Smith Surname – Access Genealogy

Descendants of William Brett of Bridgewater, MA

Ellis Brett, president of the Plymouth County Trust Company, of Brockton, and one of that city’s honored and respected citizens, is a worthy representative of historic New England ancestry, the Brett family having resided in this community since the first settlement of the mother town of Bridgewater, from which the town of North Bridgewater (now Brockton) was set off. Mr. Brett was born in the latter town Oct. 23, 1840, only son of Ephraim and Ruth (Copeland) Brett. The early history of the Brett family in America begins with William Brett, who came to Duxbury, Mass., in 1645, from Kent, England, and later became one of the fifty-four original proprietors and first settlers of the town of ancient Bridgewater, settling in the West parish of the town. He was an elder in the church, and often when the Rev. James Keith, the first ordained pastor of the church there, was ill, Mr. Brett preached to the people. He was a leading man in both church and town affairs, and was deputy to the General Court from the date of the in-corporation of ancient Bridgewater in 1656 to 1661. That he was well educated and intelligent is manifest from a letter to Governor Winslow, still extant, and he was much esteemed by his brethren and often employed in their secular affairs. He died Dec. 17, 1681, aged sixty-three years

Slave Narrative of Prince Smith

Interviewer: Augusta Ladson Person Interviewed: Prince Smith Location: Wadmalaw, South Carolina Experiences Of An Ex-Slave On Wardmalaw Island Massa Wus Kind to Slaves Prince Smith, a man who is said to be over a hundred years of age, has lived on Wardmalaw Island practically all of his life. His experiences during slavery are very interesting and true to life. An interview with him revealed the following: “I was bo’n an’ raise’ on dis island and was only frum here when de Civil War had begun. W’en Fort Sumter wus fired on mossa carried seventy of us to Greenville, South Ca’lina … Read more

Biographical Sketch of W. O. Smith

W. O. Smith, farmer and stock-raiser, also proprietor and superintendent of Smith’s flour, feed and saw mills; P. O. Oakland; born in Champaign Co., Ohio, Oct. 8, 1824, where he followed farming until 25 years of age, when in 1849 he removed West, and located in Coles Co., Ill., purchasing 140 acres of land, where he lived until 1869; when he removed to Oakland and purchased the steam flour and saw mill, which business he has since followed; he owns his mill and four houses and lots in Oakland, besides upward of 700 acres of land in Coles and Douglas … Read more

Smith, Billy Ray – Obituary

Billy Ray Smith, 55, of Huntington died July 20, 2009, with his loved ones at his home. His graveside funeral will be Wednesday, July 29 at 11 a.m. at the Huntington Cemetery followed by a potluck memorial at 2 p.m. at the VFW Hall. Visitations will be Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28, from noon to 8 p.m. at Gray’s West & Co. Pioneer Chapel, 1500 Dewey Ave. Billy Ray was born Nov. 3, 1953, at Norco, Calif. He was known for being a loving man, father, husband, brother, son and grandfather, family members said. Survivors include his wife, … Read more

Ancestry of Lysander Franklin Gurney

LYSANDER FRANKLIN GURNEY, late of Brockton, Plymouth Co., Mass., was a descendant of some of the earliest settlers of this section. Going back to the mother country, we find the following general information in “The Gurneys of Earlham” (two volumes, Hart, Mich., March 16, 1906).

The Norfolk Gurneys claim descent from the ancient Barons of Gournay in Normandy, where the curious Ports Ibert with many old towers of the walls and the twelfth century church of Saint Hildevert attest the wealth and power of its ancient lords. Several members of the House accompanied William the Conqueror to England, and fought at the battle of Hastings, after which the valor of the aged Hugh de Gurney III. was rewarded by the establishment of the English Barony of Gourney, held by tenure of military service and by large grants of land, so that he has left his name of Baron Gourney in Somerset and several other places in England. The story of the “House of Gourney” is told in a magnificent history by Daniel Gurney of Juncton Hall, near Norwich, County of Norfolk, England, which possesses historic interest and shows much antiquarian research.

Pioneers of Elk Valley, Del Norte County, California

In the heart of Northern California lies a hidden gem steeped in history and natural beauty: Elk Valley in Del Norte County. This manuscript, titled “Pioneers of Elk Valley, Del Norte County, California: Fifty Years in the History of Elk Valley from 1850 to the Turn of the Century,” authored by Frances Turner McBeth, embarks on a vivid journey through the transformation of this enchanting valley over half a century. From the early days of exploration and settlement to the bustling activity of the turn of the century, McBeth’s narrative weaves together the lives of the pioneers who braved the unknown to establish a community in one of California’s most picturesque landscapes.

History of Erie County New York

“History of the City of Buffalo and Erie County” by Henry Perry Smith, published in 1884, offers an extensive and detailed account of the development of Buffalo and Erie County. This two-volume work, enriched with illustrations and biographical sketches, serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding the historical progression of the region from its earliest days through the 19th century. Volume I focuses on the history of Erie County, New York, and its townships, excluding Buffalo. For the detailed history of Buffalo, readers should refer to Volume II.

Biographical Sketch of Martin V. Smith

A veritable pioneer of the pioneers is Mr. Smith, having come to the Pacific coast in the early fifties and continued here in worthy labors in various lines since that time, ever displaying the same courage, capabilities, tenacity of purpose, and integrity, that have made the pioneers such a noble class of people. Mr. Smith was born in Kennebec county, Maine, on January 10, 1833, being the son of James and Hannah Smith, natives also of Maine, the father being born near Portland. His death also occurred in that state. Martin V. received a good schooling and remained with his … Read more

Ancestors of John Jay Whipple of Brockton, Massachusetts

For nearly fifty years the name of Whipple has been one of Brockton citizenship, representing a family here of substance and exceptional prominence in the community. Reference is made to the late Ferdinand Whipple and his son, the present Hon. John Jay Whipple, who together and in turn have been among Brockton’s successful business men, the son having figured conspicuously in public affairs, filling most of the offices within the gift of his fellow citizens, among other honors having been four times elected to the mayoralty of the city of Brockton. The Whipple family is one long prominent in the country, the earlier generations having been conspicuous in Rhode Island’s Colonial period, it being a Rhode Island family.

