Mary Smith

Brief Life History of Mary

When Mary Smith was born on 11 February 1689, in Suffield, Hartford, Connecticut Colony, British Colonial America, her father, Edward Smith, was 34 and her mother, Sarah Allen, was 24. She married Matthew Towsley on 20 March 1710, in Suffield, Hartford, Connecticut Colony, British Colonial America. They were the parents of at least 3 sons and 4 daughters. She died on 23 August 1773, in her hometown, at the age of 84.

Photos and Memories (0)

Photos and Memories

Do you know Mary? Do you have a story about her that you would like to share? Sign In or Create a FREE Account

Family Time Line

Matthew Towsley
1690–1739
Mary Smith
1689–1773
Marriage: 20 March 1710
Mary Mercy Towsley
1711–1779
Michael Tousley
1715–
Mathew Tousley
1722–1797
Sarah Tousley
1724–
Elizabeth Tousley
1727–
Dorcas Tousley
1729–
William Tousley Sr
1731–1800

Sources (13)

  • Mary Smith, "Connecticut, Births and Christenings, 1649-1906"
  • Mary Smith, "Connecticut, Vital Records, Prior to 1850"
  • Mary Smith, "Connecticut, Births and Christenings, 1649-1906"

Name Meaning

English and Scottish: occupational name denoting a worker in metal, especially iron, such as a blacksmith or farrier, from Middle English smith ‘smith’ (Old English smith, probably a derivative of smītan ‘to strike, hammer’). Early examples are also found in the Latin form Faber . Metal-working was one of the earliest occupations for which specialist skills were required, and its importance ensured that this term and its equivalents in other languages were the most widespread of all occupational surnames in Europe. Medieval smiths were important not only in making horseshoes, plowshares, and other domestic articles, but above all for their skill in forging swords, other weapons, and armor. This is also the most frequent of all surnames in the US. It is very common among African Americans and Native Americans (see also 5 below). This surname (in any of the two possible English senses; see also below) is also found in Haiti. See also Smither .

English: from Middle English smithe ‘smithy, forge’ (Old English smiththe). The surname may be topographic, for someone who lived in or by a blacksmith's shop, occupational, for someone who worked in one, or habitational, from a place so named, such as Smitha in King's Nympton (Devon). Compare Smithey .

Irish and Scottish: sometimes adopted for Gaelic Mac Gobhann, Irish Mac Gabhann ‘son of the smith’. See McGowan .

Dictionary of American Family Names © Patrick Hanks 2003, 2006.

Possible Related Names

Discover Even More

As a nonprofit, we offer free help to those looking to learn the details of their family story.

Create a FREE Account

Search for Another Deceased Ancestor

Share this with your family and friends.