Monday 25 April 2011

Blackmore: The Smiths of Jamestown

Received 14 March 2011

Sir Thomas Smith or Smyth (1558-1625) was a merchant and governor of the East India Company who was instrumental in the founding of the Virginia Colonies. Capt John Smith founded Jamestown. Do you have any evidence that either or both of these Smith’s may have been related to the Blackmore Smyth’s. Thank you for your assistance in research my family’s ancestory.

Kent Smith

Sunnyside, Washington, USA

Replied 15 March 2011

Thanks Kent for your query.

I don’t know the answer to your question but will post it on www.blackmorehistory.blogspot.com to see whether anyone else knows. The Captain James Smith you refer to is the man associated with Pocahontas.

I have read and reviewed the book on Stephen Powle (http://www.blackmorehistory.co.uk/blackmore_powle.html) but this is not ringing a bell.


Andrew

1 comment:

SmithHunter1783 said...

Regarding Kent Smith's query on 14 March 2011 pertaining to whether or not Sir Thomas "Customer" Smith (actually Smythe), first governor of The East India Company (and progenitor of The Viscounts Strangford), was related to John Smith, Esq of Rivenhall, Essex, I wish to direct you to my blog.

https://smithgenealogy.wordpress.com

I have spent countless hours researching and debunking the claims of relatedness between these two "Smith" lines and can conclusively state that Customer was not of the line of John (Carrington) Smith, Esq of Rivenhall, Essex.

My work also goes into detail as to why:

o Maj. Lawrence Smith is not related to "Customer" Smythe

o Arthur Smith of Smithfield, Isle of Wight, VA is not an agnate of either "Customer" or Maj. Lawrence Smith

o The works of Linda G Cheek can be dismissed as far as they pertain to any Smith lineage beyond Christopher Smith ("The Merchant of Hanover, VA") and Catherine Snelson.

o Why it is impossible for John (Carrington) Smyth, Esq of Rivenhall, Essex to be descended from The Earls of Chester (Richard and Hugh d'Avranches)

o and more (including a correction or two of Sir Bernard Burke's works).

If you're looking for accurate info regarding Arthur Smith of Blackmore (not as good as Andrew's site, however), or any other of the above mentioned Smith/Smyth/Smythe folks, my blog is for you.

Thanks,
Chris Smith