History of San Juan County Utah

“Saga of San Juan,” originally published in 1957, is a history of San Juan County Utah, compiled by the San Juan County Daughters of Utah Pioneers. The book provides a comprehensive look at the county’s origins and development. It spans from prehistoric times to the year 1957, offering insights into the diverse communities and challenges faced by early residents of this unique region.

Allen Family of East Bridgewater, Massachusetts

The Allen family, to which Mrs. Louise Prescott Allen Chandler belongs, is one of the oldest in East Bridgewater or, indeed, in Massachusetts. We give her line from the emigrant ancestor, Samuel Allen, from whom she is descended in the ninth generation.

Descendants of Richard Kimball of Ipswich MA

KIMBALL. Richard Kimball, of the parish of Rattlesden, County of Suffolk, England, with his family, came to New England in the ship “Elizabeth” in 1634, arriving at Boston, and thence went to Watertown, Mass. He soon became a prominent and active man in the new settlement, was proclaimed a freeman in 1635, and was proprietor in 1636-37. Soon thereafter he removed to Ipswich, where he passed the remainder of his life. His services as a wheelwright were very much appreciated. Mr. Kimball married Ursula, daughter of Henry Scott, of Rattlesden, and (second) Oct. 25, 1661, Mrs. Margaret Dow, of Hampton, … Read more

Smith, Eli – Obituary

Mrs. Weldon Silver of Troy received word Friday night that her father, Eli Smith, died at his home Thursday evening. Mr. Smith was an early pioneer of the Grouse country, coming in on Grouse flat and taking a homestead many years ago. His first wife died on the homestead many years ago. He was married again and stayed on the place for several years. Two years ago this fall as Mr. and Mrs. Smith were coming to Troy their team became frightened and ran away down the grade, throwing both of them out of the buggy. Mrs. Smith was so … Read more

Biography of George S. Smith, Rev.

Rev. George S. Smith. The career of George S. Smith had led him into various of life’s activities. He had wielded the implements of destruction as a soldier in his country’s services, had preached the gospel of peace and good will as a minister of the Christian Church, had manipulated the tools of the agriculturist in the cultivation of the soil, and had represented his fellow citizens in legislative halls. In each avenue of endeavor he had handled himself worthily and had discharged his duties faithfully, and this fact alone would entitle him to representation among the leading citizens of … Read more

Ancestry of Henry Huttleston Rogers of Fairhaven Massachusetts

Henry Huttleston Rogers, Fairhaven’s most distinguished son, was born there Jan. 29, 1840, and died May 19, 1909, in New York City. Of typical New England stock and Old Colony antecedents, his continued identity with Fairhaven made him dearly beloved in that community. The Rogers family is, perhaps, one of the most ancient and numerous of the old settled families in the country. There were no less than a dozen who bore the name of John Rogers among the seventeenth century emigrants, and one of this Christian name was president of Harvard College in the latter part of that century. It is the purpose in this article to deal, briefly, with only one of the New England Rogers families – that of which Henry Huttleston Rogers was a representative.

Biography of William C. Smith

WILLIAM C. SMITH. Among those of Howell County, Missouri, who have successfully followed the ” primitive occupation of man” may be mentioned William C. Smith, whose active, energetic and useful life has won him an abundance of this world’s goods, and has placed him among the foremost agriculturists and stockraisers of his section. He was born in Overton County, Tennessee, in 1820, a son of George and Nancy (Winningham) Smith, natives of the Old North State, but who were married and resided in Overton County, Tennessee, where the father’s death occurred when the subject of this sketch was a lad. … Read more

Redbird Smith

Biography of Redbird Smith, who was the moving spirit of the Nighthawk branch of the Keetoowah Society of Full-blood Cherokees.

Biographical Sketch of Richard M. Smith

(See Grant) Ella, daughter of Wirt and Sarah (Woodward) Fields, born April 17, 1853. Married at Fort Gibson Frank N. Smith, born in 1845. Mrs. Smith died November 6, 1891. They were the parents of Richard Martin Smith, born Jan. 28, 1881, educated in the Cherokee Public School, and Male Seminary. Married at Wagoner Aug. 10, 1903, Carrie, daughter of Columbus and Amanda Phipps, born March 4, 1887. They are the parents of Gideon, born Sept. 25, 1906 and Theron Smith, born Fe b. 3, 1910. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Church. He is a member … Read more

Biographical Sketch of H. Kirk Smith

Smith, H. Kirk, of Vergennes, Vt., was born in Ohio. He was a graduate of Marietta College and also a graduate of a college at Munich, Germany, and on his return to America he engaged in the naval service as secretary until the close of the war, after which he became connected with the commissary department, from which he resigned in 1879, retiring from active life at that time, and settling in Vergennes, Vt. Doctor H. Kirk Smith was a son of Rev. Henry Smtih, D. D., and Hannah (Bates) Smith, a daughter, of Prof. Bates, of Middlebury College, Vt. … Read more

Seneca County New York Biographies

In the 1980’s a series of newsletters were published four times a year by Seneca County NY featuring historical information concerning Seneca county and her past residents. The current historian for Seneca County placed these online using PDF files. One of the main features of each edition were biographical sketches of early settlers of Seneca County. This is a list of those biographical sketches linked to the pdf copy of the newsletter.