Aaron A Smith, Sr.

Aaron Smith, Sr BIRTH 28 Mar 1751 Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey, USA DEATH 11 Oct 1826 (aged 75) Harrison County, West Virginia, USA BURIAL Smith Cemetery Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia,

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25384163

A Patriot of the American Revolution for VIRGINIA with the rank of Private. DAR Ancestor # A104538

Aaron Smith, a son of James and Ann (Parke) Smith, was born in Trenton, Mercer County NJ March 28, 1751 and died in Harrison County VA (WV) October 11, 1826. He married Sarah Allen in Frederick County VA November 1, 1772. Sarah, a daughter of Joshua and Elizabeth (Barnes) Allen, was born in Frederick County April 3, 1753 and died in Harrison County VA April 6, 1837.

Aaron served the Colonies in the American Revolution in Captain Riddick’s 4th VA Regiment and in the 5th and 12th VA Regiments. According to the muster rolls, Aaron served at Valley Forge in March, April and May 1778.

Aaron settled on Lower Simpson Creek in present day Harrison County WV in 1772.

Aaron Smith’s Will

In the name of God Amen.

I, Aaron Smith of the County Harrison and State of Virginia, Revoking all others declare this to be my last will and Testament. I give my eldest son, James Smith, in addition to what I have already give him a few acres of land lying on the westside of the place he now lives, the line agreed to by us. The said James Smith to give the use of the sawmill untill it should be rebuilt.

My son, Aaron Smith, Joshua Smith, Levi Smith, Beewom(?) Smith, Moses Smith, Timothy Smith, Isaac Smith and William Smith having already portioned them with land and other property as their several necessities required, I wish them to have none of the property I now hold. I give unto my daughter Elisabeth Hartman fifteen acres of land on each side of the run the whole thirty acres including the place she now lives with house and other property attached thereunto bounded on the east by James Smith’s land to have and to hold the said land her and her heirs forever.

I give my much beloved wife Sary Smith one half of the place I now live on excepting the property of James Smith few acres and Elisabeth thirty acres with the house and other property therunto attached to have and to hold the said land during her life. After her death I give the same to my son Elias Smith.

I likewise give my son this said Elias Smith the balance of the place I now live on also one hundred and sixty of mountainous land for the same I have a patent bounded on the east by land formerly belonging to Jacob Reese on the west by the place I now live on to have to hold the said land his heirs and assigns forever. I give all my personal property of every description after my debts are paid and funeral expenses defrayed to my wife Sary to dispose of as she thinks proper during her life and at her death I appoint Joshua Smith, Jacob Smith to be my executors of this my last will and Testament.

Witness my hand and seal this fourteenth day of June Anno Domino one thousand eight hundred and twenty six.

Aaron Smith SEAL

Signed sealed and delivered by the said Testator as and for his last will and Testament in the presents of us Attest

David B. Smith

Samuel H. Morris

Isaac Shinn Sr.

Benj. Shinn

There is a Historic Marker on Simpson Creek in Harrison County, West Virginia, short distance from the Smith Cemetery. It reads:

Smith: In memory of Aaron Smith who made the first settlement on lower Simpson Creek in April, 1772. He obtained a patent on 400 acres of land and built his cabin near this site. Later in the same year he returned to the South Branch and married Sarah Allen. They reared a family of 12 children. Erected October 1924 by his descendants.

Smith's Chapel Road Cemetery in located on State Route 24 near Meadowbrook in Harrison County, WV. Aaron Smith and his wife, Sarah (Allen) Smith are buried there. Other Smiths buried there with markers on their graves are:

Joshua Smith: Died Dec. 14, 1831

Mary Smith, wife of Joshua: Died June 27, 1852

William V. Smith: Born Aug. 26, 1821, died April 11, 1860

Sophronia Smith: Born Feb. 5, 5,1829, died April 26 1896

Also the infant son of Joshua and M.A. Smith, born July 10, 1812 (Date of death was not legible)

There are other graves that have no markers and no doubt many of them are Smiths.

Aaron Smith was issued a land certificate for 400 acres on Simpson's Creek, adjoining lands of John McIntire, Including his settlement made in 1772.

James Smith is entitled to 400 acres of land in Monongalia county an a drain of Simpson’s Creek adjoining lands claimed by John Nutter in the right of residence to include his improvement made thereon in this year 1772.

Also James Smith, 400 acres on Simpson's Creek adjoining lands of John Nutter to include his settlement made in 1772.

Jeremiah Smith and Samuel Smith both issued a land for 400 acres on Simpson's Creek to include his settlement made in 1774.

It is apparent that these 4 Smiths settled on Simpson's Creek at about the same time. This area was in Augusta County, VA until Monongalia County was formed in 1776. In 1784, it became part of the Harrison County, which is now West Virginia.

Aaron, James, Jeremiah, and Samuel could quite possibly have been brothers.

Aaron Smith, Sr BIRTH 28 Mar 1751 Trenton, Mercer County, New Jersey, USA DEATH 11 Oct 1826 (aged 75) Harrison County, West Virginia, USA BURIAL Smith Cemetery Bridgeport, Harrison County, West Virginia,

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25384163

12 Children:

James Allen Smith 1773-1831

Aaron Smith 1774–1830

Joshua Allen Smith 1776–1850

Levi Smith 1778–1865
John Avery Barnes Smith 1782–1857

Timothy Smith 1786–1855

Sarah Smith Holden 1788–1837
Jacob Isaac Smith 1789–1856

William M. Smith 1791–1870
Elizabeth Smith Hartman 1795–1855
Isaac Smith 1796–1884
Elias Smith 1799–1880

GEDCOM Note

https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/LKKM-JPP

GEDCOM Note

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/25384163/aaron-smith