Preserved Smith and Mary Smith

Writings

Click here to view a tract written by Chileab Smith.

Town Records

Smith Preserved s. Samuel & Mary Aug *?6 1677
[6009] Smith, Samuel & Mary
   Iccabod, s. b. Jan. 24 1669/70 OB-12
   Mary, d. b. Jan. 18 1672/3 OB-12
   Samll, s. b. June 12 1674 OB-12
   Preserved, s. b. Aug ...6 1677 OB-12

Source: “Vital Records of Northampton, Massachusetts.” Corbin Collection Volume 1: Records of Hampshire County, Massachusetts. CD-ROM. Boston, Mass: New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2003. (Online database. AmericanAncestors.org. New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2008.)

Name:    Preserved Smith
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    Aug 1677
Birth Place:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father Name:    Samuel Smith
Mother Name:    Mary Smith

Name:    Mary Montague
Event Type:    Death
Birth Date:    abt 1681
Death Date:    25 Jun 1763
Death Place:    Ashfield, Massachusetts
Death Age:    82

Name:    Abigail Holton
Event Type:    Birth
Birth Date:    14 Aug 1720
Birth Place:    Northfield, Massachusetts
Father Name:    William Holton
Mother Name:    Abigail Holton

Source: Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Town and Vital Records, 1620-1988 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Original data: Town and City Clerks of Massachusetts. Massachusetts Vital and Town Records. Provo, UT: Holbrook Research Institute (Jay and Delene Holbrook).

Name:    Preserved Smith
Gender:    Male
Christening Place:    NORTHAMPTON, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    Aug 1677
Birthplace:    Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts
Father's Name:    Samuel Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary Smith

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQC-7G9 : 4 December 2014), Preserved Smith, Aug 1677; citing Northampton, Hampshire, Massachusetts, Part 2of5 P.18; FHL microfilm 186,161.

Name:    Mary Smith
Gender:    Female
Birth Date:    16 Aug 1681
Birthplace:    , HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Father's Name:    Chilliab Smith
Mother's Name:    Hannah

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FC5D-MD4 : 4 December 2014), Mary Smith, 16 Aug 1681; citing , HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS, ; FHL microfilm 14,766, 186,152, 363,889.

Name:    Preserved Smith
Spouse's Name:    Mary Smith
Event Date:    15 Dec 1697
Event Place:    Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts

Source: "Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQM-K26 : 4 December 2014), Preserved Smith and Mary Smith, 15 Dec 1697; citing reference 2:3XM0JFF; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Ebenezer Smith
Gender:    Male
Birth Date:    04 Feb 1702
Birthplace:    , HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Father's Name:    Preserved Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FHGP-7BJ : 4 December 2014), Ebenezer Smith, 04 Feb 1702; citing , HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS, ; FHL microfilm 363,889.

Name:    Eben Smith
Gender:    Male
Death Date:    Jun 1729
Death Place:    Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts

Family and death record of Ebenezer Smith

Family and death record of Ebenezer Smith

Source: "Massachusetts Deaths and Burials, 1795-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FC9D-42B : 10 December 2014), Eben Smith, Jun 1729; citing Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts, reference p 26; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Ebenezar Smith
Spouse's Name:    Hannah Boltwod
Event Date:    09 Nov 1726
Event Place:    Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts

Source: "Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQM-GZS : 4 December 2014), Ebenezar Smith and Hannah Boltwod, 09 Nov 1726; citing reference 2:3XM0KC6; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Hannah <Boltwood>
Gender:    Female
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    Jun 1705
Father's Name:    Samll Boltwood
Mother's Name:    Hannah Boltwood

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ4-N9P : 4 December 2014), Hannah , Jun 1705; citing , p 24; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Samll <Smith>
Gender:    Male
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    11 Oct 1705
Father's Name:    Preserved Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ4-1PX : 4 December 2014), Samll , 11 Oct 1705; citing , p 5; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Samuel Smith
Spouse's Name:    Sarah Morton
Event Date:    03 Jul 1727
Event Place:    Hatfield,Hampshire,Massachusetts

Source: "Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FC6D-M3N : 4 December 2014), Samuel Smith and Sarah Morton, 03 Jul 1727; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 14,766, 186,122.

Name:    Samuell Smith
Spouse's Name:    Abigail Field
Event Date:    08 Oct 1767
Event Place:    Northfield,Franklin,Massachusetts

Source: "Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:V5Z1-XHW : 4 December 2014), Samuell Smith and Abigail Field, 08 Oct 1767; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 886,783, 954,370.

Name:    Peter Montague
Spouse's Name:    Mary Smith
Event Date:    22 Apr 1721
Event Place:    Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts

Source: "Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ9-3G3 : 4 December 2014), Peter Montague and Mary Smith, 22 Apr 1721; citing reference 2:3XM0HXC; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Peeter Montague
Gender:    Male
Birth Date:    08 Jul 1651
Birthplace:    WETHERSFIELD TWP,HARTFORD,CONNETICUT
Father's Name:    Richard Montague
Mother's Name:    Abigaill

Source: "Connecticut Births and Christenings, 1649-1906," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F745-H9Y : 3 December 2014), Peeter Montague, 08 Jul 1651; citing ; FHL microfilm unknown.

