ISAAC SMITH (1)

ISAAC SMITH

Coram

Patriot

Isaac Smith was born sometime in 1750. He was one of two children. His brother's name was Joshua. His father's name was also Isaac.

The Smith home was the Old Hotel/ Tavern, which was located near the intersection of Middle Country Road and Patchogue Port Jeff Road (now route 112). According to family tradition, during the Revolution, the British occupied the home and converted part of it into a stable for their horses. At the rear of their property (now the Home Depot parking lot) the British stored hay that they were collecting for use by the British Calvary. In 1780 American forces crossed the Long Island Sound and burned the British hay.

All three Smiths were loyal to the American cause. Isaac's brother and father were engaged in whaleboat raids on the British during their occupation of Long Island. One time the British caught Isaac's father. He escaped by dressing up as a woman and he walked right out. After this he was given the nickname "Petticoat" Smith.

Isaac Smith joined the American Army in March of 1776. He served in the company commanded by Captain Daniel Griffin. Col. Henry Livingston commanded his regiment in the brigade commanded by General James Clinton in the 3rd regiment of the New York line of the Army or the Revolution.

While with the Army he marched to the East End of Long Island and remained there until the surrender of Long Island to the British. After that they went to Shelter Island and helped transport patriots and their belongings to Connecticut.

With Long Island in British hands the company moved to Saybrook Connecticut and later to New Haven Connecticut.

On one trip to Long Island, with the help of Rhode Island troops, they had a brief skirmish with the British in Setauket and caught a tory leader by the name of Jacob Smith. They also captured 23 of his men. They took them prisoner and brought them to Connecticut when they returned.

The company than marched to Fishkill in upstate New York. After they left Fishkill they marched to Fort Montgomery. Isaac Smith remained there for the remainder of his service. Isaac Smith was discharged from the American Army at this fort.

In 1818 at the age of 68 Isaac applied for a pension. In the letter he stated,"I am unable by means to support my family and myself and am in such indilligent surcumstances am absolutely in much need of the aid, cooperation, and assistance of my country". On October 25, 1819 he received a pension but on July 19, 1820 it was discontinued. After the pension was discontinued the 70-year-old Isaac smith stated that he needed the pension because he was poor.

At the time of his pension application he claimed to own 200 acres of thin sandy land in the town of Brookhaven and a mortgage to Hannah Woodhull for 800.00, which he claimed, equaled his property value. He stated that his personal belongings were 1 cow, 1 heifer, 2 old horses, 1 wagon, 1plow, 1barrow, 1 axe, 1 spade, 1 rake, 1 old chain, 1 pot, and 1 tea kettle. Also the amount due from said Isaac Smith to several, featuring by all that above mentioned to Hannah Woodhull is $40.00.

Isaac Smith married Sarah Rockwell of Connecticut. They had a total of six children. They had five sons and one daughter. The name of one of his sons is not known. His other four sons were named John, Laphaeth, Isaac, and Thomas. His daughter's name was Loruina.

Written by,

Chris Knight

Longwood Middle School

December, 2000