84 Diary of Thomas Smith, Esq. 



Elizabeth, only child of Daniel Webb of Melksham and Margaret 

 his wife, daughter of Jacob Selfe by his first wife Ruth, sole heiress 

 of John Romin of Hilmerton, Wilts. (See inscription on the 

 back of one of the portraits still at Shaw House.) 



His monumental inscription which follows, notices the death of 

 children in his lifetime ; and at his death in 1723, there appear to 

 have been living, John the eldest son, Walter then about 17; 

 the " Peggy " of the diary, afterwards the first wife of William 

 Hunt of West Lavington, died 1731, and Elizabeth, mentioned 

 frequently by her father, who married Robert Neale (baptized 

 1706 at Corsham). Elizabeth Neale died 1771 ; her husband 1776. 



John the eldest son probably died s. p. There is a stone in 

 Melksham Church, south aisle, where the only words legible are 



" John Smith Shaw Augt," Above are the arms of 



Smith, impaling perhaps a chevron between three leopard's heads, 

 but the upper portions of the shield are under the pew floor ; this 

 shews that he was married, but does not give further information ; 

 the inscription was a long one. A burial entry in 1732 gives 

 Elizabeth, wife, and John, son of John Smith ; but nothing which 

 proves that John Smith of Shaw was the person referred to. 



The monument in Melksham Church, which Thomas Smith 

 mentions in his diary, has the following inscription : — 



*< To the memory of Elizabeth Smith who lies buried near this place, in the 

 same grave with her father Daniel Webb of this Parish, Gent. She was wife 

 of Thomas Smith of Shaw, Esq., and died Januaiy 12th, 1719, in the 42ud 

 year of her ap;e." 



" Also near the same place lie buried two sons and a daughter of the above- 

 named Thomas and Elizabeth Smith. Thomas their eldest son, who died July 

 3rd, 1698, being but 10 weeks and 3 days old. Thomas their next born, who 

 died March 14, 1699, at the age of 16 weeks 4 days. Ann who died Dec. 24, 

 1714, aged 9 years, 6 months and 24 days." 



" Also the body of the above-named Thomas Smith, Esq., by whose death 

 the Church of England has lost a son, truly exemplary and conformable ; the 

 State, a member always ready to appear for her support : his neighbours and 

 friends a gentleman of strict justice and fidelity : his family a pattern of true 

 goodness joined with a sound judgment and discretion. As long then as a 

 harty zeale (sic) for the best religion and form of Government, an unblemished 

 uprightness and integrity — a pious and prudent economy, shall continue to be 

 esteemed and admii-ed, so long must remain precious the memory of Mr. Smith. 

 Ob. 21 July, 1723, at. 50." 



