Samuel Smith is a name of some distinction. There is a brewery by that name in England that markets their ale's in America, and they are some of my favorites. Located in Tadcaster, Yorkshire, it's been around since 1758, but as far as I know there is no relation. There is also a Lt Samuel Smith That came to America in 1636. This particular Smith was interesting because he was the third Samuel in a row to bear that name in his family. Ralph's first born son by the same name was suggestive that Ralph may have been naming his son after his father, but DNA analysis has proven other wise. Lt Samuel was from a town called Hadley that was only fifty miles from Hingham, and both towns were known for textile weaving, which was Edmond Hobarts profession.

Samuel Smith was baptized at Hingham, Mass., July 11, 1641, married at Eastham, Mass., January 3, 1665, to Mary Hopkins, born at Yarmouth, Mass., 1640, daughter of Gyles Hopkins and wife Catherine Wheldon. Gyles Hopkins was born in England about 1610 and came to America with his father, Stephen Hoplins, on the Mayflower in 1620. All descendents of Samuel Smith and Mary Hopkins have this "Hopkins Mayflower Line."

Samuel Smith (early in life) engaged in the whale and mackerel fishery business, and was very successful at it. Later he was a trader and inn keeper in Eastham. He owned at one time more than a 1000 acres of land, 400 acres being in the South side of the town of Eastham and was known for many years afterwards as the "Smith Purchase." He also bought two farms in Chatham, Mass, one at Tom's Neck, comprising a considerable part of the present village of Chatham. His estate at his death was valued at more than 1200 pounds. The inventory shows he was in possession of over fifty head of cattle, 60 sheep and a number of horses. He held various local offices in Eastham, was styled "mister" in the records and Judge Samuel Sewell mentions him in his diary. He has been descrided as a "resolute and determined man." Samuel Smith died at Eastham, Mass., March 27, 1696-97. It is said his wife died two days before her husband, but in the Barnstable Probate Records it say's that Mary Smith relict of Samuel Smith, signed papers in 1698, in the final settlement of that estate.
Mostly quoted from Thomas Edison Smith (First Vice-President ADRS 1938)

The Children of Samuel Smith and Mary (Hopkins) Smith were:-

1. Samuel Smith, born at Eastham May 26, 1668; Died September 22, 1692.

2. Mary Smith, born at Eastham January 3, 1669.

3. Joseph Smith, born at Eastham April 10, 1671, died about 1692

4. John Smith, born at Eastham, May 26, 1673.

5. Grace Smith, born at Eastham, September 5, 1676, died December 1, 1691.

6. Rebecca Smith, born at Eastham, December 8, 1678.