Ephraim Smith

Notes:

Ephraim was "of Kingstown." He owned property on Boston Neck (see SK land evidence dated 5 May 1718).

All of the five children are named in a SK town document dated 11 Mar 1733/34: Freelove Allen, Sarah Smith, Renewed Carpenter, Margaret Smith, & Ephraim Smith.

The South Kingstown Town Council clerk requested that his brother Ebenezer of Portsmouth take over the guardianship of Ephraim's children (14 Dec 1724). Whether he declined or not, I am not sure. However, SK Town Council meeting notes show that several years later at least two of the daughters requested that Nathan Pierce be their guardian (11 Dec 1732). This request was postponed until the next meeting, at which time it was approved (6 Feb 1732/3). Three daughters are named in connection with Mr. Pierce/Pearce: Sarah, Deliverance, & Renewed. Freelove's guardian was Emmanuel (Immanuel) Clark, her mother's second husband. Perhaps the other daughters did not like Mr. Clark.

There is evidence in the town records that "Sarah Smith, spinster," had a child by Mr. Pierce, who was said to be "of NY" but still referred to as Sarah's guardian in the town council records about the matter (1733).

Freelove's name also is mentioned in a SK will or receipt dated 23 Apr 1731, in which she is identified as daughter of Ephraim Smith late of SK. This document also mentions Emanuel Clark as her father-in-law (probably meaning stepfather). He also happens to be the plaintiff in a Newport court case against Mary, John, & Jeremiah Smith, concerning rent of a SK farm.

Ephraim married Margaret Pearce Abt 1708. Margaret (daughter of Daniel Pearce) was born Abt 1686; died Aft 1731. [Group Sheet]

1. Freelove Smith was born Abt 1710.
2. Sarah Smith was born Abt 1712.
3. Renewed Smith was born Abt 1714.
4. Margaret Smith was born Abt 1716; died Aft 11 Mar 1733/34.
5. Ephraim Smith, Jr. was born Abt 1718; died Aft 11 Mar 1733/34.

Notes:

The marriage record at Warwick identifies Jeremiah's father as John.

Jeremiah's will dated 19 Mar 1715/16 mentions by name his wife Mary, three sons, and three daughters (with married names). John is identified as the eldest son and Sarah the eldest daughter; also mentioned are grandchildren Mary & Jeremiah Smith, presumably both children of John.

I have estimated the birth years of some of Jeremiah & Mary's children.

The following notes are taken (unedited & unverified) from Alfred Rose's family tree at Rootsweb's Worldconnect. They appear to be reliable based on my other research:

JEREMIAH SMITH was married at Warwick, R. I. Jany. 2, 1672 to Mary Gereardy. He was made freeman in 1675 and was taxed 4s. at Portsmouth in 1680, was constable in 1688, and in 1696 with his brother John signed an agreement about the ferry at Boston Neck in Kingstown. With his brother John he was granted the privilege of a ferry at Boston Neck by the Assembly for seven years at

Jeremiah married Mary Girard 2 Jan 1671/72, Warwick, RI. Mary was born Abt 1652; died Aft 23 Aug 1731, South Kingstown, RI. [Group Sheet]

Notes:

The marriage record names the bride as Mary Girreard, of John.

Mary Smith is mentioned in several land deeds of South Kingstown and in Newport court records.

On 12 Jan 1722/23 she is "of Prudence Island" when she gives by SK deed a female negro child to a granddaughter, a daughter of Mary's son Ephraim. This deed is witnessed by William Remington & John Peirce.

In Dec 1728 she is identified as "of Prudence Island."

On 23 Aug 1731 she is mentioned as "widow of SK" and mother of Ebenezer of South Kingstown.

I have made an assumption that she died at SK.

According to Newport court records, Mary, Jeremiah, & John Smith had to pay Emmanuel Clark for rental of a farm in SK. In the court notes, Josiah Remington is mentioned as the "Barrar" who will carry 40 shillings payment to Clark. Was he the court courier or a relative? He may have been a lawyer or other court official at this point.

Notes:

Jeremiah and Mary were married by John Greene, Justice.