The Smith Family ancestors have their roots in England
dating back to at least 1539 with Robert Smith (1539-1590), James Smith
(1558-1593) and John Smith (1585-1640). The son of John Smith was Ralph Smith
(1610-1685). He left England as a bachelor in 1633 on the sailing ship Elizabeth Bonaventure and arrived at
Eastham, Barnstable, Massachusetts which was part of the British colonies in
North America at that time.
Ralph Smith has been acknowledged as a “Pioneer of
Distinction” for helping to settle the new world. Three more generations
remained in the Massachusetts area: Thomas Smith (1649-1720), David Smith
(1691-1734) and Solomon Smith (1715-1790). The Smith family ancestry in Canada
begins with the son of Solomon who was Elisha Smith (1749-1841). Elisha moved
to Canada about 1775 and his son Abijah Smith (1783-1869) was born in Halifax,
Nova Scotia.
It is noteworthy that in 1775, the 13 British colonies in
North America began a rebellion to declare their independence from the British
crown. Those who sided with the British were called Loyalists. Many Loyalists
chose to serve with the British military, sometimes fighting against family and
former neighbours. It is estimated that more than 70,000 Loyalists fled with
about 50,000 finding their way to Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and portions of
Quebec, some of which later became a part of Ontario. Loyalists and their
descendants were granted lands in Canada, depending on whether they were the
head of the household and their rank in military service.
Abijah Smith had a son named Caleb Nickerson Smith
(1814-1893) who was also born in Halifax and died there at the
age of 79. In turn, Caleb had a son named John Caleb
Smith (1852-1940). John Caleb married his second wife Emmeline Deborah
Boutilier (1859-1940) in 1881. The Smith family journey to Canada continues in
the next posting.
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