Abraham SMITH Family History
The Kansas Heritage Server would like to thank Stephen Chinn
for providing this information.
Census Records
1850 Michigan Census. Kent Co. Walker Township pg 213
THOMAS SMITH 24 farmer b/Canada
RUAMA 20 wife b/OH
ISAAC 2 b/MI
1860 Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan
James SMITH 34 M Farmer Canada
Derinda 28 F House Keeper New York
Sewell 5 M MI
Almida 4 F MI
John SMITH 3 M Michigan
Carlos SMITH 8/12 M Michigan
Daniel FULLER 32 M Farm Laborer New York
1860 Michigan Census. Muskegon Co. Muskegan Village
THOMAS SMITH 35 saloon keep b/Canada/1825
ROSANNA 30 wife b/08/1830
ISAAC 14 b/MI/1846
LEON G 7 b/MI/1853
1870 Ashland Township, Newaygo Co, Michigan
James SMITH 44 M Farmer Canada
Derinda 38 F House Keeper New York
Sewell 15 M Farm Labor & school MI
Almida 14 F Domestic & school MI
John 13 M Farm Labor & school MI
Carlos 10 M school MI
1880 Ashland Township, Newaygo County, Michigan
NAME: AGE: SEX: OCCUPATION: BIRTH PLACE:
Wesley E. SMITH 28 M Farmer MI
Laura SMITH (wife) 24 F Keeping House MI
Achie SMITH (son) 4 M at home MI
Simon Peter SMITH(father)60 M Farmer Canada
1884 Michigan Special Census. Muskegon Co
SMITH. LEON 31 engineer b/MI/Can/OH
FLORA 30 b/MI/MI/NY
ROSANNA (RUMA) 8 b/MI/MI/MI
ARA (IRA) 4 b/MI/MI/MI
1894 Michigan Special Census. Muskegon Co
SMITH. LEON J 41 b/MI/Can/OH 2chd
FLORA 35 b/MI/MI/NY 2chd
RUAMA 18 scholar b/MI/MI/MI
IRA W 13 scholar b/MI/MI/MI
McGALLINGER, JOHN 62 engineer b/Scotland
ROSIE(Ruama)84 b/OH/NY/NY
SMITH Family History
"Historians of this Smith family agree their very early
ancestors lived in England and that they were inclined to be
evangelical in their form of worship. They found themselves
persecuted and in 1593 they removed to Holland. Later they
returned to England and sailed with other Puritans for America.
It is said that they landed at Plymouth Rock, but the exact date
has not been recorded."
The German Palatinate refugees started arriving in England,
Pennsylvania, and other colonies about 1709. Most of them lived
(sojourned) in refugee camps in England for some time before they
were shipped to America. I believe Abraham's family lived near
Chester, England before he was shipped through Port Chester to
West Chester County, New York.
[Ref. B.T. Holmes]
Family Group Sheet
Abraham SMITH age: 72
Born: 1737 in:
Died: 1-Apr-1809 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Buried: in: BaptistCem,Vittoria,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: Occupation: wheelwright
Father:
Mother:
Abraham SMITH
Abraham SMITH was born in 1737 in Chester, England.
A native of the province of New York (Westchester County)
Abraham SMITH was a wheelwright by trade.
Abraham SMITH married 1/w Abigail?
Abraham SMITH married 2/w Rachel (b. 1759/1760; Dutch) in 1770 in
Westchester County, New York.
Abraham SMITH was enlisted in the third (North or Manor of
Cortlandt) Regiment of the Westchester County Militia.
[Ref. Vol. IV of Documents relating to the Colonial History of
the State of New York]
Abraham SMITH was placed under arrest, because as a member of the
local American militia, he had secretly helped Loyalists to reach
Niagara.
The first imprisonment -- after 1783 -- Abraham was confined for
three months, part of which time was on board of a prison ship on
the North River (the Hudson immediately above Manhattan).
The second imprisonment -- July/Sept. 1786 -- Abraham was "taken
up and confined in the American Army Provost guard (police force)
for three weeks, thirteen days of which time your petitioner was
loaded with heavy irons."