Name:    Mary <Smith>
Gender:    Female
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    03 Jun 1698
Father's Name:    Preserved Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ4-LLL : 4 December 2014), Mary , 03 Jun 1698; citing , p 5; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Preserved <Smith>
Gender:    Male
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    09 Nov 1700
Father's Name:    Preserved Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ4-1D6 : 4 December 2014), Preserved , 09 Nov 1700; citing , p 5; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Sarah Morton
Gender:    Female
Christening Date:    16 Apr 1707
Christening Place:    HATFIELD,HAMPSHIRE,MASSACHUSETTS
Father's Name:    Abraham Morton
Mother's Name:    Sarah

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FZDV-F8Y : 4 December 2014), Sarah Morton, ; citing , ; FHL microfilm 186,122.

Name:    Sarah Morton
Gender:    Female
Birth Date:    Apr 1707
Birthplace:    Northampton, Massachusetts
Father's Name:    Abraham
Mother's Name:    Sarah

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FH1V-GMN : 4 December 2014), Sarah Morton, Apr 1707; citing Northampton, Massachusetts, item 2 p 17; FHL microfilm 760,648.

Name:    Sarah <Moody>
Gender:    Female
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    13 Jan 1709
Father's Name:    Ebinezer Moody
Mother's Name:    Editha Moody

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ4-J6J : 4 December 2014), Sarah , 13 Jan 1709; citing , p 7; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Chiliab Smith
Spouse's Name:    Sarah Moodey
Event Date:    28 Jan 1732
Event Place:    Hadley,Hampshire,Massachusetts

Source: "Massachusetts Marriages, 1695-1910," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCHN-36V : 4 December 2014), Chiliab Smith and Sarah Moodey, 28 Jan 1732; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 14,766, 186,152, 363,889.

Name:    Chilleab <Smith>
Gender:    Male
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    21 May 1708
Father's Name:    Preserved Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQ4-1PJ : 4 December 2014), Chilleab , 21 May 1708; citing , p 5; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    James Smith
Gender:    Unknown
Birth Date:    Sep 1710
Birthplace:    Granby, Hampshire, Massachusetts
Death Date:    15 Mar 1801

"Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4DZ-LS9 : 4 December 2014), James Smith, Sep 1710; citing Granby, Hampshire, Massachusetts, v A p 380; FHL microfilm 760,645.

Name:    Moses <Smith>
Gender:    Male
Christening Place:    HADLEY, HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS
Birth Date:    20 Oct 1712
Father's Name:    Preserved Smith
Mother's Name:    Mary

Source: "Massachusetts Births and Christenings, 1639-1915," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:FCQH-QT5 : 4 December 2014), Moses , 20 Oct 1712; citing , p 5; FHL microfilm 186,152.

Name:    Chileab Smith
Birth Date:    1 Jun 1708
Birth Place:    Hadley
Source:    Vital Records of Ashfield

Source: New England Historic Genealogical Society. Massachusetts, Town Birth Records, 1620-1850 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999.

Town: Ashfield
Surname: Montague
Mary, wid., June 25, 1763. [June 29, a. 82, C.R.2.]
Surname: Smith
Chileab [dup. entered by deposition, Sr., "third settler in Ashfield in 1751. He was the most noted man in Ashfield," s. Preserved; s. Preserved; s. Rev. Henry], father of Chileab, June 1, 1708, in Hadley.
Chielab [int. Chiliab Sr.] of A. and Rebecca Butler [int. wid.] of Zore, Jan. 3, 1792.
Chileab, father of Chileab, Aug. 19, 1800, in A. [a. 92 y. 3 m., C.R.2.]
Sarah, w. Chileab [for] "57 years & Eleven Months," Dec. 23, 1789, "her Birthday," a. 81, C.R.2.
Rebeka, Apr. 17, 1802, in Zoar, C.R.2.

Source: Massachusetts Vital Records to 1850 (Online Database: AmericanAncestors.org, New England Historic Genealogical Society, 2001-2010).

Name:    Chiliab, Sr. Smith
Gender:    Male
Spouse:    Mrs. Rebecca Butler
Marriage Date:    3 Jan 1792
City:    Ashfield
County:    Franklin
Source:    Family History Library, Salt Lake City, UT, Film # 0902896.

Source: Ancestry.com. Massachusetts, Compiled Marriages, 1633-1850 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Original data: Dodd, Jordan, Liahona Research, comp. Massachusetts, Marriages, 1633-1850.

Name:    Chileab Smith
Death Date:    19 Aug 1800
Burial Place:    Ashfield
Source:    Ashfield

Name:    Sarah Smith
Death Date:    23 Dec 1789
Burial Place:    Ashfield
Source:    Ashfield

Source: New England Historic Genealogical Society. Massachusetts, Town Death Records, 1620-1850 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 1999.

