Received
15 May 2009
Hello-
I recently came upon you as a contact for the Priory at Blackmore. I am a descendent of Sir Thomas Smyth (Smith) and John Smyth who were instrumental in the early history of your church. I am just beginning to research your town and the church and my ancestor. I would like to purchase the book on the history of the church. I would also enjoy seeing any pictures of the church and any that may exist of my family. My family has been in America since the late 1600s when another Thomas Smith immigrated from Blackmore.
Thank you in advance for any help you may offer.
Warm regards-
J. Scott Smith
Charleston, SC, USA
Replied
21 May 2009
Firstly, greetings from Blackmore in Essex. I attend the Priory Church of St Laurence, which indeed your ancestor, John Smyth, acquired in 1540. The Smyth family were to stay in Blackmore for five generations through to 1721.
I have written a booklet about the Smyth family which I could send to you with other material, including the Church Guide Book. All profits are raised in aid of church funds.
Andrew
Received
21 May 2009
Andrew-
I have delved into family history/genealogy for many years. I have recently discovered the possible link to John Smyth and am excited to continue exploring both him and Blackmore. Those of us who have spent our lives doing this research have often wondered who the offspring might have been that left England for Virginia in the mid 1600s. We have some documentation of a Thomas Smith who apparently was of some high social standing and was able to fund his transport to Virginia, possibly with a brother Arthur (?). I wonder if you have ever come across any Smyth / Smith who indeed immigrated during that time?
Given your name of Smith, are you a descendent as well?
I would enjoy very much reading any and all material you have to offer. Of course would be thrilled to see any pictures you may have access to of John Smyth or his family and any pictures of the church or Smyth Hall (which I understand was demolished in the mid 1800s). Certainly it is so nice of you to respond and I look forward to further correspondence at your convenience. I will arrange to send payment as soon as possible.
Sincere thanks-
Scott Smith
Replied
22 May 2009
Scott
I can confirm that Thomas and Arthur (great grandsons of the aforementioned John) emigrated to Virginia. Thomas was born in 1605, Arthur was baptised on 30 August 1607, died 1645.
I am not a Smyth descendant.
I attach a photo of the tomb of Thomas Smyth (son of John) who died in 1594 [a date I have cause now to doubt. He may have died earlier].
Regards
Andrew
Received
22 December 2009
Andrew-
I hope all is well. I have not communicated in some time but wanted to ask if you know of any other Smith/Smyth descendents of Blakemore? I have talked with Don and his wife is indeed a descendant. I am most interested in trying to find the male offspring with the family name. I realize this may be a tall order, but it is worth a try.
Scott Smith
Replied
24 December 2009
Hello Scott
Unfortunately I do not have any addresses of other Smyth (Smith or Smythe) descendants but will post this entry on the blog and see if a response is made to your query.
Andrew
Received
23 December 2009
Andrew
I failed to ask you another question in the prior email: Have you any records as to the date Thomas and Arthur Smyth left England? I first note that he was granted land in Virginia in 1632. A Thomas wrote his will in 1669 and we believe this is our Thomas. By looking at some court documents, we know that Thomas' son, Richard was likely born around 1630. I would imagine Thomas migrated around 1630. Any ideas are of course appreciated.
Also, I wonder if there are clear photos of the Smyth family crest which appears on some of the tombs? I am trying to re-create the crest in a painting.
Scott
Replied
24 December 2009
Hello Scott
The Thomas Smyth you refer to was born 1605 (Braintree) and, Arthur his brother was baptised 30 August 1607 at Blackmore. I have not traced their descendents or their journey to Virginia because it falls just outside the family line of those who became Lords of The Manor at Blackmore. “Captaine” Stephen Smyth, their elder brother, born 28 May 1602, died 22 September 1670, had a lifelong association with Blackmore.
For a family crest, probably the easiest thing for me to do is to pop down the church and take a photograph of one of the better carved emblems on one of the floor slabs. I will e mail this and include it on the website in due course.
Two additional items of interest:
- the Essex Record Office has put early Baptism, Marriage and Burial Registers online so original documents can now be viewed. If you are a descendent of Thomas Smyth perhaps you will find a baptism entry in St Michael’s parish Braintree?
- Sir Stephen Powle married Margaret the widow of Thomas Smyth (grandfather of the aforementioned). I have just received from America a copy of his biography. It is next on my reading list and I intend to extract portions relevant to Blackmore for future review for the website.
Regards
Andrew
Received
24 December 2009
Thank you for this Andrew.
I think the College of Arms in London may also be able to locate a copy or at least a description of the crest. I may try to contact them. I believe in one of the pamphlets you sent on the history of the church there is a photo of the tomb of Stephen(?) which has the crest, however I cannot quite make out the details. You may or may not know an interesting aspect of this crest involves the passing down of the peacock among art work in the family. In a needlepoint of a portion of the family tree of a son of Arthur Smith of Virginia, the border is surrounded by peacocks. It would be great to see it and possibly re-create it in the colors as it was described. I look forward to our continued correspondence.
Scott
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