Obituaries

DuBois Tangier Smith, Descendent of Smithtown's Founder, Dies

A ninth-generation descendent of Richard Smith, grandson of Caleb Tangier Smith.

Rev. DuBois Tangier Smith, a descendent of Smithtown's founder, died of natural causes on May 13. He was 82. 

DuBois Tangier Smith was the last member of the ninth generation of the Smith family, descended from Richard Bull Smith who founded the Town of Smithtown, reports Newsday

According to local legends, Richard Smith made a deal with local Native Americans then rode around on his bull to map out the boundaries of the 55-acre parcel that would become Smithtown. However, the Smithtown Historical Society has disproven that theory through a series of documents

DuBois Tangier Smith was also the grandson of Caleb Tangier Smith, the namesake of Caleb Smith State Park.

DuBois grew up on the Smith family farm in Nissequogue, where he developed a love of farming. He was also an active member of St. James Episcopal Church for many years. 

"He was really proud of being a descendant of the Smiths and always stood up for his family and his friends, and his community and church," Sue Krall told Newsday, as she met Smith in the late 1970s when she joined the St. James Episcopal Church.

A memorial service for Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the St. James, 490 North Country Rd., St. James.

Read more on Newsday [subscription required] about Rev. DuBois Tangier Smith.

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