Biographical Sketches of Richard Ellis

Page 14:
It also appears that Richard [Ellis] engaged in the milling business, in company with Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., who was the third settler in Ashfield. Their mill was the first one built in that section, and was located on Bear river, about one hundred rods north of Richard's house, and about twenty rods east of the bridge on the roadway running north toward "Baptist Corners," as the neighborhood where Mr. Smith lived was called. This grist mill was a very primitive structure, as were all similar mills in those times. The grinding stones were run by water power, but the bolting and elevating was done by hand or manual labor.

In later years this mill came into the ownership of Richard's son Lieut. John Ellis and one of the Smiths, son of Chileab Smith,-- who conducted it for a number of years.

Pages 73:
Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., was a very positive character, and the most noted man in Ashfield's history. On account of a schism in the church at Weathersfield, Conn., a large portion of the congregation removed to Hadley, Mass. Years afterwards another schism took place at Hadley, when Chileab moved to Ashfield in 1750 — then called Huntstown. At the age of 80 years he was ordained a Baptist minister by his sons Elders Ebenezer and Enos Smith. At the age of 85 he married his second wife. He died in Ashfield in 1800, aged 92 years. His first wife, and mother of his children, was Sarah Moody. One of his sons, Chileab, Jr., was born in Hadley in 1742, and died in Ashfield in 1843, aged 100 years and seven months.

Page 91:
He [Preserved Smith, Jr., son of Preserved, son of Ebenezer, son of Chileab] remembered well, and often related an interview which he had when ten years of age with his great-grandfather, Chileab Smith, Sr., who died in Ashfield in 1800, at 92 years of age — a remarkable event of two lives covering a period of 173 years.

Page 278:
He [Richard Ellis] built for his family the first habitation in the northeastern section of the town [Huntstown, later called Ashfield]— a log cabin, partly under ground, in the side of the hill, about fifty rods to the east of Mr. John Belding's, near the ancient burying yard, and where the new road runs. The next immigrant to this lonely wilderness was Mr. Thomas Phillips, with his family, from Easton, whose sister was the wife of Mr. Ellis. Mr. Phillips built for himself a log house about one-half of a mile to the north of the dwelling of his only fellow-townsman, Mr. Ellis. Soon a third family was added— that of Mr. Chileab Smith, from that part of Hadley now called South Hadley. Mr. Smith settled on the spot which the house of his son, Chileab Smith, now occupies. Mr. Smith, the present occupant, now in his 92d year, was about 8 years old when his father removed to this town. To the retentive memory and free communication of this venerable father and pillar in the town I am indebted for many of the facts here recorded.

Pages 279-280:
The year 1754 was memorable for the breaking out of fresh hostilities between the French and the English. This war let loose again the Indians upon the defenceless frontier settlements of our colonies. During the month of June of this year a party of men at work near Rice's fort, in the upper part of Charlemont, was attacked by a body of Indians, and two of their number were killed and two taken prisoners. The tidings of this Indian massacre spread abroad and quickly reached the settlement in Huntstown and occasioned great alarm. Being few in number, and with small means of defense, they had no other alternative than to fly back to the older settlements, or to expose their wives and children to the tomahawk and scalping-knife of the savage foe. After a hasty deliberation the former course was resolved on. Accordingly, on the same afternoon in which they received the tidings from Charlemont, they abandoned their houses, improvements, stores, &c., except such as could be transported on horseback, and set off, one and all, for the older settlements on Connecticut River. A middle-aged woman, the mother of the present Chileab Smith, traveled ten miles on foot before they encamped for the night. What is now Conway was then a part of Deerfield and a howling wilderness, without an inhabitant or a shelter to protect the refugees. Their first halt was at Bloody Brook, where they spent the night. Early the next morning the few inhabitants of the latter place abandoned their dwellings and joined them in their various dispersions to places of greater security. This sudden abandonment of their possessions, after having just gotten into a condition of comfortable living, could not have been otherwise than a sore trial to the first settlers of this town. It must have involved them in very considerable loss of property, besides being a very serious disappointment to their plans and prospects. But it appears to have been submitted to by them with that patient endurance and undaunted fortitude for which the men of that perilous period were so eminently distinguished.

RETURN OF THE SETTLERS— MEANS OF PROTECTION.
According to the best information within my reach, the time during which the settlers were absent from their possessions was between two and three years. It is not unlikely, however, that during this period individuals might have visited this place; but they did not presume to return with their families until the time specified. After the return of the refugees to their possessions in Huntstown, the war still continuing, their first object was to erect a fort for their common defense. This was accomplished on the ground occupied by Mr. Smith, and principally at his own expense. The area inclosed by the fort was a square piece of ground containing 81 square rods. It was constructed of upright logs of sufficient thickness to be bullet proof, set three feet into the earth and rising twelve feet above. The inclosure had but one gate, opening to the south, which was always shut and strongly barred during the night. Within the fort stood the dwelling of Mr. Smith, which served as a garrison within which the settlers felt secure from attack during the night. On its roof was constructed, of logs, a tower of sufficient magnitude to contain six men with their arms. Port-holes were so arranged in its sides as to afford its inmates a fair aim at their assailants without, while secure from their balls within. This house stood in the center of the fort, and on the same ground now occupied by the dwelling of Chileab Smith.

