Smith Ancestors of South Leigh

Gravestone for Charles Smith in St. James the Great, South Leigh

His gravestone is a stone floor slab in the church in South Leigh. The gravestone is inscribed:

[________]
OF CHARLES SMITH
WHO DYED OCTOBER
ye 13 1728 AGED 53
YEARS
& Also ELIZABETH his
Daughter who dyed August
ye 3d in ye Aforesaid Aged
one month

An inventory was created for Charles in 1728:

Inventory for Charles Smith, taken 1728

A true and perfect inventory of all and singuler the goods and chattels rights and credits late of Charles Smith late of Southleigh in the County of Oxon ye yeomd desed taken and appraised the eight and twentieth day of December in the second yeare of our sovereign Lord King George the second ove Great Britaine ye Anno Dom 1728 by us whose names are hereunto subscribed as followeth (viz)

Impris – The weareing apparel of the said Charles Smith and his cash or ready money by him – 025:00:00

In the roome called the parlour of the messuage or tenement wherein the said Charles Smith inhabit and dwell one clock and case one long table three joynt stooles one long fforme one court cupboard one corner cupboard one glassreise one connd table seven chaires one pare of brass andirons one pair of dogs one ffireshovell one pair of tongs and one pair of bellowes – 004:00:00

In the hall eighteen pewter dishes ffour & twenty pewter plates one warming pann one cullender one ffouleing piece two tables one dresser with drawres three chaires one fforme one jack ffour spits tow gridirons one pair of potthooks six candlesticks one pair of potthangers one pair of andirons one ffireshovell tongs & bellowes – 005:00:00

In the kitshing – one ffrantize three pottage potts ffour kittles three skillets one skimmer one pair of potthangers one pair of potthookes one mashing fatt ffour tubbs and one kneadeing trough – 006:00:00

In the buttery two barrells two pondering tubbs and ffour shelves – 000:10:00

In the small beer buttery ffive barrells with other lumber and one timber chaine – 002:05:00

In the dary house six hundred weight of cheese one milk lead one brass pann one churne ffour kivers one cheese press and shelves – 005:10:00

In the parlour chamber one bedstead one ffeather bed one ffeather bolster two ffeather pillows two quilts one red rugg one sett of curteanes and valence one elbow cane chair six other cane chairs one chest of draweres one hanging press two tables on looking glass one pair of andirons ffireshovell and tongs one box and one coffer – 015:00:00

In the roome over the ale buttery two bedsteads one ffeather bed one ffeather bolster three blankets and three coffers – 002:10:00

In the woolchamber thirty todd of wool one bedstead one ffeather bed one ffeather bolster two ffeather pillows one coverlid one pair of blankets one sett of curtaines valente and rodds one trundle bedstead one fflock bed one fflock bolster one chest one coffer one trunk one table one chaire with some other goods there – 024:08:06

Brought over - 090:03:06

In the roome over the kitshing two bedsteds one ffeather bed one fflock bed with the ffurniture belonging thereunto & other things there – 003:00:00

Linnen in the house twenty pair of sheets twelve pillow cases six table cloats three duzen of napkins and eighteen towels – 012:00:00

In the malt chamber eighteen bushels of malt and twelve bushels of cloverseed – 004:13:00

In the backside seven milking cows two twoyear old heifers three yearling calves two & twenty ratten sheep one old mare one other mare and colt and one bull – 046:08:00

In the stable three guildings one one eyed mare one blind guilding one blind mare and one lame mare one old sadle one dannell six pair of geares or harness for horses two pair of thill geares and ffive mullen holters – 035:15:00

In the barley barne three and fforty quarter of barley – 060:10:06
Eight quarters and six bushell of oats – 008:12:00
Seventy ffive quarters of poulse – 102:16:11

In the house wheat barne and rickyard ffour and thirty quarters and seven bushels of wheat and rye – 91:06:02
Two ffans bushell sacks and one port – 002;03:00
A parcel of chaffe – 005:00:00
All the hay in the rickyard ffifteen pair of stable stones and the timber & wood lyeing thereon – 037:10:00
Poles and other wood in the rickyard sheep racks and hurdles two plowes and one wheel:barrow – 003:12:00

More in the rickyard three ladders two pair of harrowes two dung carts one water cart one lang cart plow timber prongs rakes and other things about the backside one old hovel seven cow racks two wagons and cart lines two old rowles three ffatting hoggs and ffour pigs – 024:03:00
The preparacon of the now tilled land by plowing & dunging the same – 017:16:08
The seed wheat both sowed and unsowed 009:15:09

The lifehold estate – 245:00:00

Debts due to the intestate upon mortgages bonds notes and upon simple contract which are hopefull – 1179:07:10
Debts doubtfull – 171:12:07

Taken and appraised by us John Spier Tho: Harpar

An administration was created for the estate of Charles Smith in 1729, with the administrators being Stephen Wise and Ann Wise als Smith of South Leigh. It seems that Anne, as a widow with young children, married again to Stephen Wise by 1729.

