Thomas Smith
In his series on the Peter Smith of Jamaica family (NYGB Record, Vol. 85, 1954), author Samuel Stelle Smith believed that Peter had a son Thomas. He estimated his birth date as about 1672, and stated he died after 1729. There is no material offered for the basis of these estimations.
One record does tie a Thomas Smith to the family and combined with other facts, there is a strong possibility that the author was correct.
By tradition, the majority of Dutch Church baptism witnesses or sponsors were relatives. When Letitia Smith , daughter of Charles (2) Smith, was baptized in the Jamaica Dutch Church, 1711, the sole sponsor was Thomas Smith.
One of Charles Smith’s sons was named Thomas.
In an election in Jamaica, 3 Apr 1716, Thomas Smith, cordwainer, John Foster, and Daniel Bull and John Smith, Jr., were chosen Trustees for the ensuing year. Cordwainer or shoemaker was also the occupation of Charles (2) Smith.
Sources: NY Gen. & Bio. Record,
Vol. 85; Records of the First Reformed Dutch Church of Jamaica, Long Island,
transcribed by Kenn Stryker-Rodda, NY Gen. & Bio. Record, Vol. 5, 1974;
Records of the Town of Jamaica, 1656-1751, Vol. 3, ed. Josephine C. Frost (The
Long Island Hist. Soc.).
23 Jan 2000
transcribed by Judy Tooman