After remaining in this state for about one year, standing on their own defense — keeping watch by night, and laboring by day with their arms by their side— they solicited and obtained from the authorities of the colony a company of nine soldiers, under the command of a sergeant by the name of Allen, for their greater security.

Page 282:
In June, 1765, by act of General Court, the town was incorporated by the name of Ashfield. The warrant to call the first meeting under the act of incorporation was issued by Thomas Williams, Esq., of Deerfield, and directed to Samuel Belding, clerk of this town. The first town officers under the incorporation were: Benjamin Phillips, Town Clerk; David Alden, Treasurer; Chileab Smith, Moses Fuller, Thomas Phillips, Selectmen.*
*See the Town Book of Records—copied in I857—page 6.— H. S. R.

Page 287:
The first regular church formed in the town was of the Baptist denomination. It was constituted July, 1761, consisting of nine members. In the following August Rev. Ebenezer Smith, the eldest son of Chileab Smith, was ordained its pastor. In May, 1768, Nathan Chapin and seventeen others sent in a petition to General Court setting forth that they belonged to the persuasion called Anabaptists, and praying to be exempted from the taxation for the support of the Congregational ministry. This petition, after repeated and persevering efforts, during which the petitioners were subjected to many trying scenes, was at last granted. It is to be regretted that there should ever have been occasion, in this land of enlightened liberty, for such a petition as this. Nothing would seem to be more reasonable than that any religious denomination demeaning themselves as peaceable members of society, should enjoy free toleration in the exclusive maintenance of their own order. Our fathers fled hither that they might enjoy liberty of conscience in matters of religion. But it must be remembered, by way of apology for any seeming inconsistency in their legislative acts, that for a long while after the settlement of Plymouth the people of this land were very generally of one and the same denomination; hence their laws had respect to this particular denomination alone; and when in the process of events other sects sprang up, they were not so careful, perhaps, as enlightened Christian charity would have dictated, in so modifying their statutes as to give equal toleration to all who might conscientiously differ from them. Hence, in the tardy revision of the laws to meet the exigencies of the times, there were, without doubt, insulated cases of what would now be universally pronounced religious intolerance and oppression. But those were days when free toleration in the things of religion were but imperfectly understood. The progress of nearly a century has thrown much light on this subject; we have occasion to thank God that we have fallen on better times. Let not the errors of those years of comparative darkness, long since gone by, be revived and handed down as a matter of reproach or recrimination between Christian brethren differing only in modes, and all enjoying, to their full satisfaction, liberty of conscience and equal toleration. For a long number of years the kindest feelings have been entertained between the Baptist and Congregational churches in this town.

Pages 343-344:
It is astonishing to what indignities the Baptists were subjected during these times, especially Mr. Chileab Smith, Sr., the father of Elder Ebenezer Smith. Mr. Smith was the third settler in Ashfield, and was the most noted resident of the town for thirty years or more. He was an ardent Baptist, and was ordained into the ministry when 80 years of age. He died in 1800, in his 93d year. In the year 1771, in the midst of the persecutions mentioned above, it was reported that he "had put off a bad dollar" upon a Mr. Pike, a resident; and although Mr. Pike said that "there was no truth in the report,'" Mr. Smith was arrested and taken before the Judge of the Court at Hatfield, twenty miles away. Ten witnesses were summoned and no evidence was found against him, yet the Judge was very insulting, and held him to bail in a sum so large that he supposed Mr. Smith could not procure it, and hence could be kept in jail a few months. The result was, as he himself stated, that "he was greatly injured in his health and lost most of a winter's work." It turned out that his arrest was mainly due to the fact that smoke was seen, by jealous persons, to issue from the chimney of his shop on Sundays, where he had built a fire to warm those who came to his house to attend meetings— Baptist meetings for several years being held at his house. Previous to this, his orchard had been torn up and twenty acres of his best land sold, to pay taxes to another minister and for building the meeting-house of another denomination." His house was searched; and when he went abroad about his lawful business his track was pursued, to see if they could not find some evil thing done by him.' His people were taunted with the saying: "When the negroes get free, then the Baptists may," &c. In all the trials to which these people were subjected they were fully vindicated; and the verdict, finally, of all who ever knew Chileab Smith, Sr., the champion of the Baptists, was: "that he was as honest a man as ever lived." He never wavered in his faith or purposes, and could have gone to the stake with as much heroism as any martyr of old. He was the human embodiment of that inspiration which at Baptist Corner gained for religious freedom one of the greatest victories in the world's history. Yet, for one of the present time who looks over these "rock-ribbed and sterile hills," now mostly deserted, the wonder is, how these hardy pioneers gained a bodily subsistence, even. The name and fame of Chileab Smith, Sr., should be perpetuated forever among men, and a monument erected to his memory on the sanctified ground of Baptist Corner. Some future generation will do this. — It may be said that the odium which was sought to be cast upon the Baptist people by other denominations continued for thirty years later, until the time when that great missionary, Adoniram Judson, was sent out from Massachusetts to India in 1812 to convert the heathen. On his passage to that country he investigated Baptist doctrines, and soon after his arrival announced his conversion thereto. This was the end of the persecution of the Baptists in this country, the humiliation of their opponents being complete. See page 324.

