Smithin - Severn Stoke

This is a summary of the information we have discovered about the branch of our family that lived in Severn Stoke, Worcestershire in the 18th Century. They are descendants of Benjamin Smithin (b.1645) and Elizabeth Tribble.

The Smithin name seems to have died out in this branch by about 1800 but one of Benjamin and Elizabeth's granddaughters (Mary b.1732) married a cousin in the Birlingham branch of the family which lead to the present day Smithins.

Benjamin Smithin and Elizabeth Tribble c.1645

See the document: 'Smithin Family - Birlingham' for details of Benjamin's parents and siblings.

Benjamin Smithin (c.1645-1724). Also spelt Smithsend. The son of Thomas and Ann. He married Elizabeth Tribble (c.1650-1727) in Birlingham on the 4th June 1673 (or possibly 1675); the marriage was by banns.[1]

Smithsend was the early form of our name and it seems gradually to have changed to Smithin. The early spellings in this branch of the family are quite varied.

Benjamin was a churchwarden in Birlingham in 1698, 1699, and 1700. On the 1st July 1684 as a churchwarden reported his brother Nathaniel to the Bishop for not attending church.[2]

Likewise we present Nathaniel Smiton & William Godsaw for refusing to come to church.’

The other churchwarden was Thomas Priddie.

Church Presentments - Birlingham 1684

A presentment made by ye Minister and Chuchwardens of Birlingham to be delivered into ye Revd? Bishops Visitation holden at Evesham, upon ye first day of July Anno Domini 1684.

Imprimis: The Church, Chancel, grounds about and ye Chuchyard are in order and in good repair.

Ye Rector's house likewise in very good repair.

We present John Tribbell and his wife for not frequenting their Parish Church. Likewise we present Joseph Perks and his wife for refusing Communion with the Church.

Likewise we present Nathaniel Smiton and William Godsaw for refusing to come to Church (and frequenting Conventicles) [crossed out].

Also we present Edward Roberts ye Smith and his wife. They have long stood Excommunicated and care not to submit to ye Court his wife teacheth School ye youth of the Parish which there is another more fit and conformable who is willing to undertake it.

It. We present William Richardson and his wife who stand Excommunicated for Articles Exhibited against them to prove their Marriage.

It. We present George Clifford and his wife who refuse Communion with the Church and can show noe reason for it.

We present Will Compton for not coming to divine service

The presentment of Birlingham since last visitation 1684

We Thomas Priddie and Benjamin Smithin
Churchwardens of ye Parish of Birlingham have nothing to present but all is well baring what is already presented.

Benjamin acted as a witness to a Will for John Cubberley, of Birlingham, in 1694. This was probably John Cubberly who was a churchwarden in 1685. It was a busy time for the churchwardens because in the period 1685-1695 several new bells were made for St James as the inscriptions on the Bells show.[3]

Francis Bahrhlew, Samuel Palmer churchwardens William Bagley made mee 1692
When you me ring i'll sweetly ring, A.R. 1748
Henry Bagley made mee 1695
George Lunne and John Cubberley Churchwardens 1685
Fear God and Honour the King 1685

Benjamin was buried in Birlingham on the 12th August 1724.[4]

The Tribbles were an old established Birlingham family. Elizabeth's father was John Tribble (b.1620) and her grandfather was George Tribble (c.1590). A George Tribel is recorded as renting six acres of land in Walton Cardiff in 1314 renewing an agreement that had been established at least two generations before that.

Elizabeth made a will in 1727 leaving her estate to her two surviving children Elizabeth and Thomas. Elizabeth was buried in Birlingham on the 23rd September 1727.[5]

Will of Elizabeth Smithin (d.1727)

In the name of God Amen. I Elisabeth Smithin of Burlingham in the County of Worcester, widow, being weak in body but of sound memory, praise be to God for the same. I do make this my last will and testament in manner following.

 I give and bequeath my soule to Almighty God hoping for remission of sins through the merits of Jesus Christ my redeemer, and my body to be buried.

