The following facts published in a note in Vol. II. of Haliburton's
"Historical and Statistical Account of Nova Scotia" are believed to be
unparalleled in the increase of any family on record. It can at once
be seen that at this rate of multiplying population it would take only
a short period to people the earth. Any one, curious enough to make
a calculation, will be astonished at the multitude of persons after
the lapse of a few generations which could trace their descent from a
common ancestor. The note is as follows:
"In the Spring of the year 1760, A. Smith, Esq., a native of Cape
Cod, landed at Barrington,[AA] for the purpose of making arrangements
for the reception of his family, but finding the Indians numerous, he
abandoned the idea of emigrating and returned home. Shortly after his
departure, his wife arrived in a vessel bound on a fishing voyage,
and was landed with her family. Here she remained five weeks, until
the arrival of her husband, during which time she was kindly and
hospitably treated by the Savages. She died at Barrington, in March,
1828, leaving at the time of her death 5 children, 56 grandchildren,
297 great-grandchildren, 64 of the fifth, and 1 of the sixth generation
living, exclusive of a daughter, in the United States, who had a large
family, and of several grandchildren who have removed from Barrington."