Page 359:
BURIAL PLACES IN ASHFIELD.
The oldest burying ground is in the northeast corner of the town, and was probably laid out at the time of the organization of the Baptist Church in that locality, in 1761. It comprises about half an acre of land. Some of the earliest settlers of the town are buried there. Three Chileab Smiths are buried there, but with no inscriptions on the stones at the head of the graves.

Page 398-401:
THE SMITHS.
Chileab Smith. Sr., moved with his family to Huntstown, from Hadley, in 1750. It is probable that he was there before that time, and held some interest, as he was chosen, at a meeting in Hadley in 1742, a committee, with Richard Ellis and Nathaniel Kellogg, to lay out lots. The next year he was chosen on a committee to "provide and agree with a minister to preach to such as Inhabit at Huntstown." Between this time and 1750 he was on a committee to build the corn mill, and for other purposes. He settled on lot 27, and built his house at the southerly end of the lot, about a dozen rods southeast of the house occupied by his great grandson, the late Ziba Smith.

A history of the Baptist Church in this part of the town is a history of the Smith family at this period, and their peculiar traits of character can be shown no better than by giving extracts from the early records of this church, now in the hands of private parties.

"Record of the Planting, Gathering and Proceedings of the Baptist Church of Christ in Ashfield:

"In the spring of the year 1753 Chileab Smith moved it to his Neighbors to set up Religious Meetings, which they did, and a Blessing followed; and a Number (in the Judgment of Charity) were brought savingly home to Christ.

"Oct. 25, 1753. A number met to Gather for solemn fasting and prayer, and Chileab Smith and Sarah his wife, Ebenezer Smith, Mary Smith and Jemima Smith entered into a written covenant together to keep up the Worship of God, and to walk up to farther light as they should require it.

"Nov. 29, 1753. Ebenezer Smith, being desired, began to improve among them by way of Doctrine."

At this time Chileab Smith was 45 years old; his son, Ebenezer, just named, 19; the daughter Mary older than Ebenezer, and Jemima younger. The records continue:

"In the years 1754 and 1755 they were Forced to leave the Town for some months, for fear of the Indians.

"1756. They continued in the Town and kept up the Publick Worship of God on the first day of the week continually, Refreshing all that Came to Hear and Attend the Worship with them."

July 2, 1761, they were embodied as a church of ten members, of whom six were members of Mr. Smith's family. Chileab, Enos and Eunice, three more of his children, a short time after united with the church. The records, after giving the formation of the church, articles of faith and the covenant, with a list of those baptised and joining the covenant, continue thus:

"Feb., 1763. The people of another Persuasion settled a Minister in the Town, and obliged the Baptists to pay their proportion of his Settlement and Salary till 1768. Then the Church sent Chileab Smith to the General Court, at Boston, with a petition for Help; but Got None.

"In 1769 the Church made their case known to the Baptist Association at Warren [Worcester Co.] and Received from them a Letter of Admittance into that Body.

"In April, 1770, the other Society sold 400 acres of the Baptist Lands for the support of their Minister and Meeting-House.

"Under our Oppression we sent eight times to the General Court at Boston for help; but Got None.

"In Oct., 1771, We were set at Liberty by an Order from the King of Great Britain, and our Lands Restored. "

Between 1771 and 1785 the records are meager and incomplete, eight pages being missing during this time. The church seems to have flourished and received large accessions under Elder Ebenezer Smith's ministrations. The church on the hill [3-1 on map] was built during this time, about twenty rods north of Chileab Smith's house.

In the year 1785, with Enos Smith as clerk, the records give a minute account of a difficulty which arose between Elder Ebenezer Smith and his father Chileab, respecting the salary of a minister, the Elder contending that he should have a fixed salary, and his father that ministers should not be hirelings, but should preach for a love of the work, and be content with what the church sees fit to give him. The church and Mr. Chileab Smith's family were divided on the question. Meeting after meeting was held, the advice of neighboring churches sought without avail; the breech grew wider. Finally, (resuming the record):

"Oct. 25, 1786. The Church Concluded that any further Labour with the Elder amongst ourselves would be fruitless, agreed once more to send to sister Churches for help."

The Council, being convened Dec. 27, after hearing both sides, decided :

"That the Elder was justifiable in his conduct; and advised the church, after they had concluded their acts were invalidated, to receive the Elder into his office in the church again, and to let him know that we have made him a Reasonable Compensation for his Labours amongst us, and then to Continue the Relation as Church and Pastor, or Dismiss him in Peace."