 I give to my Daughter Elisabeth Smithin one feather bed, bolsters pillows and curtains, bedstead and all thereto belonging in the Chamber at the west end of the house. I give to my daughter Elisabeth one flock bed with all the furniture to the same bed. I give my Daughter one trunk with the linen therein being in the Chamber before mentioned. I give my daughter halfe my brass and pewter and her choice of two tables and two Coffors? and two chairs out of the rest of my goods. I give my Daughter Elisabeth halfe my linen of all sorts, besides I give my Daughter halfe my books. I give my Daughter Elisabeth the sum of ? pounds of British money also to be paid her within one year after my decease by my Executor out of my personal estate not before devised.

All the rest of my goods Chattel and Chattels whatsoever I am in any ways possessed of I give the same to my son Thomas Smithin who I make sole Executor of this my last will and testament. In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal this twenty fourth day of September and in the first year of the reign of our Sovereign King George 2nd Anno Domini 1727[…]

Signed sealed and declared by the said Elisabeth Smithin to be her last will and testament in the presence of us who at the request and in the presence of the testator have subscribed as witnesses.

John Harris
Elisabeth Flower
John Bradis

The mark of Elisabeth Smithin

Children of Benjamin and Elizabeth c.1675

Benjamin and Elizabeth had six children.

Joseph Smeeton (b.1675). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was baptised in Birlingham on the 28th January 1675.[6]

Elizabeth Smeeton (1677-1687). The daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth. She was baptised on the 16th July 1677 in Birlingham.[7] She was buried in Birlingham on the 20th April 1687.[8]

Benjamin Smeeton (1680-1681). Benjamin Jnr. The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He died as an infant less than 2 years old and was buried in Birlingham on the 16th November 1681.[9]

Mary Smiton (b.1684). The daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth. She was baptised on the 25th October 1684 in Birlingham.[10]

Elizabeth Smeton (1687-1729). The daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth. She was baptised in Birlingham on the 26th January 1687.[11] She was mentioned in her mother's will of 1727 (see above) and was referred to as 'Smithin' so she did not marry.

Elizabeth was buried in Birlingham on the 25th July 1729.[12]

Thomas Smithin (1692-1761). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was baptised in Birlingham on the 22nd December 1692.[13]

Thomas acted as executor of his mother's Will in 1727. Thomas married Anne in about 1731.

Thomas made a Will in 1761 and described himself as a Yeoman who owned land in Birlingham and Pershore.[14]

Will of Thomas Smithin (1761)

In the name of God Amen. I Thomas Smithin of Birlingham in the County of Worcester Yeoman. Do make this my last Will and Testament in Manner and Form following (that is to say).

I give devise and bequeath unto my dear Wife Ann all that my messuages or tenements with the Orchard Garden and Appurtenances thereunto belonging situate in Birlingham aforesaid. And also all that my Orchard or inclosed Ground with the Appurtenances situate in Pershore in the said County of Worcester and now in the Possession of John Spencer. To hold the same unto my said wife and her Assigns for and during the term of her natural life.

And from and immeditately after her decease I give devise and bequeath my said Messuages or Tenements with the Orchard Garden and Appurtenances in Birlingham aforesaid and my said Orchard or inclosed Ground with the Appurtenances in Pershore aforesaid unto my Son Benjamin and his Heirs for ever.

To my said Wife I also give and bequeath all my Ready Money, Securities for Money, Household Goods, Cattle Implements? of Husbandry, Goods, Chattels and all other my Personal Estate whatsoever and wheresoever to hold unto my said Wife and her Assigns for and during the Term of her natural Life.

And from and immediately after her Decease then I give and bequeath the same unto my Son Benjamin and my Daughters Mary, Elizabeth, Sarah, Ann and Martha to be equally divided between them share and share alike. And lastly I do constitute and appoint my said Wife sole Executrix of this my last Will and Testament. In Witness whereof I have hereunto set my Hand and Seal this Eighth Day of September in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty One.

