Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"Smith, Joseph Fielding
History
Essentials in Church History: A History of the Church from the Birth of Joseph Smith to the Present Time (1922), with Introductory Chapters on the Antiquity of the Gospel and the "Falling Away"
Smith, Joseph Fielding
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints -- History
Samuel, son of Robert and Mary, was born January 26, 1666. He married
Rebecca, daughter of John Curtis, a prominent citizen of the town of
Topsfield. After his father's death, Samuel moved to Topsfield, where
he became an influential member of that community and was honored by
the citizens with several offices of trust. He was the father of nine
children. His son Samuel, born January 26, 1714, was one of the most
prominent citizens of Topsfield. The greater part of his life was
spent in the service of the people. He passed through the stormy days
of the American Revolution and bore arms in defense of the liberties
of the people. Among the many positions he held are the following: He
was grand juryman in 1760; in 1770, road supervisor; in 1779, 1780,
1783, 1784 and 1785, on the committee of safety; from 1771 to 1777
and in 1781 and 1782, assessor and selectman in Topsfield, declining
the honor in 1783; he was moderator, in 1758-60, 1762, 1764, 1766-73,
1777-80, and 1782-83; representative to the General Court (House of
Representatives) in 1764-70, 1772, 1777-78, and 1781; town clerk in
1774, 1776 and 1777; delegate to the Provincial Congress at Concord,
October 11, 1774 and again January 19, 1775, and on the tea committee,
from Topsfield and acted as chairman, in 1773.
He was known as Captain Samuel Smith, receiving his military title
during service in the militia of Massachusetts. He married Priscilla,
daughter of Zacheus Gould of Topsfield. They had five children, two
sons and three daughters. The mother died shortly after the birth of
her youngest child, and Samuel married a cousin of his first wife who
bore the same name. He died November 22, 1785, leaving an estate valued
at more than 544 pounds sterling. The Salem Gazette of November 22,
1785, made mention of him in the following words:
"Died.--At Topsfield, on Monday, the 14th instant, Samuel Smith, Esq.
So amiable and worthy a character as he evidently appeared, both in
public and private, will render the memory of him ever precious. For a
number of years he represented the town in the General Court, where he
was esteemed a man of integrity and uprightness. His usefulness among
those with whom he was more immediately conversant was eminent. He
was a sincere friend to the liberties of his country, and a strenuous
advocate for the doctrine of Christianity."
"The memory of the Just be blessed."
Asael Smith Grandfather of Joseph Smith
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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