"Jan. 24, 1787. The Church considered the Result of the Council before mentioned, and found that it wanted the Testimony of Scripture for its support, by which we desired to be tried; and that if we followed their Result and advice we must leave God's word as to our understandings. Therefore, Voted, That we cannot agree with their Result, for many obvious and Scriptural Reasons, which may be seen at Large in the original Records.

"Aug. 29, 1788. Friday the Church met for solemn fasting and Prayer to Almighty God, it being a dark time with us, we being Despised by men. Elder Smith and his party having taken from us our meeting-house, and we turned out to meet where we could find a place, and the Association, on hearing his story, having dropped us from that body."

But Chileab Smith did not despair. He immediately set about organizing a church again, without the aid of ministers or other churches, and, Jan. 14, 1789, Chileab Smith, Sr. , then over 80 years of age, and Enos Smith, his son, were ordained as elders and leaders in the church, and Isaac Shepard and Moses Smith, deacons. They united with Baptists from Buckland and built a church building just opposite where the house of Nelson Drake now stands.

It was a one-story building, with a four-sided, pointed roof. There is good evidence that they built this house in 1789. (It was a little over one mile north of the church then at 34.) The church seemed to gain in numbers, and was by degrees received into fellowship with the other churches. Jan. 23, 1798: Voted to receive back Elder Ebenezer Smith, with such members as are willing to tell their experience. Eighteen members are recorded as received into full communion. Among them were John Alden, Mehitable Ellis [widow of Reuben Ellis], Elisha Smith, Japhet Chapin, Thomas Phillips and Nancy Alden.

Chileab Smith, Sr., died in 1800. Elder Enos Smith continued to preach for many years. He lived up to his belief, charged nothing for preaching, but was supported by voluntary contributions. Erastus Elmer, now 90 years of age, well remembers the neighbors and his father carrying in their gifts. Elder Enos lived on the opposite corner from Nelson Drake's house. Elder Ebenezer lived nearly opposite where Mr. Temple now lives. Both were good men, highly respected by all who knew them. Elder Enos died in his old house, and Elder Ebenezer moved to Stockton, N. Y., in 1816.
...
The following document was written by Elder Ebenezer Smith the year before his death:

"Stockton, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., May 1st, 1823.

"For the information of my children I write the following account of my grandfather's posterity. My grandfather's name was Preserved Smith; his wife, Mary Smith, by whom he had one daughter and six sons. He died when they were all small. His daughter, Mary, and oldest son. Preserved, died young, and were not married; his second son, Ebenezer, married, had a son, Preserved, and a daughter, Hannah; he was killed at raising my Grandfather Moody's house; his son went into the army and died with sickness; his daughter married, had a family, and died in old age. My grandfather's third son, Samuel, married Sarah Morton, and had 12 children. My grandfather's fourth son, Chileab Smith, who was my father, married Sarah Moody, and had 13 children. My grandfather's fifth son, James, married Sara Smith; had only two daughters that lived to grow up. Samuel, Chileab, James, three brothers, all lived to be upwards of 90 years of age, and died one after another — as they were born. My grandfather's sixth son, Moses, died when a child.

"My father's children were Mary, who lived to have a family, and died Aug. 4, 1787; then myself, Ebenezer, then Moses, Sarah, Jemima and Chileab, who are all living; then Enos and Mariam, who died little children; then Mariam and Enos, who are yet living; then a son who died an infant; then a daughter, Eunice, who is yet living. Of my father's twelve children, four sons and four daughters are yet living, April 30, 1823. I am the oldest, in my 89th year. Eunice, the youngest, in her 67th year. My grandmother, Mary Smith, died in 1763, aged 82 years. My mother died on her birthday, Dec. 23, 1789. My father died Aug. 19, 1800, aged 92 years. I married Remember Ellis July 1, 1756, and she died Sept. 15, 1795, aged 60. She was a daughter of Richard Ellis, who was born in Ireland Aug. 10, 1704, and died in Ashfield Oct. 7, 1797, aged 93 years. He came to America at the age of 13 years, and lived in Easton, then moved to Deerfield, then to Huntstown, now Ashfield, in the year 1750. He was the first settler of that town, and cut down the first tree in the town. I married Lucy Shepardson June 14, 1796, and she died Oct. 5, 1808, aged 68. I married Esther Harvey Jan. 4, 1809, and she died Oct. 14, 1814, aged 78, since which time I have lived alone; that is, without any companion, and spent my time chiefly in preaching the Gospel. My children are so scattered about the world that I cannot tell how many there are of them, but, by the best information that I can get, I suppose that there is not much odds of one hundred of my posterity now living. I never expect to see but few of them in this world, but if we may all meet in that world of JOY, how happy it will be; but, oh I how awful the thought that any of my offspring should hear that dreadful sound: Depart ! thou God of grace, display Thy saving power and bring them home to Thyself. And oh, my dear children, my prayer for you is that you might be saved. You must deny yourselves and follow the Lamb, or lie down in sorrow for eternity. "Strait is the gate and narrow the way that leadeth to life, and few there be that find it." Oh, to be born again, and become new creatures in Christ Jesus, is of infinite importance to every one. So I leave this as the token of my regard for my dear children, praying the Lord to bless them all."