1786--Abraham SMITH's property (1,113 acres and sawmill) near
(about nine miles from) White Plains, Westchester County, New
York was confiscated.
[Ref. Extracts from Abraham SMITH's application for land grants
in Canada; B.T. Holmes]
1786 -- Abraham SMITH and his family were exiled from
Revolutionary New York by the Provost Guard (separating him from
his 1,113 acres and sawmill) who transported them and his
portable property, which consisted of a big wagon, horses,
valuables in packing cases and boxes and a rapidly dwindling
supply of cash, across the Hudson River and deposited them (with
advice of their arrival) on the shores of Revolutionary New
Jersey. The place where they were landed was New Brunswick, New
Jersey. They were promptly advised by Revolutionary New Jersey
that their stay there would have to be very brief, or it would
confiscate all their portable possessions.
Abraham hid in a large freight box. When the family was accosted
by the sergeant, they were intending to spend the next night in
Somerville, New Jersey. Rachel pretended that Abraham had already
gone on there. Abraham only spent one whole night and day in his
box with his "provisions and a couple of jars of milk."
Abraham Smith arrived in Ontario,CAN in 1786 "by sworn statement."
In the winter of 1786-1787 (with the consent of Revolutionary New
Jersey) a large convoy (46 families) of United Empire Loyalist
(UEL) refugees was being organized at Newton, Sussex County, New
Jersey. Almost all the members of this loyalist refugee convoy
came from Sussex County, New Jersey, itself.
Abraham SMITH and his family drove north in their wagon from
Somerville, New Jersey to Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey and
joined the convoy of Loyalist refugees, using their cash
resources until Abraham had only seven shillings in his pocket.
March 1787 the refugee convoy took off north for Niagara via
Indian Trails through the wilderness --
From Newton, Sussex County, New Jersey to the Finger Lake
district of New York.
Then they turned west toward Niagara near present Syracuse, New
York. Here on May 15, 1787, young Abraham was born. [Ref.
transcription of the gravestone]
When the refugee column reached the Niagara River in the summer
of 1787, about half the families were ferried across from Fort
Niagara to Newark (Niagara on Lake Ontario, North or Lower end of
the river) and half were ferried across from Buffalo, New York to
Fort Erie (South or Upper end of the river).
Abraham SMITH family were ferried across the Niagara River about
July 10, 1787 (May 15, 1787 plus eight weeks)(Owen, p. 43) from
Buffalo, New York to Fort Erie where they pitched their tent in
the wilderness.
Abraham SMITH arrived in the province (Upper Canada) and brought
with him a wife (Rachel) and nine children (five sons and four
daughters) in the summer of 1787.
1793 - The entire SMITH family joined William SMITH at Young's
Creek Valley, in what was to become Charlotteville Township,
Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, then only an Indian village.
The SMITH family was the first white family (pioneer settlers) in
Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada. At first the family lived as
the Indians lived. As soon as they were able, they built a
substantial log house on the bank of Young's Creek. Living in
the wilderness was not easy. Land had to be cleared before seed
could be sown and bear food. They had brought 2 cows with them,
and the milk was precious to their livelihood. Game was
plentiful, but guns and ammunition were very scarce. Education
was also scarce. At the time the pioneers needed education most,
there were no schools to attend.
Abraham SMITH built the first frame barn in the township.
Some years later he constructed a horse-power mill for crushing
grain.
1797 - The Long Point Settlement school was the first school in
Norfolk County. William Pitt Gilbert came to the house of Mr.
Abraham Smith, the first settler on the plains in the Township of
Charlotteville, and solicited to be employed as a teacher. He
was then employed by Abraham Smith and eight other subscribers.
Classes were opened in 1797 in a small outhouse belonging to
Abraham Smith. This was on Lot 15, Concession 5.
The first students were Samuel Smith, William Smith, Jesse Smith,
Rachel Smith, Abraham Smith, Solomon Smith, Hannah Smith, Ephraim
Mitchell, Martin Mitchell, Francis L. Welch, Daniel Culver,
Aquila M. Welch (others are listed).
