don't wait as long as I have to write for I have just been so
buried until I could just about keep up with my writing home and to my Jane
you know. I will do better next time. answer soon Your Cousin John Ivy
Smith
Howard Smith and wife Minnie lived in Millville, Pa. Children were Frances, son, Gerard, son, Mary and Dorothy, daughters and son, George Smith (Sr.).

George Smith (Sr.) married Doloris Erb from Pittsburgh. Their children were Ron, JoAnn, Kate, Ruth (Ann), Liz, George (Jr.), and James.

George Jr. finished high school at Allegheny High School in 1973. Then left and went to Drexel University at Philadelphia, Pa. through 1978. He then began working in Bethlehem Steel Mill. He left Pennsylvania and went to work in Indiana for a few years. Met and married Cheryl Cardwell in Indiana. They had a son, Steven, who was born in Indiana. Soon after, the move to Monroe, NC came around 1983. George began working for Allvac as a metallurgist engineer. He and Cheryl had a daughter, then another son. The oldest Steve, became a sailor in the US Navy upon completion of high school. He met and married his wife in the Navy. They had their first child on the way when Cheryl left her husband and other children. Divorce was imminent. George is now married to Vivian King Lowery Smith. George has 2 granddaughters and a third on the way who are navy brats. His other two are now young adults and still reside at home with he and Vivian. She is a native of Union County, NC and met Vivian in a local church.

We keep up with the kin in Pittsburgh where Kate, Ron, and Ruth Ann and their families still reside. JoAnn lives in Ohio, and Liz lives near Atlanta, GA.

George's father and mother, Doloris and George,Sr, are deceased dying within a few days of each other. All the siblings are still alive.

Just a little information on a Smith heritage from Pittsburgh, PA...go Steelers!

by: Vivian K. Smith
Joel Claud(e) Smith
born 14 Feb. 1897 in Ridgway, IL
Married: 25 Oct., 1917 in Shawneetown, IL
Died: 31 May, 1965, Eldorado Hospital, Eldorado, IL
Buried: 3, June, 1965, Westwood Cementary, Shawneetown, IL

Parents: James A. Smith and Maggie (Margaret)(Lamb)

married to:

1st Marriage: Lillie Belle Seeley
2nd Marriage: Alice May Back--married 25 Oct, 1917

Alice Back Smith
date of birth: 15 Nov 1908 in Gallatin County, IL
Died: 5, Aug 1946, Shawneetown, IL
Buried: 8 Aug, 1946, Westwood Cementary, Shawneetown, IL

My Great Grandfather:

James A. Smith
Born 4 Nov 1877

Son of Milton Smith and Mary Braton or Bradon or could be Braden, both born in Gallatin County, IL

Married to Maggie Lamb (Margaret)
born: abt. 1856
Parents: Joel Lamb and Catherine Hise

Marianda is the mother of Mary Smith and probably Elizabeth Fowler is the mother of Marinda Braden.

Great Grandfather:
Joseph Smith
Died: abt 1863 in Shawneetown, IL

married to:
Eliza Jane Akins
birth: abt. 1819, OH
married: abt 1845 Ridgway, IL
died: 1892 Ridgway, IL




My father's name is:
Elmer Junior Smith-
born: 25 Feb, 1935, Shawneetown, IL

1st wife: Anna Mae Travelstead

In the 1870 census there is a young man named James Smith age 20, living in the hotel in Equality belonging to E.H. McCaleb. He says he is a Blacksmithand that is was born in IL.

However, in the 1900 census I find in Ridgway, IL township:
Mrs. James Smith-born Aug 1870 age 29 widow. born IL, father born in KY, and mother born in IL.

Apparent James A. Smith died between May 1898 and 19 June, 1900.

My father:
Elmer Junior Smith
born: 25 Feb, 1935 in Shaweentown, IL

1st wife: Anna Mae Travelstead, born 20 July 1938
2nd wife: Mary Jane Hine


Then I have gr-gr-gr grandather:

Joseph P. Smith
born: 6 Aug, 1819, Green Co, PA
died: 18 March, 1863, Shaweetown, IL
1st wife: Elizabeth Sage

Wife:
Eliza Jane (Louisa) Elizabeth)
born: 3 May, 1819, Detroit, Wayne Co. Michigan
married: 14 Feb. 1847, Hamilton Co, OH
died: 20 July, 1892, Shawneetown, IL

