Elisha Smith & Molly Hoyt

Elisha Smith Jr., my 4th great grandfather, and father of Benjamin Smith was born on July 15, 1769 in Epping, New Hampshire.   By the age of 7 he and his family were living in Sanbornton, NH, residing there for his whole life.  He became a successful farmer in that town, having been given 100 acres from his father (Elisha).

He married Mary Hoyt (also referred to as Polly).  She was born in Sanbornton on March 30, 1775.  They were married on Aug 10, 1794.

They had twelve children, Charles, Elisha (III), Polly, Samuel, Betsey, Lydia, Nancy, Bernard, Langdon, Charlotte, Benjamin, and an older son who I believe was also called Benjamin.

The eldest son, Elisha (III) was a clockmaker.  To the left is pictured a clock made by Elisha.

Here is a excerpt from a book on the history of Sanbornton:

Elisha Smith, Sr., settled in Sanbornton, N.
H., where he followed the worthy occupation of
farming. There he cleared a new farm, and be-
came a well-to-do man. He was killed in a
runaway accident when at the age of sixty-four.
His wife lived to be eighty-two years old.
Twelve children were born to them: Elisha,
Samuel, Benjamin, Betsey, Lydia, Nancy, Bar-
nard, Langdon, Polly, Charlotte, Charles, Benja-
min.

The eldest son, also named Elisha, learned to
make clocks, serving a seven years' apprentice-
ship at Concord, N. H.; he worked several years
subsequently at his trade. Later he manufac-
tured them under his own name; many of the
high, old corner clocks of that part of the State
that are running to-day are of his make, and
bear his name on their faces.

As stated above Elisha was killed at the age of 64.  The date was Jun 17, 1833.  Mary lived until the age of 79 (which is at odds with the above excerpt which states 82).  The date was Oct 29, 1854.