Administration for Charles Smith of South Leigh

A reference to Ann's husband Stephen Wise was inscribed on one of the bells of the church of St. James the Great in South Leigh.

Inscribed on the treble bell in the church of St. James the Great in South Leigh:
"Stephen Wise Richard Smith C:W: Henry Bagley made me: May 1730"
C.W. likely means churchwardens

Ann was left a legacy from her aunt Anne Wise of Eynsham in 1734: "I give unto my neece Ann Wise wife of Stephen Wise of Southleigh the sum of fifteen pounds for her separate use for which her receipt shall be a sufficient discharge."

Charles and Anne had the following children:

*1. Anne, christened 22 March 1719 in Eynsham, Oxfordshire; married John Knapp 17 July 1737 in Eynsham; buried 22 August 1761 in Eynsham.

Anne Smith
baptism

Baptism record for Anne in Eynsham: "Anna filia Caroli Smith de South Leigh baptiz. - Mar: 22"

2. John, christened 5 November 1720 in South Leigh.

3. Mary, christened 8 July 1722 in South Leigh; buried 7 April 1794 in South Leigh.

4. Sarah, christened 17 June 1724 in South Leigh.

5. Frances, christened 5 December 1725 in South Leigh; buried 2 February 1729 in South Leigh.

6. Elizabeth, christened 28 July 1728 in South Leigh; buried 18 August 1728 in South Leigh.

Anne and Stephen Wise had the following children:

1. Elenor Wise, christened 23 November 1729 in South Leigh.

2. Anna-Maria Wise, christened 1 August 1731 in South Leigh.

3. Catherine Wise, christened 25 March 1732 in South Leigh.

SOURCES: South Leigh parish register; Eynsham parish register; South Leigh Memorial Inscriptions, http://archive.coggesparish.com/southleigh/inscrip; probate records for Charles Smith of South Leigh, 1628, Oxfordshire Wills Index, www.findmypast.com; will of Ann Wise of Eynsham, 1734; St. Mary Magdalen, Oxford parish register; Oxfordshire Marriage Bonds, www.findmypast .com.

FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
JOHN SMITH AND
JULIAN SMITH

John Smith was christened 28 March 1635 in South Leigh, the son of Thomas and Elizabeth Smith. He married Julian Smith. Smith was both her maiden name and her married name. Julian was christened 1 September 1641 in South Leigh, the daughter of Edward Smith and Julian Hunt. John was a yeoman of South Leigh.

John and Julian were mentioned in the will of Stephen Smith in 1678:

In the name of God Amen this twelve day of August 1678 I Stephen Smith of Southly in the County of Oxford yeaman be week in body but of perfect memory doe mak this my last will & testament. I commit my soul to God which gave it & my body to ye earth: & my worldly goods which God hath lent me as followeth:

Imprimis I give to my sister Ann Harriss ten shillings to be payd her six months after my decease.

Item I give to my sister Julian Smith ten shillings to by payd her six months after my decease.

Item I give to my brother Thomas Smith thirty pounds to be payd him six months after my decease by my executrix.

Item I give to Jo. Smith husband of my sister Julian ye revertion of a ground caled Ward Wood in Southly after ye decease of my wife Abigall Smith & ye surviveing life of Tho. Alder.

Item I nominate & appoint Abigall Smith my wife my sole executrix of all my goods & cattles moveable & immoveable & to perform all things according to this my last will. In witness whereof I have sett my hand & seal ye day & year above mentioned.
Stephen Smith

In the presence of
Elizabeth Greenouse
John Spier

This will gives information about Julian Smith's family - her brothers Stephen and Thomas, and her sister Ann. Stephen died 14 August 1678, and was buried in St. James the Great church in South Leigh, very near where Charles Smith, his nephew was later buried.

Charles Smith was buried in #20, and Stephen Smith was buried in #12.
(St. James the Great, South Leigh)

John died and was buried 28 December 1679 in South Leigh.