Children:
James A. Smith
Lucinda A. Smith
born: 19 Aug, 1852, IL
married: 11 March, 1869, Ridgway, IL Gallatin Co
Died: 28 July, 1900, Ridgway, IL
Buried: 1 Aug, 1900, Riley Cemetary Ridgway, IL Gallatin Co

Married to:
1st marriage Thomas Aarons

2nd marriage: Sr.Thomas Jefferson Riley or he was a Senior
birth: 9 March, 1843 Ridgway, IL
Died: 26 Nov, 1887, Ridgway, IL

Sr. Thomas Jefferson Riley
born: 9 March, 1843-Ridgway, IL
married: 11 Mar., 1869-Gallatin Co
died: 26 Nov, 1887-Shawneetown, IL
Buried: 30 Nov 1887-Riley Cenetary Ridgway, IL

Wife: Lucinda A. Smith
born: 19 Aug 1852
died: 25 July 1900, Ridgway, IL
Buried: 1 Aug 1900-Riley Cemetary, Ridgway, IL
Parents: Joseph and Eliza Jame Akins Smith

Children:
Thomas Jefferson Riley, JR
born:14 Jan 1884 Ridgway, IL
married: abt. 1906
died: Nov 1967, Hotchiss, Delta County Colorado
buried: Nov 1967, Hotchiss, Delta county, Colorado
Spouses:
1st wife: Margaret Ingleton
2nd wife: Elmine Lina Wiley

Roy Riley

Fanny or Fannie Riley
born: Mar. 1886, Ridgway, IL Gallatin CO

Owen Riley
born 4 Nov 1809, Pope, IL
died: 21 July 1876, Gallatin Co.
buried: 24 July 1876, Riley Cementery, Ridgway, IL
Parent: Joseph Riley and Mary Creal

Wife:
Agnes Stout
born: 25 Sept, 1818, Shawneetown, IL
died: 27 Nov, 1892, Shawneetown, IL
buried: 2 Dec 1892, Riley Cementery, Ridgway, IL

Children:
Sr. Thomas Jefferson Riley

Linda Essex
born: abt 1842, Tenn

William T. Riley
born: 11 Dec, 1845, Ridgway, IL
died: 22 Nov, 1899, Ridgway, IL
buried: 26 Nov, 1899, Riley Cementery, Ridgway, IL

Martha Riley Moore
born: ab 1846, Ridgway, IL

Celia Riley
born: 25 July, 1850, Ridgway, IL
died: 10 June, 1865, Ridgway, IL
buried: 14 June, 1865, Riley Cemetery, Ridgway, IL

John Riley
born: Jan 1853, Ridgway, IL
Spouse: Fannie

James Richard Riley
born: 13 Mar, 1855, Ridgway, IL
married: 16 Mar, 1882, Gallatin Co
died: 2 Sept. 1921, Ridgway, IL
buried: 3 Sept, 1921, Riley Cemetery, Ridgway, IL
3rd wife: Sarah J. Casey
2nd wife: Sarah C.
1st wife: Katie Nevels

Joseph Riley
born: 17 Dec, 1857,Ridgway, IL
married: 26 Oct 1882, Gallatin Co
died: 11 Feb 1928, Ridgway, IL
buried: 14 Feb 1928, Callicott Cemetary, Ridgway, IL
Wife: Mary Ellen Callicott

Owen Riley
born: 6 Nov 1861, Ridgway, IL

Married:Joseph Riley and Mary Creal

Joseph Riley
born: abt 1778, Kentucky or Pennsylvania

Mary Creal
born: abt. 1780, Kentucky

Children:
Owen Riley
born: 4 Nov 1809, Pope, IL
died: 21 July 1876, Gallatin Co, Ridgway, IL
buried: 24 July, 1876, Riley Cementary, Ridgway, IL Gallatin Co
Spouse: Agnes Stout


The information I have on Lucinda Agnes Smith was the daughter of Joseph P. Smith born 6 Aug, 1819 maybe in Green Co, PA, he died 18 Mar 1863, Shawneetown, IL, Gallatin County. He married second to Louisa Elizabeth Jane Akins aka Eliza Jane Akins on 14 Feb 1847, Hamilton Co, OH. He was married the first time to Elizabeth Sage. Louisa Eliza Jane Akins was born 5 Mar 1819 in Detroit, Wayne Co, Michigan and died 20 July 1892 in Shawneetown, IL.

