JAMES SMITH-17__-1806

Born in Ireland, second son in a large family, and brought to this country as a small child, James Smith never revealed the date of his birth (if he knew it) thought to be about 1720.  His father settled in Pennsylvania.  His father was determined to give James a good education and put him the custody of Reverend Doctor Allison. There he learned Latin and Greek and also the practical art of Surveyor. His father died about the year 1761 and James moved farther west into the wilderness where he used his surveyor skills and his study of law in the prosperous town of Shippensburg.
After a short stay there he moved to the busy town of York where he did very well in business for several years.  James married Miss Elanor Amor of Newcastle Delaware and they became permanent residents of York.
James early on became an ardent spokesman for resistance of the British presence and the taxes being imposed.  He was so ardent in his beliefs that he joined with the Patriots of Massachusetts and Virginia.  He was vigorous in support of the Non Import provisions and in the formation of the General Congress, where he became a delegate from County York.
Smith's belief that war was so inevitable that he formed the first body of Militia in York which led to the formation other militias in other counties.  When enough body was formed he was elected Colonel although his age kept him from active duty.  It is estimated that the body of troops raised amounted to twenty thousand before the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Due to the reluctance of several elected members off the General Congress to vote for the declaration  James was honored to place his name on the document on August 2, 1776.
James Smith went back to his business and stayed out of active participation until he was called upon from time to time to perform some duty to further the aims of the Revolution. Perhaps his most valuable service came when he was called to join the committee of advisers to aid Washington in the movement of troops against Howe.late in 1776.  The committee included. along with Smith, James Wilson, Samuel Chew, George Clymer and Richard Stockton, all stalwart Patriots.  By the grace of God this United States has always been able to find such as these when needed!..Mediocineman!