Dr Smith was recorded as James M. Smith in the Fifth Ward of New York City in 1840. To give this census context in history: It was a mere 13 years after slavery was abolished in New York State and 15 years before slavery was abolished in the rest of the United States. Dr. Smith and his family were counted as “free colored persons” on the census. Prior to the 1850 Census, only heads were counted. Therefore the names and exact ages of household members do not appear on the census.  In the Smith household were an adult male (Dr. Smith), an adult woman, and two children– a boy and a girl.

1840 Census

In 1850 Dr. Smith and his family were fully accounted on the US Census. In their household were 4 older women: Lavinia Smith 67, Sarah Williams 57, Amelia Jones 47, and Mary Hewlitt 53.  All members of the household were recorded as “m” for mulatto indicating mixed racial heritage.

1850 Census

Dr. Smith is listed as a head of household in 1860. Also counted in the house are Sarah Williams 57 and Mary Hewitt 50. Dr. Smith was recorded as a “physican” with assets– $25,000 in real estate and $1500 in personal property. Catherine, a servant from Ireland, was counted with the Smith family.

1860 Census

James McCune Smith died on November 17, 1865 and is buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery in Brooklyn. Less than five years after his death his wife and children were recorded on the 1870 Census. By 1870 the entire family listed their race as “W” for white.  

1870 Census

Census records of the Smith children indicate that the 1870 Census wasn’t an error of one census taker; Smith’s descendant’s chose to be counted as “white” after his death.

1900 Census, son John Smith

1900 Census, son Guy Smith

1870 Census, son James Smith

Dr. Smith was dedicated to the cause of education for African Americans. He had begun his own education at The African Free School in New York City and crossed the Atlantic, in the era when the journey was measured in weeks rather than hours, to acquire a university education in Scotland and France. His widow kept the family together and kept the children in school. In 1870 all the children were recorded on the census as “attends school.” Later, his children would become school teachers, lawyers, and business professionals– at tribute to the value of education touted by their noted father.