P. S. — My son, Ebenezer: I commit this to your care to show to as many of my children and grandchildren as you have opportunity. E. S.

Pages 405-6:
1. Rev. Henry Smith and his wife, Dorithy, came from England in 1637. (See above). Their children were: Mary, John, Preserved (2), Samuel (3), Dorithy, Joanna, Noah and Elijah.

2. Preserved Smith was born in 1637, on board of ship coming to America. Of his children we have an account of but one. Preserved (4).

3. Samuel Smith, son of Rev. Henry (1), had a large family of children: Samuel, Sarah, Dorithy, Ebenezer, Ichabod, Mary, James and Preserved.

4. Preserved Smith, son of Preserved (2), married and had seven children. He died when his children were young. His wife, Mary, was born in 1681 and died in 1763. Their children were Preserved, Mary, Ebenezer, Samuel, Chileab (5), James and Moses. Preserved, Mary and Moses died young. Ebenezer was killed at the raising of Mr. Moody's barn; he had two children — Preserved, who died in the army, and Hannah, who married and had a family. Samuel m. Sarah Morton and had 12 children. He lived to be over 90 years of age. He settled in Northfield, Mass. James m. Sarah Smith, and lived to be over 90. He had two daughters.

5. Chileab Smith, son of Preserved (4), was born in South Hadley in 1708. He m. Sarah Moody and became the third settler in Ashfield, in 1751. He was, in his time, the most noted man in Ashfield, and was the champion of the Baptists for many years in that town. In 1774 he printed a pamphlet of 18 pages, entitled "An Answer to the many Slanderous Reports Cast on the Baptists at Ashfield, wherein is Shown the First Rise and Growth of the Baptist Church there, together with the Sufferings they Passed Through." This work was in the possession of one of hisdescendants, Mrs. Rebecca Smith Richardson, of North LaCrosse, Wis. Mr. Smith died in 1800. His children were: Mary, Ebenezer (6), Moses, Sarah, Jemima, Chileab (7), Mariam, Enos (8), Eunice, and three others who died young. Mary m. Nathan Chapin. They lived and died in Ashfield, where some of their posterity are yet to be found. They had seven children. Moses m. Diathena Briggs and had 11 children. He died March, 1828, aged 94 years. Sarah m. three times — Nathaniel Harvey, Israel Standish and Samuel Elmer. She died aged 92. Jemima m. Dea. Isaac Shepard, of Ashfield. She died in Stockton Oct. 29, 1828. Mariam m. Ephraim Jennings and had 5 children. Eunice m. Benjamin Randall.

Source: Ellis, Erastus Ranney, Biographical sketches of Richard Ellis, the first settler of Ashfield, Mass., and his descendants, Detroit, MI: W. Graham, 1888.

Newspapers

Death notices, including one of Chileab Smith

Source: Death notices, Columbian Centinel (Boston, MA), 6 Sep 1800, p. 2.

Local Histories

Many of the earliest people buried in this cemetery were members of the Baptist Church. A marble monument across the road from the cemetery marks the location of the original Baptist Church, organized in 1761 by Chileab Smith, Sr. The church building was erected in 1775 about 20 rods north of Chileab's house. His son, Elder Ebenezer Smith, was the first preacher. In 1789 Chileab Smith, Sr. and his son, Enos were ordained as elders and founded a second church in Buckland a few rods north of the Ashfield line. In 1831 the original church building was moved further east to a site on Baptist Corner Road. It later went to decay and the Baptist Corner schoolhouse was moved to this site.

Source: "Baptist Corner Cemetery Gravestones, March Road, Ashfield, Massachusetts," inscriptions read and recorded by Carol Booker and Nancy Gray Garvin, September 2004, The Ashfield Historical Society Museum, http://www.ashfieldhistorical.org/, retrieved 3 December 2017.

The territory comprising this town was granted to Capt. Ephraim Hunt, of Weymouth, as a compensation for services rendered in the Canada expedition of 1690. It was actually conveyed to his heirs forty-six years afterwards, and was settled by a few families in 1742. It was incorporated as a town in 1764; previous to that time it went by the name of Huntstown, from the name of its original proprietor. Richard Ellis, a native of Ireland, was the first permanent settler; Thomas Phillips, with his family, from Easton, was the next; Chileab Smith, from South Hadley, was the third settler. These persons all settled in the north-eastern part of the town. Mr. Chileab Smith settled on the farm now owned and occupied by his son Chaleab, who is 96 years of age, and in good health at this time, (1837.)

