Biography by Albert L Williams

John Smith, born about 1738; dropped dead in the road at Chester, Mass., 8 Feb, 1782, in his 45th year.

My Grandfather Smith, Increase (513-4), was born and raised in Middlefield, Mass. formerly Murrayfield, from whom this record is derived. Much of Copeland's History of Murrayfield revived old memories of family tradition. I find of special interest the seating of the meetinghouse related on page 164. Note that in 'second Dignity, No. 4' is seated the widow Patience Smith.

Much more of family interest is contained in the Mack Genealogy, and the recurrence of family names strongly suggests a connection with the Matthew Smith family. I was in correspondence with Mrs. Sophia Smith-Martin before the publication of that work, but she could give me no help.