Burial record for John Smith in South Leigh:
"John Smith in the parish of Southleigh in ye county of Oxon: was buried inn woolen only
according to an act provided for that purpose whereof a certificate was brought within ye limited time. Tho. Baker"

John left a will:

Will of John Smith, 1679

In the nam of God Amen the eighteenth day of December 1679 I John Smith of Southley in the County of Oxford yeaman being weak in body but of perfect memory do make this my last will & testamt. I commit my soul to God that gave it & my body to the earth: & all my worldly goods which God hath lent me as ffalloweeth:

Imp – I give unto my son Charles Smith twenty five pounds: to be payd to him half a year after my decease but his mother to have ye use of it as long as he continues with her & if Charles shall dye: ye mony to be payd to his brother Samuel.

Item I give to my son Samuell Smith twenty five pounds to be payd to him halfe a year after my decease but his mother to have the use of it as long as he continues with her. And if Samell shall dye ye money to be payd to his brother Charles.

Item I nominate & appoint my wife Julian Smith to be my executrix: & doe bequeath unto her all my goods & chattle: after my debts leagaceys & funarall expenses are disbursed particularly the lease of a ground caled Ward Wood in Southley which was give me by Stephen Smith after ye death of Abigall Smith his wife: if the surviveing life of Thos or Rich Alder be living. I desire & appoint John Harris of Britehamton & Will Collier ye younger of Southley to be overseers of this my will, & if they see occasioon at any time shall have power to calle in ye money: & dispos of any part of it for ye placeing out ye children to prentice or otherwise. In witness whereof I have sett my hand & seal the day & yeare above written.
John Smith

Sealed & delivered in the presence of Susana Martine Jo. Spier

John and Julian had the following children:

*1. Charles, christened 13 April 1675 in South Leigh; married Anne; died 13 October 1728; buried 15 October 1728 in South Leigh.

Charles Smith
baptism

Baptism record for Charles Smith in South Leigh: "Charles Smith the sonne of John Smith in the Lane was baptised the 13th of Apprill 1675"

2. Samuell, buried January 1690 in South Leigh.

SOURCE: South Leigh parish register; will of John Smith, yeoman of South Leigh, 1679, Oxfordshire Wills Index, www.findmypast.com; will of Edward Smith of South Leigh, 1661.

FAMILY GROUP RECORD OF
THOMAS SMITH AND
ELIZABETH HUNT

Thomas Smith was born in about 1600 of South Leigh. He married Elizabeth Hunt. Thomas was a yeoman. Thomas was the brother of Richard Smith of Herles Wood in South Leigh. Both Ward Wood which John Smith inherited and Herles Wood were mentioned in a history of South Leigh: "Ward wood, north-east of the modern Tar wood, was a pasture ground by 1654, and Herle's wood, probably to be identified with c. 10 a. of woodland recorded on Stanton Wyard manor in the 14th century, was pasture by 1677."

Thomas was mentioned in the will of Anne Smith, spinster of South Leigh in 1629. Thomas was named executor for the will. She may be a relative, possibly an aunt.

In the name of God Amen the sixt day of Maye in the yeare of our Lord God 1629 in the fifth yeare of the reigne of our Soveraigne Lord Charles by the grace of God Kinge of England Scotland Ffrance and Irelande defender of the faith, I Anne Smith of Southley in the Countie of Oxon spinster beinge sicke in bodie but of good and perfect memorie (laude and praise be to Almightie God) make and ordaine this my psent testament concerning herein my last will in manner and forme following viz. First I bequeath my soule unto Almightie God my maker and redeemer and my bodie to be buried in the churchyard at the discretion of mine executor and after my funeral expences performed and my debts paide I will and bequeath unto my brother John Waterbery of Elston in the countie of Gloucester twelve pence, to be paide within one moneth after my decease, if the saide John Waterbery shall come and lawfullie demand the same. Item I bequeath unto my sister Elizabeth Smith twelve pence to be paide within one moneth after my decease if the saide Elizabeth shall come and lawfully demaund the same. Item I bequeath unto Mrs Marie Skinner my xxx twentie shillings to buy her a pare of gloves. Item I bequeath unto Elizabeth Smith, Richard Smith, Anne Smith, and Margaritt Smith the children of Thomas Smith ten shillings a peece. Item I will and bequeath unto Anne Guys and Marie Guys the daughters of William Guys ten shillings a peece. Item I will & bequeath Anne Absten my goddaughter ten shillings. Item I will and bequeath unto Goodwife Price two peticoates one wastcoate, one holland band, and my Sundayes hatt. Item I will and bequeath unto Richard Smith the brother of Thomas Smith ten shillings. Item I will and bequeath unto Elizabeth Smith the wife of Thomas Smith my best gowne, and my best hatt. Item I will and bequeath unto Joane the wife of William Guyes my red petticoate and my wastcoate. Item I give and bequeath unto Lettice Barlow one green aporne. Item I give and bequeath Anne Druett two linnen apornes. Item I will and bequeath unto Joane Ffletcher one smocke. And of this my last will I make and ordaine Thomas Smith my whole executor, and for his paines in this behalf I give and bequeath unto the said Thomas Smith all the rest of my goods and chattels whatsoever unbequeathed, and I make and ordaine Mr Edward Smith and William Guyes my overseers for the execution of this my psent will and I give and bequeath to them for their paines twelve pence a peece. And I utterly revoke and adnull all former will testaments legacies and bests by me in anie wise formerly willed given or bequeathed to any person or persons whatsoever. In witnesse whereof I have set my hand unto this psent testament the day and yeare first above written.
Signed in the psence of
Edward Smith
Richard Griphith
Thomas Smith
William Guyes