Thomas Jefferson Riley born 9 March 1843 in Ridgway, IL died 26 Nov 1887 in Ridgway, iL married Lucinda Agnes Smith on 11 Mar 1869 in Ridgway, IL. Lucinda Agnes Smith was born 19 Aug 1852 Shawneetown, IL Gallatin Co. died 28 July 1900 Shawneetown, IL
Hello ,

I am not very good in English but I am already some years in search of my 2 halfbrothers and 1 halfsister.
My father in the US known as John Smith stayed in the USA in the years 1919 -1938 and he told me and gave me some pictures from my family overthere just before he died in 1994.
He was not married I presume ? but lived with a lady called Lilianne Banks and they lived in Berkeley CA around 1930?
They had 3 children Bobby,Billy and Helen and for as far that He Told Me they had the mothers name Banks.
Until now my search stays unresolved and that's why I wanted to post this story here.


Hope to see some positive reactions from the other side.
Regards Raymond De Smet
James Washington Smith (1814-1864) served in the Civil War in Company K, VA 8th Cavalry. James, called by his middle name of "Washington", was a bugler, and enlisted December 17, 1861. Company K was also called Big Sandy Rangers, and fought for the Confederate side during the Civil War. "Washington" was wounded in the Battle of Jonesville, Lee County, Virginia. The battle took place on January 3, 1864. Confederate General William E. Jones, assisted by Colonel A.L. Pridemore, defeated a Union Force and captured the battalion. The Union battalion, under the direction of Major Beers, surrendered with 383 men, 3 pieces of light artillery, and 27 6-mule teams. Only two of Pridemore's men were killed in the battle, and four wounded. About that many were killed and wounded from General Jone's brigade. The Union troops lost 40 men, killed and wounded. Union troops burned the courthouse, located in the heart of Jonesville, in 1864. They also burned down Franklin Academy, claiming that it had been used as a Confederate Hospital.
Washington Smith died of gangrene, from complications of a knee wound. He is buried there.

(JAMES W. SMITH, husband of Jane R. Garrett
HH #509, 43 CO. K, Bugler, Enlisted 17 Dec 1861)

Company K was involved in the following battles:
Camp Creek, Stone River Valley, WVA May 1, 1862
Giles Court House May 10, 1862
Lewisburg, WVA May 23, 1862
Jenkins Raid into Ohio Aug.22-Sept. 19, 1862
Weston, WVA Aug. 30, 1862
Glenville, WVA Aug. 31, 1862
White Sulphur Springs, WVA Aug. 26-27, 1863
Rogersville, TN Nov. 6, 1863
Jonesville, VA Jan. 3, 1864

Info is provided by Lambert's Papers 4:13....The Smith household was included in the 1850 and 1860 census of Wayne Co. One great granddaughter, Pauline Smith Gilkerson, recalls seeing a picture of James Washington, which had a lock of his red hair attached.

Alternative dob for Washington, per "Bloss-Pyles-Ross-Sellards" book by Harry Sellards Jr., of 11/4/1818.

Wayne County Census of 7/29/1850 has listed: James W., 36 year-old farmer, dwelling 248, living with Jane, age 26 and the following children: William F. age 3, Sarah E. age 2, and James M., age 1.

Please looked under "mystery photos" for a possible photo of James Washington Smith.
My father is Elmer Junior Smith DOB 2-25-1935 and lives in Shawneetown, IL (also known as Old Shawneetown right on the Ohio river). Elmer married Anna Mae Travelstead on August 15, 1958 in Shawneetown, IL, in the county of Saline. My parents had five children:

Sandy Jean Smith (myself) DOB 06-16-1959 in New Haven, IL at home;
Brenda Lee Smith DOB 01-05, 1961 in Eldorado, IL in New Haven, IL. She died June 1961 at the age of 6 months from SIDS at home;
Mary Frances Smith (Hall) DOB 07-28-1963 in Eldorado, IL;
James Elmer Smith DOB 02-03-1965 in Eldorado, IL;
Elizabeth Ann Smith (Johnson) DOB 12-22-1966 in Eldorado, IL.;

Joel Claud(e) Smith (was my grandfather) DOB 2-14-1897, and he died 5-31-1965, and buried in Westwood Cemetery, Old Shawneetown, IL . He married Alice May Back DOB 11-15-1908 of New Haven, IL. The marriage took place 10-25-1917, and she died 08-05-1946, and she is buried in Westwood Cemetery My grandfather later married Shirley??? She married later after my grandfather’s death in 1965 to a Seely.