Shortly thereafter, the first schoolhouse was opened on Lot 15,
Concession 4 on the south side of Young's Creek, Charlotteville.
It was located by the side of the then new road which led from
the place of Thomas Welch (at the forks of Young's Creek) to the
mouth of said creek.
[Ref. Bannister, J.A. "Early Educational History of Norfolk
County." p. 52-53]
Abraham SMITH applied for land in 1797 in Charlotteville.
(1)"...after being long imprisoned and all his property
confiscated, came into this province with a wife and ten children
in 1786 . . . your petitioner was long confined in the American
War his estate in landed property to amount of 1113 acres was
confiscated, and all his personal property taken from him, and
when he came into this province in 1786 as above recited had only
seven shillings left . . . 16 June 1795
(2)"That your petitioner being a native of the province of
New York in North America and having always been most strongly
attached to the Crown and Government of Great Britain suffered
much and lost by an act of confiscation on account of his loyalty
a valuable landed property in the said Province of New York
containing eleven hundred and thirteen acres with a sawmill and
other valuable improvements thereon"
"That your petitioner in the time of the late American
Rebellion was taken up and confined in the American Provost
Guard, for three weeks thirteen days of which time your
petitioner was loaded with heavy irons and at another time though
before the last mentioned, your petitioner was imprisoned for the
space of three months part of which time your petitioner was
confined on board of a prison ship in the North River."
"That the charge exhibited against your petitioner and for
which he suffered as aforesaid, was concealing and assisting
Loyalists to proceed to Niagara."
"That your petitioner arrived in this province in the year
of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, and
brought with him a wife and nine children viz. five sons and four
daughters, and since the arrival of your petitioner in this
province, it has pleased Divine Providence to favor him with one
son and one daughter more . . . Feb. 6, 1797
(3)"...Abraham Smith personally came and appeared before me
Samuel Ryerse . . . and swore on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty
God that he moved from the States to this Province in the year
1786 and brought with him a wife, five sons and four daughters,
names as follows: Isaac, Samuel, William, Jesse and Abraham-
Abigail, Charity, Mary and Rachel." Feb. 7, 1797.
[Ref. extracts from "Abraham Smith's" application for land grants
in Canada; B.T. Holmes]
17 Feb 1802 Abraham Smith petitioned for land in Norfolk County,
Ontario, Canada.
17 May 1802 he was granted 400 acres, Lots 14 and 15 of
Concession 5, Charlotteville township, Norfolk County, Ontario,
Canada.
[Ref. Land Patents as reported by a Mrs. Harold (Maxine) Davis
letter, Belmont, Ontario 1985]
Abraham SMITH's will of Feb. 24, 1809 names his daughter, Hannah,
and his wife, Rachel. Executors were: wife, Rachel, sons William
and Abraham 2.
Abraham SMITH age 72 died April 11, 1809 in Charlotteville
Township, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada.
Abraham SMITH was buried in the old Baptist Church Cemetery at
Vittoria, Canada.
Rachel SMITH lived on after his death with baby Abraham and
visits from "Uncle Billy" and her other children for 22 years
after his death.
Rachel SMITH died in 1831 in Charlotteville Township, Norfolk
County, Ontario, Canada.
