Edward James Smith (Edward James Smith), a descendant of Major William Smith, High Sheriff of Clare in 1701 (Major William Smith), bore almost the same arms as the Smyths of Damagh.
Armorial bearings of Edward James Smith:
“Gules, between two Falcons wings conjoined & displayed Argent, a Pile Ermine”
https://www.geni.com/photo/view?photo_id=6000000132453255977
Crest: “A dexter arm in armour embowed, holding in the hand a scimitar, all ppr.”
Motto: VERITAS USQUE AD FINEM
Armorial bearings of Smyths of Damagh:
“Gules between two Falcons wings conjoyned & displayed Argent, on a Pile Ermine, a Chief indented Azure”
https://www.geni.com/photo/view?photo_id=6000000135170053821
Crest: “On a Helmet, and Wreath of his coulours (vizt.) Argent & Gules, A dove close bearing an olive branch, boath proper, Gorged with a Gemew Or, beaked & leged Gules”
Motto: DITAT SERVATA FIDES
The Crest and the Motto are different, but the only difference between the arms is the charge of “a Chief indented Azure (on a Pile Ermine)”.
As stated in the Grant of Arms for William Smyth of Damagh, “a Chief indented Azure (on a Pile Ermine)” is a “token of honr for a remembrance of his sd service whereupon ye sd Earle minding his advancemt is well pleased that he ye sd William Smith, should beare some parcell of his Armes, for a perpetuall memory of ye worthy ffaithfull & Dilligent Service by him don to ye sd Earle”.
Thus, the additional honourable charge of “a Chief indented Azure (on a Pile Ermine)” on the escutcheon of the Smyths of Damagh is nothing more than the “parcel” of arms from one of the quarterings of Earl of Ormond, viz. “Or, a chief indented Azure”.
https://www.geni.com/photo/view?photo_id=6000000135598747907
It is unclear whether there was any connection, other than arms, between Major William Smith (Major William Smith) and the Smyths of Damagh.
The Smiths of Damagh were Catholics. Major William Smith was a Protestant.
It is believed that he was the son of John Smith, the Protestant Bishop of Killala and Achonry (John Smith, DD).