Edward Smith, John Folly and William Guyes were the appraisers for her inventory.

Thomas was called Thomas Smith the younger in the will of Thomas Smith the elder in 1630, but he is not called the son of Thomas senior and was not named as the executor for the will. It is likely that Thomas the elder was an older relative of Thomas the younger, perhaps an uncle. Thomas the younger and Edward Smith were named overseers. Edward also was a witness for the will.

In the name of God Amen the ninth day of November in the yeare of our Lord God 1630 I Thomas Smith the elder of Southley in the Countie of Oxon yeoman beinge sicke in bodie but of good and perfect remembrance (laude and praise be to Almightie God) make and ordaine this my psent testament concerning herein my last will in manner and forme following viz. First I bequeath my soule into the hands of Almightie God my maker and redeemer and my bodie to be buried in the churchyard at the discretion of my executor, and after my funeral expences performed, my debts beinge paide I give and bequeath unto the poore of Southley ten shillings to be given in breade at the discretion of my executor and overseers. Item I give and bequeath to every one of my kinsfolke foure pence a piece, if they shall come and lawfully demaunde the same. Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Smith the younger of Southley aforesaide one leather dublet, and one leather paire of hoase which I now weare. Item I give and bequeath to Elizabeth Pye one short shirt, and twelve pence in money. Item I give and bequeath unto Thomas Guyes one coffer. All which bequests and gifts, my will is shall be performed, and delivered within one moneth next ensuing after my decease. And of this my psent testament I make and ordaine William Guyes my sole executor, and I give and bequeath unto the said William Guys my godsonne for his labour in that behalf all the rest of my goods and chattel moveable and immoveable whatsoever unbequeathed. And I make and ordaine Edward Smith and Thomas Smith overseers of the execution of the same and I utterly revoke and adnull, all, and every other former testaments, wills, legacies, bequests executors and overseers by me in any wise before this time named will and bequeathed. In witness where of I have set my hand and seale unto these psente they day and yeare first above written in the psence of Edward Smith William Guyes Elizabeth Guyes

Both Thomas and Edward acted as appraisers for Thomas the elder's inventory:

A true and perfect inventorie of all the goods and chattel of Thomas Smith the elder late of Southley in the Countie of Oxon deceased valued and praised by Edward Smith clarke, John Reeve and Thomas Smith yeoman the thirtieth day of November Anno Dom 1630.

A history of the bells in the church at South Leigh has a reference to Thomas Hunt in 1627.

Inscription on the tenor bell of St. James the Great in South Leigh:
"Raphp Trindar Thomas Hvnt Gardians James Keene made me 1627"

Both Thomas and Edward Smith were mentioned in the will of Elizabeth Hunt, a widow, in 1637. Elizabeth was Thomas' mother-in-law.

"Item I give unto Anne Smyth my daughter the wife of Edward Smith xijd. Item I give unto William Huntt my sonne xijd. Item I give unto Elizabeth Smith my daughter the wife of Thomas Smith xijd. Item all the rest of my goods and chattels not given or bequeathed, my debts paid & funeral expences discharged, I give & bequeath unto William Guyes and Joan his now wife, my eldest daughter whom I make sole executors of this my last will & testament."

Elizabeth Hunt Smith died and was buried 27 January 1662 in South Leigh.

Burial record for Elizabeth Smith in South Leigh:
"Elizabeth the wife of Thomas Smith was baried the 27th day of January 1662"

Thomas and Elizabeth had the following children:

1. Elizabeth, christened 3 October 1622 in South Leigh.

2. Richard, christened 15 August 1624 in South Leigh; buried 20 July 1630 in South Leigh.

3. Anne, christened 18 November 1626 in South Leigh.

4. Margarit, christened 6 March 1628 in South Leigh.

5. Susanna, christened 28 April 1632 in South Leigh.

*6. John, christened 28 March 1635 in South Leigh; married Julian Smith; buried 28 December 1679 in South Leigh.