James Smith (was my great grandfather) DOB ca. 1877, married Maggie Lamb Ridgway in Shawneetown, IL, in the county of Saline. They had three sons together, and which one was my grandfather. There was apparently another son George Smith and a William (Bill) Smith. My grandfather apparently had a half brother Floyd Thomas Jr, whom I don’t know to much about. His sisters were Clara (Smith) Pruitt and she had lived in Mt. Vernon, IL, and had a son whose name is/was Bob Pruitt, and his other sister was Hattie (Smith) Padgett, and also was living in Mt. Vernon, IL. I was also told of another sister, whom was Mary Pauline (Smith) Back. She had two daughters Faye (Back) Nation of Shawneetown, and Delilah (Lolly) (Back) Vaughan, they are my 2nd cousin, and my father and uncle’s nieces.

Joseph Smith (was my great-great grandfather) DOB ca. 1808, married to Eliza Jane Akins ca. 1845 in Ridgway, IL, and he died ca. 1863.

There was also a Luther Ingleton, and this man was my grandfather’s cousin. There was also a Jim or Red Davies whom are also related. There is also a cousin Charles Usselton whom I was told lived in Dale, IL, his brother was Hershel, whom was a jockey, he was also suppose to be German? I am hoping on planning a Smith family reunion in Shawneetown, IL this year around September, 2006.

If you are Scottish-Irish, or are related any anyway please let me know. I would love to hear from you. I do have a photo of my grandparents if you are interested.

Sandy Smith-Distel
[contact link]
I really don't know much about my Smith family and this is all I have which is very little information. However this is what I do know:

My father is Elmer Junior Smith DOB 2-25-1935 and lives in Shawneetown, IL (also known as Old Shawneetown right on the Ohio river). Elmer married Anna Mae Travelstead on August 15, 1958 in Shawneetown, IL, in the county of Saline.

My parents had five children. Sandy Jean Smith (myself) DOB 06-16-1959 in New Haven, IL at home, Brenda Lee Smith DOB 01-05, 1961 in Eldorado, IL in New Haven, IL. She died June 1961 at the age of 6 months from SIDS at home, Mary Frances Smith (Hall) DOB 07-28-1963 in Eldorado, IL, James Elmer Smith DOB 02-03-1965 in Eldorado, IL, and Elizabeth Ann Smith (Johnson) DOB 12-22-1966 in Eldorado, IL.

Joel Claud Smith (was my grandfather) DOB 2-14-1897, and he died 5-31-1965, and buried in Westwood Cemetery, Old Shawneetown, IL . He married Alice May Back DOB 11-15-1908 of New Haven, IL. The marriage took place 10-25-1917, and she died 08-05-1946, and she is buried in Westwood Cemetery My grandfather later married Shirley??? She married later after my grandfather’s death in 1965 to a Seely.

James Smith (was my great grandfather) DOB ca. 1877. He married Maggie Lamb Ridgway in Shawneetown, IL, in the county of Saline. They had three sons together, and which one was my grandfather. There apparently was another son George Smith and a William (Bill) Smith. My grandfather apparently had a half brother Floyd Thomas Jr, whom I don’t know to much about. His sisters were Clara (Smith) Pruitt and she had lived in Mt. Vernon, IL, and had a son whose name is/was Bob Pruitt, and his other sister was Hattie (Smith) Padgett, and also was living in Mt. Vernon, IL. I was also told of another sister, whom was Mary Pauline (Smith) Back. She had two daughters Faye (Back) Nation of Shawneetown, and Delilah (Lolly) (Back) Vaughan, they are my 2nd cousin, and my father and uncle’s nieces.

Joseph Smith (was my great-great grandfather) DOB ca. 1808. He married Eliza Jane Akins married ca. 1845 in Ridgway, IL, and he died ca. 1863.

These are the parents and grandparents of my grandmother. Alice May Back my grandmother's father was James Back married my grand mother Josephine Mossbarger in Shawneetown, Gallatin County, she also had a daughter also named Jospehine and she was born 07-20-1891, died 09-05-1972 in Loretta Nursing Home, Shawneetown, IL., and buried in Westwood Cemetery, Shawneetown, IL My grandfather and his wife are buried in Westwood also. I also have a cousin Sheila Pinkston buried in Westwood Cemetery, Shawneetown. Now James Back's father was Mitch Back and was married to Mary Hise, there are no dates for them at all. Now Josephine Mossbarger's parents were John W Mossbarger and he was married to Alice D. Pruitt. now there is nothing else that I have. If any of this rings a bell please let me know. We are planning a family reunion for the Smith's in Shawneetown, IL next year. If you are Scottish or related any anyway please let me know.