Thomas Smithin

Signed sealed published and declared for the said Testator Thomas Smithin as for his last Will and Testament in the Presence of us who in his Sight and at his Request have subscribed? our names as Witnesses.

Elis Badger
? Young
William Heath

Thomas was buried in Birlingham on the 26th October 1761.[15]

Anne died on the 31st January 1765 in Birlingham.[16]

Children of Thomas and Anne c.1730

Thomas and Anne had six children

Mary Smithin (1732-1821). The daughter of Thomas and Anne. She was baptised in Birlingham on the 5th January 1732.[17] She married her second cousin Joseph Smithin on the 15th September 1760.[18] All present day Smithins are descendants of Joseph and Mary. See the document: Smithin Family - Birlingham for details of Mary.

Elizabeth Smithin (b.1733). The daughter of Thomas and Anne. She was baptised in Birlingham on the 1st February 1733.[19] She was mentioned in her father's Will of 1761.

Sarah Smithin (b.1736). The daughter of Thomas and Anne. She was baptised in Birlingham in May 1736.[20] She was mentioned in her father's Will of 1761.

Anne Smithin (b.1737). The daughter of Thomas and Anne. She was baptised in Birlingham on the 23rd December 1737.[21] She was mentioned in her father's Will of 1761.

Martha Smithin (b.1743). The daughter of Thomas and Anne. She was baptised in Birlingham on the 23rd September 1743.[22] She was mentioned in her father's Will of 1761.

Martha married William Osborn of Birlingham on the 29th June 1765 at Pershore, St Andrews. The witnesses were Benjamin Smithin (probably her brother) and Robert Edwards.[23]

Martha and William had a son Thomas born about 1773 who farmed at Wadborough Park. He married Elizabeth Abbot in 1804. In his will (proved 1844) he mentioned his cousin Thomas Smithin (b.1782).[24]

--- and I charge and subject my said wife in respect of the estate and property hereby given to her with the payment of the sum of two shillings and sixpence per week (which I am liable to pay) to my cousin Thomas SMITHIN for his life […] Upon Trust for my grandson William FOSTER, the son of my late daughter Mary FOSTER if he shall live to attain the age of twenty one years ---

Benjamin Smithin (1739-1791). The son of Thomas and Anne. He was baptised on the 12th November 1739 in Birlingham.[25] He was mentioned in his father's Will of 1761.

He married Elizabeth Grevile in about 1771 and they had nine children.

In 1780 they were living in Severn Stoke and were still there in 1787; Benjamin was referred to as 'Benjamin Smithin of Severn Stoke' on a contract with William Claridge.

In 1786 he was an executor of his Uncle Joseph's Will with William Claridge.

14th January 1786. Benjamin Smithin one of the Executors of this Will appeared Personally and was then sworn in the common form of law and that Personal Estate did not amount to 300 pounds

Benjamin had moved to Wadborough by 1791 when he made his will.[26] Six children were still alive in 1791 and he appointed his nephew Joseph (the son of his sister Mary) as an Executor and as a Trustee for any land or money of behalf of the children. A witness to this Will was John Woodward; possibly the father of Benjamin's future son in law.

There is a memorial for Benjamin in the Churchyard at Pershore Abbey (Pershore Holy Cross).[27]

Benjamin Smithin late of Wadborough Park, died 25 day of Oct 1791, age 52 years. Also Elizabeth wife of the above who died June 2 1819 aged 74 years. Also Benjamin Smithin their son who died Oct 23 1810 aged 32 years. Also Joseph Smithin.

Will of Benjamin Smithin (1791)

In the Name of God Amen. I Benjamin Smithin of Wadborough in the Parish of Holy Cross Pershore, in the County of Worcester, Gentleman, being now Sick and weak in Body, but of sound and disposing Mind, Memory, and Understanding for which thanks be given to Almighty God, but seriously considering with myself the Certainty of Death and the uncertain Hour thereof. Do make this my last Will and Testament in manner and form following (that is to say).

