Thomas Smailes
Birth 1756
England
Death unknown
Rockingham County, Virginia, USA
Thomas Smailes/Smales, the immigrant ancestor,was an Englishman, and he arrived in Philidelphia in 1773. A tanner leather worker by trade. He was of Quaker beliefs and religion. He was married to Mary Marsh, a daughter of German immigrants. They married September 1, 1776. Shortly after the American Revolution, they settled in Rockingham County, Virginia. The couple traveled fom Pennsylvania into Virginia, east if the Blue Ridge mountains then crossed over near Charlottesville to Wayensburo (approximately the route of currect Interstate 64).
Mary Marsh and Thomas Smailes were the parents of 4 known children that include:
1. Nancy Smailes, married Robert Ward in Shenandoah County Virginia and lived in Raleigh County, Virginia, which later became part of West Virginia. She was the only daughter, 1784-1830
2 Mathias Smailes, stage coach driver, Midland Trail, Greenbrier County.
1785-1860
3. John Smailes 1799-1865, relocated West with his family and resided in Wapello, Iowa.
4. George Smailes, resided in Fayette County, Virginia/West Virginia. 1796-1866
He lastly appeared on the 1820 Census, living in Rockingham County, Virginia. He is specifically name.
Reference:
Greenbrier County WV Heritage 1997, page 164.
Marriage Record of the German Reformed Church at Philadelphia, Part II, 1748-1802.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/184160398/thomas-smailes