F Child 1 Abigail SMITH
Born: 27-Mar-1766 in: New York
Died: 1814 in: Long Point,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: Gustin Geneal. Occupation:
Spouse: John GUSTIN
Married: BEF 1786 in: New York
Spouse: Simon MABEE
Married: in:
F Child 2 Charity SMITH
Born: 1769 in: New York
Died: in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Buried: in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: various Occupation:
Spouse: John HAVENS
Married: in:
Spouse: Levi CHURCHILL
Married: in:
M Child 3 Isaac SMITH
Born: 1771 in: New York
Died: 1830 in: Lincoln County, Ontario
Ref: various Occupation:
F Child 4 Mary SMITH
Born: 1774 in: New York
Died: 1844 in:
Spouse: Oliver MABEE
Married: in:
M Child 5 Samuel SMITH
Born: 1777 in: New York
Died: 5-Dec-1850 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Buried: in: Baptist Ch.Cem. Vittoria,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: Occupation: Pioneer
Spouse: Nancy MORRIS
Married: in:
Wife: Rachel DECKER
Married: 1770 in: WestchesterCo, NY
Born: 1757/1759 in: Montgomery, OrangeCo, NY
Died: 1831 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Father:
Mother:
M Child 1 William "Uncle Billy" SMITH
Born: 1777 in: New York
Died: 1823 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: various Occupation:
Spouse: Jane BARBER
Married: in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Spouse: Fanny OAKES
Married: 1810 ca in:
M Child 2 Jesse SMITH
Born: 1780/1781 in: WashingtonCo, NY 1
Died: 1860 in: KentCo, MI
Buried: in: KentCo, MI
Ref: Occupation: farmer/pioneer
Spouse: Irene ______
Married: 1800 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Spouse: Elizabeth "Betsy" E. FAIRCHILD
Married: May 1810/1811 in: CAN
F Child 3 Rachel SMITH
Born: 1784 in: New York
Died: in:
Spouse: Alexander Selkirk STILLWELL
Married: in:
Spouse: Robert SHEARER
Married: in:
M Child 4 Abraham SMITH age: 76
Born: 15 MAY 1787 in: New York
Died: 13 JUN 1863 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Buried: 1863 in: Vittoria,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: Long Pt Settle. Occupation:
Spouse: Sarah BAKER
Married: in:
Spouse: Anna BAKER
Married: 22-Oct-1827 (?) in: Norfolk,ON,CAN
M Child 5 Solomon SMITH
Born: 1788 in: New York
Died: 1835 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Ref: various Occupation:
Spouse: Lydia CRANDALL
Married: in:
F Child 6 Hannah SMITH
Born: 1790 in: New York
Died: 1842 in:
Ref: Brown gen Occupation:
Spouse: Victor BROWN
Married: in:
1 Jesse SMITH may have been born in Essex Co (now Union Co), New Jersey (1850
KentCo, MI Census).
20-Aug-2000 Family Group Sheet
Husband: Jesse SMITH
Born: 1780/1781 in: WashingtonCo, NY 1
Died: 1860 in: KentCo, MI
Buried: in: KentCo, MI
Ref: Occupation: farmer/pioneer
Father: Abraham SMITH
Mother: Rachel DECKER
Jesse SMITH
Jesse SMITH was born 1780/1781 in Westchester County, New York.
1787 - Jesse SMITH arrived in the province (Upper Canada) with
his parents.
1793 - the entire SMITH family joined William SMITH at Young's
Creek Valley, in what was to become Charlotteville Township,
Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada.
1798, 4 June 1799 & 31 Dec 1799 -- Jesse SMITH was named in the
Muster Roll of Thomas Welch's Company, Norfolk Malitia. The later
entry lists Private, Jesse SMITH, age 18 years, farmer, born in
the state of New York, last from the County of Lincoln, UC.
[Ref. Mrs. Harold (Maxine) Davis letter, Belmont, Ontario 1985]
[Ref. Roll of the Charlotteville Company of Militia, 31 Dec 1799]
1800/1810 - Jesse SMITH married 1/w Irene (b. 1780/1790 in
Ireland) in Charlotteville Township, Norfolk County, Ontario,
Canada.
They had 4 children.
17 May 1802 Jesse SMITH petitioned for land grant.
Summer 1802 - He was appointed a Constable for Charlotteville
Township, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada with John Stone by the
Court of Norfolk County.
9 Apr 1803 - As the child of a Loyalist, Jesse SMITH was given a
Government land grant of 200 acres, Lot 17, Concession 5, in
Charlotteville Township, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada.
[Ref. Land Patents as reported by a Mrs. Harold (Maxine) Davis
letter, Belmont, Ontario 1985]
1808 - In the Assessment roll of 1808 Jesse was assessed at under
100 pounds and was liable for 8 days labor.
