Jane Smith

Not a known daughter of Sir Robert McKay, Kt.

Family

Jonathan Prather and his wife Jane, on Swan Creek, built their home on the estate they called Prather Hall Plantation. Arrived in Maryland, 6 October 1658. They did not live there long and disposed of it to George Gouldsmith, who in his Will of April 1666, bequeathed Prather Hall to his daughter, Mary Gouldsmith [adopted daughter]. This 'Prather Hall' was located near the present site of Ft. Washington, near what became Swan Creek Rd. on the Potomac River. (about 10 miles south of the present Capitol Bldg., Washington D.C.)[8]

Children of Jonathan Prather and Jane Mackall were:

• 1. Jane Prather, b. between 1662-1664, Calvert County, Maryland d. Bef 1713, Prince George's County, Maryland (Age < 54 years) [natural]. Married James Mullikin.
• 2. Jonathan Prather, b. Aft 12 Sep 1666, Calvert County, Maryland, d. 23 Mar 1736, Prince George's County, Maryland - probate (Age < 69 years) [natural]. Married Elizabeth Bigger.
• 3. George Prather, b. 1668, Prince George's County, Maryland (Calvert), d. 29 Jul 1698, Prince George's County, Maryland (Age 30 years) [natural]. Married Mary Bignall.
• 4. Thomas Prather, b. Abt 1673, Prather Hall, Swan Creek, Calvert County, Maryland, d. 15 Mar 1712, Prince George's County, Maryland - probate (Age ~ 39 years) [natural]. Married Martha Sprigg.
• 5. John Prather, b. 1676, Calvert County, Maryland [natural]. Married Catherine Brashears.
• 6. William Prather, b. 1677, Calvert County, Maryland d. 1747, Queen Anne Parish, Calvert County, Maryland (Age 70 years) [natural]. Married Anne Yates.
• 7. Elizabeth Prather, b. 1680, Calvert County, Maryland

Biography

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Mackall-174

Last updated 3 February 2022

This updated biographical sketch of the woman known by previous researchers as Lyle Jane McKay Prather Smith (McKay-479) is derived from the intensive research conducted by Beth Golden (Brown-18795) from March through August 2020. Because of the the extent of the findings which would be too long for the space provided below, a brief outline follows. Please see the attached PDF document, Jane Mackall Prather Smith- A Brief Biography, for additional information. Even more details, additional research including One-Name Studies and other data are available by contacting Beth Golden.

Comments, suggestions, corrections, etc. are most welcomed; but please do not make changes without consulting with the profile managers.

c. 1645 Birth

Jane was born a Mackall (spelling variations) about 1645+/-5 in the area southeast of Edinburgh, Scotland, with the parish of Haddington being the most likely. She is very likely the sister or cousin of George Mackall (Mackall-173) and they are likely related to James Mackall (Mackall-4). In official records. Jane never used the name Lyle. The previous last name at birth, McKay, cannot be correct as there is no record of a McKay of the right age to be a father living in the colonies of Virginia or Maryland between 1635 (her previously listed birth year) – 1660 (approximate date of residence in Maryland). MACKALL may have been read as MACKAY. The 2 “L's” in Mackall may have been interpreted as the 2 humps of the “Y” in Mackay. [1] There are numerous spelling variations for this surname in Scotland, Virginia and Maryland and include Macall, M'Call, McCall, Macgael, Makcall, and even M'Kawele (1370-1380).

c. 1653 Immigration

She likely arrived in the colony of Virginia, along the Mobjack Bay with other Mackall (spelling variations) families in the early 1650s. [3] [Please see MYTHS DEBUNKED section in the attached PDF regarding the incorrect assignment of Jane to George Gouldsmith (Gouldsmith-4) and related information regarding George Gouldsmith.]

Family

Jane's first husband was Jonathan Prather (Prather-72). The exact date and place of their marriage is unknown, but likely about 1661 on Thomas Spriggs' plantation, Resurrection Manor, Calvert County, Maryland. [Please see MYTHS DEBUNKED section in the attached PDF regarding the often cited Prater's Hall on Swan Creek located near Fort Washington as their place of marriage.]

Children: Jane (Prather-2), Jonathan (Prather-71), George (Prather-94), William ((Prather-92), Thomas (Prather-11), John (Prather-93) and Elizabeth (Prather-95)

Jonathan Prather died before 21 August 1680. Jane then married John of Mattapany Smith in Calvert County, Maryland (later Collington Hundred, Prince George's) after 24 August 1682. [4] The ceremony may have taken place on Thomas Sprigg's property, Northampton. [Note: They were not married at Brook Wood, Mattapany Landing, Prince George's County, which was previously thought as John had not yet purchased it and Prince George's County was formed from a part of Calvert County in 1695] Since this was a late in life marriage, she and John did not have any natural children, but John was a loving step-father and Jane's children were mentioned in his Last Will (1707) with significant bequests. [5], [6]

Land and Slave/Servant Ownership

Jane owned land, slaves and servants most if not all received from her husband, John Smith, at his request in his Last Will and Testament. See Wikitree John Smith (Smith-22641) [highlights of the biography written by Beth Golden; full biography available upon request.