There is also a Luther Ingleton this man was my grandfather’s cousin. There was also a Jim or Red Davies whom are related too. There is also a cousin Charles Usselton who I was told lived in Dale, IL, his brother was Hershel was a jockey who was German. I was told that most of our relation are.

You can reach me at [contact link]

I hope to hear from any relatives.
This tells a little about my husbands grandparents. This is as quoted from a book called "Ozark Elders" who did a short story about them in the 1981. It is pretty much in their words as interviewed.
Charlie Smith, 86, and his wife, "Don", 80, live near Witter, Madison County (Arkansas).
CHARLIE: "I've lived in this house nearly all my life. My grandpa Smith settled the place. He was the first white man that ever got from Huntsville up the War Eagle River. He located this place when he was just a boy and camped out here. He lived up until he was 87 - lacked just a few days of reaching 88. He's buried near here at the "Cove" (cemetary). My dad and mother is buried down there, and I've got Uncle Polk Burney and Uncle Crat Burney and their wives buried down there. My father farmed and worked in timber, too. 'Way back yonder that was the main business. I worked in lumber. Hauled timber on a wagon with two mules. Lord, I've made enough ties to lay a railraod track from here to Fayetteville! I was hauling before I could harness. I'd have to get my horses up to the manger to get the harness on them because I wasn't high enough. I went to hauling when I was 12 years old. I was young and, listen, you don't see bad roads around here like we had then. We had bad roads. I couldn't hold the brakes and hold the horses at the same time, I was so little. But I felt like I was as big as anybody. I'd get me a chewing tobacco in my mouth. One of our horses was black and the other was gray. My brother-in-law lots of times would go with me hauling with his team; he hat4ed tobacco and hated to see anybody using it. I'd get up on the front of the wagon with a big mouthful and spit over on his white horse. It would make him so mad, he didn't know what to do. He'd say, "If you was a boy of mine, I'd whip the hide off of you!" I went to school a little but, like I told somebody the other day, I went to school about half a day in my sister's place if she was sick."
DON: "He missed every day that he could possibly find something else to do."
CHARLIE: "I lacked a week of being 22 when I married and she wasn't quite 16."
DON: "I lacked a week, too. Our birthdays are on the same day. I lived in Boston (Arkansas). Charlie and I met at play parties and at church. It was mostly at parties that we saw each other. We'd call them play parties because everyone would get together and play games and have square-dancing. When we got married, we moved in here with his mother and daddy and stayed a while. Then we bought a house near the upper end of the farm and stayed quite a while. Finally, his dad and mother got so old that we moved back in here and took care of them. We have six children."
CHARLIE: "Five boys and a girl. Pretty good bunch. I reckon our girl from Fresno, California, will be here pretty soon."
DON: "Two of the boys is passed away."
CHARLIE: "We'll be married for sixty-four years in April (1981)."
DON: "I'd say people was happier then than they are now. They was content with what they had. That's why I think it was a happier time. The knew how to be satisfied. We always raised everything we ate - meat, beans, peas, peanuts, always had plenty of milk and butter. We always made big crops. Oats and corn was the main crops. Sorghum. Him and his dad made the sorghum molasses for everyone far and near. He'd do the grinding and Grandpa would do the boiling off."
CHARLIE: "Back then we lived better than anyone can now."
DON: "Now our son comes every weekend and brings our groceries. he knows what we need and sees that we get them. We have to be careful with our money, but there are things you can do. We get by, Me and Charlie takes care of one another pretty well."

This is such a special story, just wanted to share it with whomever was interested. I'm really proud to have this for my children.
Ingredients:
2 eggs
water
2 cups of flour

Directions:
Beat 2 eggs with a pinch of salt and 1/2 egg shell of COLD water. Stir in flour with fork. Roll out on floured board. Add flour as needed to keep dough from sticking to surface or rolling pin. Cut in long lenghts and cut in stew or soup for 20 minutes with the lid on. NO PEEKING!!
The life of Araminta "Minnie" Jane Smith was neither long nor easy. At 21 she married Ezra Stiles, a man 11 years her senior and by the time she was 33 she had borne seven children and was dead. The story of her final days is one of irony and courage. On Christmas Eve 1889 her husband, who had been very ill for several months, died. The following is an account of one of her daughters, Edna Minnie (Stiles) Baker.