The first regular church formed in this town was of the Baptist denomination. It was constituted in July, 1761, and consisted of nine members. In the following August the Rev. Ebenezer Smith, the eldest son of Chileab Smith, was ordained its pastor. He was succeeded in 1798 by elder Enos Smith, who deceased about two years since. The Congregational church in this town was formed by an ecclesiastical council, Feb. 22d, 1763, and Rev. Jacob Sherwin ordained its pastor the same year. Rev. Nehemiah Porter succeeded him in 1774, and died Feb. 29th, 1820, aged 99 years and 11 months. Rev. Alvan Sanderson was ordained colleague pastor in 1808. Rev. Thomas Shepherd succeeded Mr. Sanderson in 1819. Rev. Mason Grosvenor, the next pastor, was installed 1833; he was succeeded by Rev. Burr Baldwin, in 1836. In 1820 an Episcopal society was formed in this town, and they have a handsome church in the center of the place. There is also a small society of Methodists.

Ashfield is a little over six miles square. The face of the township is uneven and hilly, better adapted for grazing than tillage. There is, however; much good tillage land interspersed among the hills. The principal productions are corn, potatoes, oats, and of late wheat. Some of the farmers have large dairies. In 1837, there were in this town 8,021 marino sheep, which produced 24,063 lbs. of wool. There are four churches, 2 for Baptists, 1 Congregational, and 1 Episcopal. The central village consists of about twenty dwelling houses, an Episcopal church, an academy, and a number of mercantile stores. Distance, 18 miles from Greenfield, 18 from Northampton, and 105 to Boston. Population of the town, 1,656.

Source: Barber, John Warner, Historical Collections Relating to the History and Antiquities of Every town in Massachusetts with Geographical Descriptions, Worcester: Warren Lazell, 1848, retrieved from http://history.rays-place.com/ma/franklin/ashfield.htm, Feb 2013.

Preserved Smith entry in History of Northfield

Preserved Smith entry in History of Northfield

Source: Temple, Josiah Howard and Sheldon, George, History of the Town of Northfield, Massachusetts, for 150 Years, Albany, NY: Joel Munsell, 1875, pgs. 536-7.

Goodwin's Genealogical Notes

Preserved Smith, of Hadley, Mass., was married to Mary Smith, daughter of Chileab Smith, of the same town, December 15, 1697. She was born August 16, 1681. After his death, she was married to Peter Montague, of Hadley, April 22, 1721.
Mr. Preserved Smith died in 1713, aged about 36.
Mrs. Mary Smith, alias Montague, died after 1746.

Children.*

53 Mary,            born January         3,   1699.     Died in 1714.
54 Preserved,    born November    9,   1700.     Died in 1727.    Had 2 children.
55 Ebenezer,     born February       4,    1702.
56 Samuel,        born October        1,    1705.
57 Chileab,       born May              21,   1708.
58 James,          born September 23,   1710.
59 Moses,          born October       30,   1712.    Died in 1726.

Source: Goodwin, Nathaniel, Genealogical Notes, or Contributions to the family history of some of the first settlers of Connecticut and Massachusetts, Hartford: F.A. Brown, 1856, pgs.193-194.

Gravestones

Gravestone of Preserved Smith, Old Hadley Cemetery, Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts (photo credit: H.Cook~Maine, findagrave.com):
Gravestone of Preserved Smith

Gravestone of Peter Montague, Old Hadley Cemetery, Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts (Click here to view photo by the moo, findagrave.com).

Gravestone of Preserved Smith (Jr.), Old Hadley Cemetery, Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts (photo credit: James Bianco, findagrave.com):
Gravestone of Preserved Smith (son of Preserved and Mary)

Gravestone of Preserved Smith (son of Preserved and Mary)

Gravestones of Samuel and Sarah (Morton) Smith, Center Cemetery, Northfield, Franklin, Massachusetts (Click here to view a photo of Samuel's gravestone and a photo of Sarah's gravestone by the moo, findagrave.com):
Inscriptions:
"Deacon Samuel Smith died Decmr the 21st 1799
aged 95.
Reader deny it if you can
Here lies interred an honest man
By Pope denominated rightly
The noblest work of the Almighty."

"Here lies buried The body of Mrs. Sara Smith, ye
wife of Dea. Samuel Smith who Decd March ye
30th 1767 in the 60th year of Her Age."

Gravestone of James Smith and his wives Sarah (Smith) Smith and Elizabeth (--) Smith, West Street Cemetery, Granby, Hampshire, Massachusetts (photo credit: James Bianco, findagrave.com):
Gravestone of James Smith and his wives Sarah and Elizabeth

Gravestone of James Smith and his wives Sarah and Elizabeth

Inscription:
"In memory
of Mr. James
Smith & his
two wives, who
died as follows
viz, he died March
1802, in his 92nd
year & Sarah his first
wife died August
1772 in her 59th year
his second wife
Elisabeth died
April 1778
in her 46th year"

Gravestone of Moses Smith, Old Hadley Cemetery, Hadley, Hampshire, Massachusetts (Click here to view photo by the moo, findagrave.com).