First I will and devise all my just Debts ? and Expenses, and the Charge of proving this my Will to be paid and discharged by my Executor and Executrix being? of the moment. ? to my nephew Joseph Smithin of Birlingham in this County of Worcester Yeoman, I give and devise all that my Messuages or Tenements Orchard Garden and Premises situate and being in Birlingham aforesaid. To hold to him his Heirs and Assigns forever. In Trust ? to permit and suffer my dear Wife to receive have and take ? and Profits thereof for and during the term of her natural Life for and towards the support of Herself and the Maintenance Educating, Clothing, and bringing up of my Children. And after her Decease upon further Trust in him the said Joseph Smithin and his heirs ? that he do and shall with all convenient speed after her Decease either by Publick Auction or private Contract sell and dispose of and for such Sum of Money as he my said Trustee shall think a fair and adequate Price for the same All my said Messuages or Tenements and Premises.

And I do hereby further will order and ? that the ? of him the said Joseph Smithin or his Heirs shall go to the Purchase ? good and sufficient legal and equitable release and discharge for the Money to be paid by any Person for the Purchase of the said Messuages and Tenements and Premises. And the Money arising from the Sale thereof upon Trust to pay and divide the same to any and all my six children or such as them as shall be then living share and share alike as Tenants in common and not as joint Tenants.

To my Daughter Martha I give my Silver Tankard to do with as she pleases.

Then to my said dear Wife I give devise and bequeath for and during the term of her natural Life. All my Household Goods Chattels, Cattle Stock, Crops and Effects, Ready Money, Monies at Interest, Bonds, Bills and Securities for Money and other my Personal Estate whatsoever, which at the time of my Decease I shall die possessed of, towards the Support of Herself maintaining educating and bringing up of my six Children and from and after her Decease I give and bequeath All my said Household Goods, Chattels, Cattle Stock, Crops and Effects Monies at Interest Bonds and Securities for Money to and amongst my dear Children or such as them as shall be living at the time of my said Wife's Decease equally to be divided between them share and share alike as Tenants in Common and not as joint Tenants.

And Lastly I do hereby nominate constitute and appoint my said dear Wife and Nephew Joseph Smithin joint Executrix and Executor of this my Will and hereby revoking all Forms and other Wills by me at any time heretofore made. Do publish and declare this only to be my last Will and Testament. In Testimony whereof I the Testator Benjamin Smithin have to this my last Will and Testament put my Hand and Seal this Twenty second day of October in the Year of our Lord One Thousand Seven Hundred and Ninety One.
Benjamin Smithin

Signed sealed published and declared by the Testator Benjamin Smithin in the Presence of us in His Presence at his request and in the sight and Presence of each other have subrcribed our Names as Witnesses.

Samuel George
John Checkits
John Woodward

Benjamin's wife was Elizabeth Grevile (1745-1819); we are not completely sure about her surname but we think it is likely that she is the Elizabeth Grevile who was involved with the transfer of a trust (for two cottages and land in Birlingham) with Joseph (b.1713) her husband's cousin which is later referred to in some letters of Administration taken out by a William Palmer Knight in 1839.[28]

And the said William Palmer Knight further alleges and represents to us that the said Benjamin Smithin hath also long since departed this life having by his will bearing date the twenty second day of October one thousand seven hundred and ninety one [1791] appointed his wife Elizabeth Smithin and his nephew Joseph Smithin 'Executrix' and Executor thereof and that the same will was duly proved by the said Elizabeth Smithin alone in the said Consistory court on the first day of July one thousand seven hundred and ninety seven'

Sworn statement of Elizabeth Smithin (1797)

1st July 1797 Elizabeth Smithin Widow of the ? within named appeared and was sworn in common form of Law and that the Personal Estate of the deceased? does not amount to One thousand pounds.
Before me, J Griffiths, Surrogate

Elizabeth died, aged 74, on the 2nd June 1819. She was buried with her husband at Pershore Abbey.[29]

Children of Benjamin Smithin and Elizabeth Grevile (c.1780)

Benjamin and Elizabeth had six children but it seems that the Smithin name died out in this generation and we have not been able to link any later Smithins to this branch.