John Smith baptism

Baptism record for John Smith in South Leigh: "Johannes filius Thomae Smith baptizatus erat vicesimo octavo die Martij Anno Dom 1635."
John son of Thomas Smith was baptized the 28th day of March in the year of our Lord 1635.

SOURCE: South Leigh parish register; will of Thomas Smith the elder of South Leigh, 1630; will of Elizabeth Hunt widow of South Leigh, 1637; will of Richard Smith of South Leigh, 1680; British History Online: South Leigh.

EARLIER SMITHS

Thomas Smith's father is not known. He had a brother Richard, as mentioned in Anne Smith's will.

Richard married Frances, and had children John, Ellianor, Mary, Keatherine, Ann and William.

Richard left a will in 1680:

Will of Richard Smith of South Leigh, 1680

In the name of God Amen the first day of February 1680 according to the computation of the Church of England I Richard Smith of Southleigh in the County of Oxon yeoman (called by the name of Richard Smith of Herles Wood) being of perfect memory and remembrance (praised be God, doe make and ordaine this my last will and testament in manner and form following (viz)
Ffirst I bequeath my soule into the hands of Allmighty God my maker hopeing that through the meritorious death and passion of Jesus Christ my onely Savior and Redeemer to receive free pardon and forgiveness of all my sinns: and as for my bodye to buried in Christian buriall at the discreation of my executrix herafter nominated. Item I give and bequeath unto my sonn Richard Smith fforty shillings to payed unto him every yeare during his life. Item I give and bequeath unto my sonn John Smith that my ground called by the name of ffoots for his use dureing his life and my will and meaning is that he my said sonn John shall pay the Lords rent that shall become due for the said ground that is to say ffive pounds ayeare. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Ellianor twenty pounds of good and lawfull money of England to be payed unto her at her age of one and twenty yeares. Item I give and bequeath unto my daughter Mary twenty pounds of good and lawfull money to be payed unto her at her age of one and twenty yeares. Item I give unto my daughter Keatherine Bennitt twenty shillings. Item I give unto my daughter Ann Mathews twenty shillings. Item I give unto every one of my grandchildren twelve pence. Item all the residue of my goods and chattels whatsoever unbequeathed I give and bequeath unto William Smith my sonn and Ffrances my said wife to be my whole executrix of this my last will and testament. Item I doe appoint Robert Jeeves of Leaw and Thomas Ware of Sutton Hoe overseers.

George and Martha Smith had children christened in the early 1600s: Susana (1618), Elizabeth (1621), George (1624), Matheus (1627). George was called George Smith als Gardiner in his son George's christening.

Anthony Smith left a will in 1611: "In the name of God Amen I Anthoney Smyth of Southly in the County of Oxon being sicke in boody butt of pfytt memory God bee praysed I doe here make my laste wyll and teasstament in maner and forme folloinge Ffirst I geeve and bee queith my sowle to Allmyghtye throwgh whose mirytes I hope to bee saved and my body to be buryed in the church yeard of Sowthly affore saied. Ffirst in primes I geeve and beequeth unto my eldest sonne George Smyth toe sithes and three weedgeis. I geeve & beequith unto my eldest daughter Elzabeth Smith on browne cowe with a whitt fface and brass poot and on platters. Item geeve and beequeith unto my youngest dawghter Keathern Smyth ffortye shillings to be paied after my deasese by my executor Jone Smyth and my sonne George Smyth by yeaven porcions. Item I geve and beequeith unto my youngest dawghter on platter and on canndillstick. Item all the rest of my goodes I geeve and beequeith unto my Jone Smyth move & moveable seenige my deebtes paied and my finarall disschardid in the yeare ffirst above wryttenn and in ye day ____ August."

There is mention of a Smith receiving land in a history of South Leigh: "At the Dissolution there was a chantry in South Leigh church, endowed with 1 a. of land rendering 6d. yearly for the finding of a light. In 1564 the land, then held by Sir John Harcourt, was granted at farm to John Smith and Richard Duffield of London." (British History Online: South Leigh: Church)

Smiths were mentioned in wills in the 1550s. John Secold of South Leigh left a bequest in 1551: "I give and bequeath to Robert Smyth and Agnes Smith either of them tenne shepe." His widow Agnes Seacole of South Leigh left bequests to several Smiths: "I geve to Ric Smythe x shepe a fether bed and a bolster. Item I geve to Willm Smyth x shepe. Item to Roger Smythe x shepe & a coffer. Item I geve to Robt Smythe x shepe & a flocke bed. Item I geve to John Smyth x shepe." Raynolde Smith was a witness to the will.