1809 - The 1809 Assessment roll lists him as owning 100 acres
uncleared and 32 cleared, 1 cabin of round logs, 4 oxen, 3 cows,
2 cattle, 2 swine, assessment of 91 pounds 16 shillings.
Irene SMITH died 24 May 1810 with the birth of their last child,
David SMITH.
Jesse SMITH married 2/w Elizabeth (Betsy) FAIRCHILD May 1810 or
1811.
They had 12 children, including 3 sets of twins.
1817 - Jesse SMITH's land grant (200 acres in Charlotteville
Township, Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada) he sold to his
brother-in-law, Oliver Mabee.
1818 - He owned a grist mill on Ta??? Road near Vienna, Bayham
Township, Elgin County, Ontario, Canada at this time.
1836 - Jesse SMITH arrived in Walker Township (now a township of
Grand Rapids West Side) Kent County, Michigan and established a
new homestead for his family on land later known as Bridge
Street.
[Ref. "Pioneer History of Elgin County" Canada]
Here three of the SMITHs married three of the FULLERs and
settled in the country between Detroit and Grand Rapids. While
some of Jesse's children remained in Canada, others of this large
family have scattered throughout Michigan, Indiana, and the
World.
"On December 30, 1837, all of the land north of the Grand
River in Kent County was set off as a township unit by the state
legislature that marked the beginning of Walker. On the west
bank the planting ground and the land that had been ceded to the
Indians in 1821 by the Treaty of Chicago for a Mission and school
occupied much of the level land to the high bluffs almost a mile
from the river. Only three white men: Samuel White, John Nardin
and Jesse SMITH had settled in the wilderness."
[Ref. "Echoes of the Past." Walker Bicentennial. 1986]
July 21, 1839 - Jesse SMITH patented lands (at least 320 acres)
in Sec 22 in Walker Township, Kent County, Michigan. His sons,
Lemuel (Sec 22), David (Sec 9), Benjamin (Sec 10), and Isaac (Sec
9) were all land owners.
August 1839 - Jesse SMITH purchased land in Sec 27, which was on
the south side of Bridge Street.
Jesse SMITH died before 1860 (1850-1855) probably in Michigan.
Elizabeth (FAIRCHILD) SMITH was living with her daughter, Mary
(SMITH) FULLER 1/w Suel FULLER in 1860.
Elizabeth (FAIRCHILD) SMITH died after 1860.
Wife: Irene ______
Married: 1800 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Born: 1780 in: IRL
Died: 24-May-1810 in: CAN
Father:
Mother:
M Child 1 Benjamin SMITH age: 74
Born: 17 NOV 1803 in: Norfolk,ON,CAN
Died: 10 APR 1878 in: Alpine twp, Kent Co. MI
Buried: in: r/Walker, MI ret/Houghton twp, Canada
Ref: various Occupation: machine/grist mill shops
Spouse: Nancy FORBES
Married: in: CAN
Spouse: Martha GRIFFIN
Married: in:
M Child 2 Asa SMITH
Born: 1807 in:
Died: 1884 in: Walker Twp, KentCo, MI
Buried: in: Riverbend Cem. Kent Co. MI
Ref: Co. Records Occupation:
F Child 3 Altha SMITH
Born: 1809 in: CAN
Died: 15 FEB 1894 in: Kennsington, Ilinois
Ref: various Occupation:
Spouse: Robert LEETES
Married: in:
M Child 4 David W. SMITH age: 59
Born: 26 MAY 1810 in: Charlotteville,Norfolk,ON,CAN
Died: 28 OCT 1869 in: Walker Twp, KentCo, MI
Ref: Co. Records Occupation: farmer
Spouse: RACHEL SMITH
Married: 1840 ca in:
Wife: Elizabeth "Betsy" E. FAIRCHILD
Married: May 1810/1811 in: CAN
Born: 1785 in: CAN 2
Died: 1860 in: KentCo, MI
Buried: in: KentCo, MI
Father: Peter "ELDER" FAIRCHILD
Mother: Sarah FULLER
Elizabeth FAIRCHILD
Source of info: Ila Huffman 310 Bellevue SW, Grand
Rapids, MI 49548-3011; Gerald Weaver, Boyne City, MI 49712
1785 Elizabeth Fairchild was born in Canada.
Elizabeth FAIRCHILD was granted 100 acres in Walsingham
Township and 300 acres in Townsend Township, Norfolk County,
Ontario, Canada.
