George Smith

Notes

https://archive.org/details/genealogicalhist01smit/page/30/mode/1up...

A short time previous to removal, John Smith wrote to his eldest brother in England, for his brother's eldest son, Edward, to come to this country and make his home with him. Edward came probably in the spring of 1652. Soon after his arrival John sent him to his uncle Nehemiah, then living on Long Island. John " being in a low condition in respect to his estate," Nehemiah gave him cattle and sheep, and kept them for him until both families moved to New Lon- don, where he further assisted him with money to build a house. John repaid his brother as he became able. …

After his death his nephew Edward claimed in court that his uncle [John] had adopted him. The testimony reveals the fact that Edward was living on the east side of the river for some years previous to his uncle's death, possibly on the land owned by hia uncle and which Edward believed he was entitled to by inheritance, although Edward had land granted to him in 1604. This will occupied considerable time in the courts, and on account of its quaintness and general interest a separate chapter is devoted to it.

The will was made in favor of his wife. John had no children of his own. He died Oct. E 1679, at least sixty years of age, and probably several year. more. His wife died in 1687, aged about 73.