Archive Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Adam Smith Family Collection |
Collection |
Adam Smith Family Collection |
Scope & Content |
The Adam Smith Family Collection relates primarily to the conveyance of Adam Smith's property to his son Edmund Smith I and the subsequent transfers to his son Edmund Smith II and onto later generations. A small grouping reflects the personal lives and relationships of various Smith family members during the 19th century. This collection of papers includes maps, wills, land records, deeds, military records, correspondence and receipts. Supplemental information about the Adam Smith Family Collection's provenance can be gleaned from the newspaper clippings and descriptions found with the collection. |
Dates of Creation |
1716/1717-1994 |
Historical & Biographical Note |
By the late 17th century, Richard Smith (circa 1613-1692), Patentee of Smithtown had acquired a large tract of land from the native Nesaquake tribe that populated central Long Island at the time. According to the 1677 patent, Smith's property stretched east to Stony Brook, west beyond the Nissequogue River, north to the Long Island Sound and south to Lake Ronkonkoma. This land is what would become known as Smithtown. Richard Smith deeded much of his property to his seven sons and their families. Adam Smith (1649-1726) settled an area known as Sherrewogue, located on the east side of Stony Brook Harbor. When Adam Smith died, he left Sherrewogue to his only son Edmund Smith I (circa 1688-1734). Edmund Smith I subsequently passed the land onto two of his sons Edmund Smith II (1711-1779) and Floyd Smith (1717-1812). In 1735, several of Richard Smith's grandchildren including Edmund Smith II entered into a contract known as the "Smithtown Agreement" that appointed several commissioners to equally divide the still undivided land of Smithtown. |
Catalog Number |
1974.1 |
Child Records |
Maps Wills Land Records Deeds Military Records Correspondence Receipts Supplemental Information |