She sold her land.
May 1810/1811 Elizabeth FAIRCHILD married Jesse SMITH
in Canada.
F Child 1 Rebecca SMITH
Born: 1810 in: CAN
Died: in: r/Houghton twp, Elgin Co. Ont.
Ref: various Occupation:
Spouse: Robert MERSER
Married: in:
M Child 2 Isaac SMITH age: 85
Born: 20 OCT 1814 in: Vienna, ElginCo, ON, CAN
Died: 11 FEB 1900 in: Chebanse, IroquoisCo, IL
Buried: in: Riverside/Baralett Cem, IroquoisCo, IL
Ref: Hopeman etc. Occupation: farmer/blacksmith
Spouse: Catherine BUCKNER
Married: 15 JUN 1838 in: BayhamTwp, ElginCo, ON, CAN
M Child 3 Lemuel R. SMITH
Born: 11-Jan-1817 in: NY
Died: AFT 1854 in: Grand Rapids, KentCo, MI
Buried: in: White Cemetery
Spouse: Philema MORTON
Married: in:
F Child 4 Lovisa SMITH
Born: 11-Jan-1817 in: NY
Died: 1897 in: KentCo, MI
Buried: in: Blaine Cemetery, GainesTwp, KentCo, MI
Ref: Co. Records Occupation:
Spouse: Rensalaar MESNARD
Married: 1838 in: KentCo, MI
F Child 5 Miriam SMITH
Born: 1820 in: CAN
Died: 1850 in:
Ref: various Occupation:
M Child 6 Simon Peter SMITH age: 71
Born: 20 JAN 1821 in:
Died: 18 JUL 1892 in: Ashland, NewaygoCo, MI
Buried: in: m/Sarah J -- s/Jesse Smith
Ref: census Occupation:
Spouse: Sarah (Jane) SMITH
Married: 1847 ca in:
F Child 7 Mary SMITH
Born: 1823 in: CAN
Died: 1885 in: Marne, Ottawa County, MI
Buried: in: Old Marne Cemetery, Ottawa County, MI
Spouse: Suel FULLER
Married: 1838 in: MI
F Child 8 Jane Elizabeth SMITH
Born: 1824 in: CAN
Died: 1870 in: Muskegon,MuskegonCo,MI
Ref: Co.Rec/Bailey Occupation:
Spouse: Joseph ANDERSON
Married: in:
M Child 9 James M. SMITH
Born: 1826 in: CAN
Died: 22-Jan-1912 in: Garfield, Newaygo County, MI
Ref: Occupation: farmer/carpenter
Spouse: Derinda FULLER
Married: in:
M Child 10 Thomas H. SMITH
Born: 1826 in: CAN
Died: 19 FEB 1869 in: Muskegon,MuskegonCo,MI
Ref: Co. Records Occupation: teamster/farmer/saloon
Spouse: Ruama (Rosanna) SMITH
Married: 1847 ca in:
F Child 11 Emily SMITH age: 62
Born: 6 JUL 1830 in: CAN
Died: 3 AUG 1892 in: OttawaCo, MI
Buried: in: Old Marne Cemetery, Ottawa County, MI
Spouse: George M. FULLER
Married: Aug-1845 in: KentCo, MI
F Child 12 Sarah SMITH
Born: 1832/1833 in:
Died: in: r/Muskegon MI 1860
Ref: Bailey Occupation:
Spouse: Alexander FULLER
Married: bf 1853 in:
1 Jesse SMITH may have been born in Essex Co (now Union Co), New Jersey (1850
KentCo, MI Census).
2 Elizabeth FAIRCHILD may have been born in New York (1850 KentCo, MI Census).
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