" After the funeral Grandmother Smith herded us and mother out to her home in Nappan, Nova Scotia. Some of us were parked with aunts or uncles who already had several small children of their own. We orphans were only surplus baggage and, indeed, were made to feel that way too. Mother stayed with the youngest ones at Grandmother Smith's until Fall, when she got a chance to help out in a family where the mother had recently died. "

The following appeared in the Amherst Record in 1890:

GAVE HER LIFE FOR OTHERS
The Self-Sacrifice of an Heroic Cumberland Woman

An Athol correspondent of the Amherst Record says: "We feel that some slight tribute to the memory of a noble, self-sacrificing woman should be recorded, as few such deeds of heroism have ever come under our notice. After the death of Mrs. Job Pugsley, September 8th, a widow, Mrs. Stiles, daughter of John Smith of Nappan, - came to the aid of the afflicted family left with only one and inexperienced girl, then nearly crushed by her mother's death. Mrs. Stiles intended to remain only a short time, but the eldest son, Frederick, who had been in Campbellton , came home to his mother's funeral, and that day was prostrated with typhoid fever, contracted in Campbellton. Mrs. Stiles could not leave the sick man uncared for, and therefore remained and nursed him through a long and very severe illness, but before he had entirely recovered, Florence, the young sister, was prostrated, then the second brother, Albert, and both for a long time lay in a very precarious condition. At length the strain upon this faithful nurse was too much, and she succumbed to the dire disease. Worn out with watching and anxiety, the fever attacked the brain, and after a few days struggle with the foe she passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 25th. Her remains were taken to Amherst, and laid I am told, beside those of her departed husband. She leaves a family of small children. We may well say, 'She gave herself for others.' Of course, when she came none knew of the sickness being fever, but when once in the sick home she would not leave the helpless family to suffer.


A footnote:

"Minnie" (Smith) Stiles is buried in Amherst next to her husband, Ezra Stiles.

The woman who died on September 8 1890 was Mrs. Job Pugsley, the former Sarah Eliza Read daughter of Thomas Read of Amherst. Source: "Historical Record of the Posterity of William Black" by Cyrus Black, Esq., published in 1885 - p.183
My husband's grandmother was Lucinda Smith. She had siblings John James, born 1869 and Missouri, born 1871. This family of Smith's lived in Polk County, Texas. From reading books about southeast Texas I learned that there was a lot of violence in the early days over open range rights, whiskey stills, and many other things. I came across two news articles that were in the Polk County Enterprise.

17 Dec 1914
Polk County Enterprise
Livingston, Polk County, Texas

JOHN SMITH KILLED AT CORRIGAN YESTERDAY (Wednesday)
Last Thursday about 1:30 p.m. Mr. John Smith, who lives about 7 miles west of Corrigan was shot by W.M. Gibbs on the streets of Corrigan. The shooting occurred between the old Henderson Store and the Livery Stable. It is stated that Mr. Smith was in his wagon returning from the gin where he had carried a load of cotton when he was shot. Twenty-one buck-shot entered Mr. Smith's left side and his left arm was almost torn to pieces. He only lived about two minutes, and no one heard him speak a word before he died. Mr. Gibbs called up Sheriff Foreman at his place and told him he wanted to give himself up to the officers. When Sheriff Foreman reached Corrigan the examing trial had been waived and the bond of Mr. Gibbs fixed at $3,000 to await the action of the Grand Jury. Mr. Gibbs readily made his bond.

20 May 1915
Polk County Enterprise
Livingston, Polk County, Texas
W.M.GIBBS KILLED AT CORRIGAN
Monday morning about 6 o'clock W.M. Gibbs was shot and killed at Corrigan, near Cobb's Store. Four shots were fired from a shot gun. After the shooting four men were seen to leave from near the place of the shooting, and parties telephoned Sheriff Foreman, of this place, to come to Corrigan with his bloodhounds in order that they might trail the parties who were supposed to have done the shooting. While Sheriff Foreman was preparing to go to Corrigan with his dogs, he received a long distance call from Benford, from Arthur Smith, who stated that he had killed Gibbs, and was ready to give up. Sheriff Foreman and County Attorney Hill went to Corrigan on the morning train. The other three parties, who were seen with Smith, proved to be Steve Thornton, a half-brother of Smith's; Luther Lewis, a cousin of Smith's; and Clyde Foster. It was stated to the officers that the shooting was the outgrowth of former family trouble, Gibbs having killed his father last December. Smith, Thornton, Lewis and Foster all made bond to await the action of the grand jury.

Note: I would like to know more about this Smith Family, i.e. siblings, who was John Smith's father, etc.
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These old newspaper articles are simply fascinating...

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