James Avery Smith will receive the Conch Shell Award for his work relating to Amherst, Massachusetts history in a special ceremony this next Friday. The following excerpt is from an interesting article by Phyllis Lehrer in the February 6, 2009 edition of the Amherst Bulletin.
Family heritage lies at the root of James Avery Smith’s interest in history and genealogy.
Thirteen or 14 generations ago, his relatives traveled on the Mayflower. “That’s two to the 13th power – that’s a lot of folks,” said Smith during a conversation about his work.
His fascination with history led him to write two books, many articles and offer lectures and consulting. The body of work has earned him the Conch Shell Award, to be presented at the Amherst Historical Society and Museum’s third annual Founders Day Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. in the Jones Library.
The award is presented to those who have made a valuable contribution to the preservation and awareness of Amherst’s cultural history.
The event is free and open to the public and begins with a birthday cake – Amherst was founded Feb. 13, 1759.
….
… “One thing led to another.” The result was two books: “Black People in Early Amherst” and “Families of Amherst, Mass: a Genealogical Outline.”
I have a mysterious great great grandfather who was named Chileab Smith Jr., a housewright who died when he was about 30 years old in Amherst, Massachusetts. He was married to Asenath Williamson, sister of William Durkee Williamson, the second governor of Maine. They had one child before he died, Hannah Williamson Smith. The family has no record of Chileab. I’ve been told that James Avery Smith’s history of Amherst could help me (especially if people named Smith caught his attention.)