Thomas Smithin (1772-1773). This may be a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth baptised on the 2nd January at Pershore.Holy Cross and was buried on the 24th January 1773.[30]

Martha Smithin (c.1775-1839). The daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth. Her father left her his silver tankard in his Will (see above). She married John Woodward on the 21st July 1795 at Pershore, Holy Cross.[31] She may be the Martha Woodward who died in 1839; registered in Pershore.[32]

Benjamin Smithin (1777-1810). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was christened on the 15th September 1777 at Severn Stoke.[33] He died on October the 23rd 1810 aged 32 years and is buried with his parents in Pershore Abbey.[34]

Elizabeth Smithin (b.1776). The daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth. She was christened on the 18th July 1776 at Severn Stoke.[35]

Mary Smithin (b.1779). The daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth. She was christened on the 2nd February 1779 at Severn Stoke.[36]

William Smithin (b.1780). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was christened on the 17th September 1780 at Severn Stoke and apparently died only a few months old.[37]

William Smithin (b.1781). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was christened on 7th February 1781 at Severn Stoke.[38]

Thomas Smythen (b.1782). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was christened on the 21st October 1782 at Stoulton.[39] It looks as though the family had moved from Severn Stoke to Wadborough.Thomas was mentioned in the will of his cousin Thomas Osborn (see above) which was proved in 1844 so Thomas was still living then. Thomas Osborn was the son of Thomas' Aunt Martha.

Joseph Smithin (1784-1785). The son of Benjamin and Elizabeth. He was christened on the 4th July 1784 at Stoulton.[40] He was buried with his parents in Pershore Abbey and although the details cannot be read the death was recorded on the National Burial Index as the 11th March 1785.[41]

Notes[42]

List of names

Badger Elis fl.1760
Bagley Henry fl.1695
Bagley William fl.1690
Bahrhlew Francis fl.1690
Bradis John fl.1727
Checkits John fl.1791
Claridge William fl.1780
Clifford George fl.1680
Clifford (wife of George) fl.1680
Compton Will fl.1680
Cubberley John fl1685
Cubberley Mr.fl.1690
Edwards Robert fl.1765
Flower Elisabeth fl.1727
Foster Mary fl.1820
Foster  William fl.1844
George Samuel fl.1791
Godsaw William fl.1680
Griffiths J fl.1797
Harris John fl.1727
Heath William fl.1760
Knight William Palmer fl.1839
Lunne George fl.1685
Osborn Elizabeth [nee Abbot] fl.1800
Osborn Thomas fl.1800
Osborn William bc.1740
Palmer Samuel fl.1690
Perks Joseph fl.1680
Priddie Thomas fl.1680
Richardson  William fl.1680
Richardson (wife of William) fl.1680
Roberts Edward fl.1680
Roberts (wife of Edward) fl.1680
Smeeton Benjamin 1680-1681
Smeeton Elizabeth 1677-1687
Smeeton Joseph b.1675
Smithin Anne fl.1740
Smithin Anne b.1737
Smithin Benjamin c.1645-1724
Smithin Benjamin 1739-1791
Smithin Benjamin 1777-1810
Smithin Elizaebeth [nee Tribble] c.1650-1727
Smithin Elizabeth b.1733
Smithin Elizabeth [nee Grevile] 1745-1849
Smithin Elizabeth b.1776
Smithin Martha b.1743
Smithin Martha c.1775
Smithin Mary 1732-1821
Smithin Mary  b.1779
Smithin Sarah b.1736
Smithin Thomas 1692-1761
Smithin Thomas 1772-1773
Smithin William bd.1780
Smithin William b.1781
Smiton Mary b.1684
Smiton Nathaniel 1636-1684
Smythen Thomas b.1782
Spencer John fl.1760
Tribble George bc.1590
Tribble John b.1620
Tribble John fl.1680
Tribble (wife of John) fl.1680
Tribel George fl.1314
Woodward John fl.1791
Woodward John fl.1800