"generatio 11 julii 1801 regeneratio 12 julii 1801 magdalena filia jacobi et mariae adams spons jacob Kuhn et ejus uxor" (Conewago Chapel Baptism Register page 42) Translation: Born July 11, 1801 baptized July 12, 1801 Magdalena daughter of Jacob and Mary Adams sponsored by Jacob Kuhn and his wife."

Magdalena's birthday of November 22, 1802 listed on her tombstone differs from her birthday listed in the Conewago baptismal register. During the 1800 US Census, her father, Jacob Adams, Esq., is listed as living in Heidelberg, Adams County, and in the 1810 Census as living in Conewago Township, Adams County, Pennsylvania, so Magdalena was likely born at one of these two places.

"1823 31 Martii matrimonio conjunctus est Petrus Smith cum Magdalena Adams testes fuere Antonius Smith et Petrus Adams." (Conewago Chapel Marriage Register page 249) Translation: "On March 31, 1823 Peter Smith was joined in marriage with Magdalena Adams, witnessed by Anthony Smith and Peter Adams."

Peter had served under her father's command during the War of 1812 against the British. Peter and Magdalena had eleven children together.

During the 1850 US Census, Peter Smith (56) was farming in Mount Pleasant Township with real estate valued at $5,000. He lived with his wife, Magdalene (48), his children Anastasia (22), John E. (21), David (18), Maria (16), Louisa (14), Peter (12), Gregory (10), Anthony (8), Francis (6), and his sister Elizabeth Sneeringer (69) who could not read or write.

During the 1860 US Census, Peter (66) and "Magdalena" (58) were farming in Mount Pleasant Township, with their children Anna (31), Maria (29), Louisa (24), Peter (23, listed as a farmhand), Anthony, (18), and Francis (15). Peter Jr. had been married within the year to Helen, a daughter of Joseph Kuhn, who owned the neighboring farm.

During the 1870 US Census, Peter (76) and "Magdaline" (70), were farming in Mount Pleasant. William Shanefelter and John Reiley were farmhands, and Maria and Louisa were also living at the home. Peter Jr. and David owned neighboring farms.

During the 1880 US Census "Magdalene" (76) lived in Mount Pleasant Township, Adams County, with her husband Peter (86), daughter Maria (47), and grandson Ignatius (12). Her sons David, Peter, and Francis owned neighboring farms.

Magdalena died on February 9, 1882 at the age of 79.