Education

Jane had a degree of literacy and knowledge skills as she managed the tobacco production and sales following John Smith's death. She signed her Will with her signature, a mark and a seal indicating her ability to at least write her name as well as her status. Her Inventory included printed books suggesting the ability to read. [7]

Occupation

Likely among very few woman in the early years of 18th century Maryland, Jane managed the tobacco production, shipping and sales from 1707, the year of her husband's death, until her own passing in 1713. Jane may have learned or at least experienced business skills from her relatives in Edinburgh, Scotland. In particular was David McCall. During his lifetime, he was a wealthy merchant conducting international trade. [8] David was munificent and as the first treasurer of the Tron Kirk (Church) [9] in Edinburgh, gave over 12,000 merks to provide for a week-day preacher. [10]

1713 Death

Jane died in November 1713 at her home, Brooke Wood Plantation, Mattapany Hundred, Prince George's, Maryland. Her Last Will was presented to the Prerogative Court on 7 December 1713. [11], [12] Her cause of death is unknown but was likely malaria, lead poisoning from pewter, contaminated food, tainted water or a cooking fire. [13] Her burial site was likely on her property, Brooke Wood [14] or in the old Patuxent Presbyterian Church graveyard in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. [15] Her tombstone remains have not been found and are probably lost to time.

Comments

Lyle Jane McKAY Reviewing postings on Jonathan born about 1630, have found that Lyle "Jane" McKay has been listed as his wife and also Jane Goldsmith. Did he in fact have 2 wives? The listing on Goldsmith shows no children. From Lois Mauk - according to the Gary Benton Prather, Jane MacKAY and Jane Goldsmith were probably one in the same: "Jonathan got property as dowery from George Goldsmith where he later built "Prathers Hall". Jane was on the ship when Jonathan went up the Potomac from Va. to Md. She was listed as "one other woman". Jonathan's wife was Lyle Jane MacKay and they were married at Jonathan's home, "Prather Hall", on or before 12 September 1666. Lyle Jane MacKay stayed with George Goldsmith's family for a time as a young girl. They may have raised her for several years. (Per the Will of G. Goldsmith).

Gary also supposes that Lyle Jane MacKay was the sister of Robert (Vol. I, p. 35, "Calendar of Wills - Maryland").

Will

From Linda Rogers Dill: Last Will and Testament of Jane Smith In the Name of God Amen. I Jane Smith widow & Relict of Jno: Smith late of Prince Geo.'g's County dec'd being sick & weake in body but through the Infinite mercy of God of sound & p.fect memory calling to mind the uncertainty of this Transitory Life & that it is appointed for all men once to dye do make ordain constitute & appoint this to be my Last will & Testament: in manner & forme following that is to say.

First & Cheiffley I give & bequeath my Immortal Soul into the hands of allmighty God my Creator that gave it wth: true & harty sorrow for all my sins committed agt: him hoping & trusting that through the death Resurrection assention & mediation of my Dear redeamer & Lord Jesus Christ I shall receive pardon & remission of my sins & at the Last day be received up into Glory & for the Temporall Estate wch: was left me by the last will & Testamt: of my Dear husband dec'd I give & bequeath in manner & forme following as is hereafter expres't.

Imprimis I give & bequeath to my son's Wm: Thos: & Jno: Prater & to two sons of Jonathan Prater viz. Jonathan & Thos: Prater all my ?oth: & dividend of the household goods to be equally divided between the son's of the Eldest Jonathan ?oth: between his two sons before mentioned.

Item. I will that my son Jonathan Prater have one English woman servt: named Prudence Blyth five years to serve.

Item. I will the Eldest Daughter of Jno: Prater called Elizh: Prater have one negro man called Jack aged 25 yrs:

Item. I will that Pricilla Prater Daughter of Wm: Prater have one negro female child called Pegy & that she continue with the mother till she is one year old.

Item. I will that my son Wm. Prather have one Scotch Servt: a Tayler called George Dunbar.

Item. I will that Thos: Prater have one negro man named Cook.

Item. I will that the Eldest Daughter of my son Thos: Prater have one negro woman named Pegy.

Item. I will & bequeath to my Jno: Prater one Irish boy called Thos: Daniell.

Item. I will my son Jno: Prather's eldest Daughter Mary have one negro boy named David.

Item. I will that James Mullikin's Daughter Jane have one negro boy named Jerry.

Item. I will that the three sons of James Mullikin viz. Thos: Wm: Jno: have each of them a heiffer two year's old.

Item. I give & bequeath to my Grand-Children Ann, Martha, Jane, Susannah children of Jonathan Prater & to Thos: Jno: Philip Eleanor & Rachell children of Thos: Prather as as also to Wm: Prissilla & Margett, children of Wm: Prather as also to Jno: & the youngest next to Jno: Prather children of Jno: Prather all the residue of my estate be it in money goods Cattle horses hoggs or of what nature or kind so ever it be, be it in England or any other part of her majesty's Dominions or on the seas or wheresoever it be, & i'ts further my will that if any of my grandchildren should be called from this life before they have rece'd their portion's of the residue of my Estate that his her or their part or parts be equally divided among the surviving children of that family or surviver if but one.

Item. I will that Mr. Thos: Brooke, Junr: & Mr: Philip Lee if they will be pleased to favour me so far as see an equall division among the grandchildren, wch. said children I will be capable to receive their portions as the following years viz. Both males & females at the age of seventeen but if the females should marry before that the day of marriage & I do hereby request & desire my well beloved son's Wm: Thos: & Jno: Prather to be Exers of this my last will & Testamt: & I do hereby fully & absolutely revoke & make null & void all or any other will Testamt. or Codicill by me formerly made or in my name made or pretended to be made & do make constitute & ordain & publish this to be my last will & Testamt: wittness my hand & seal this 27th: day July anno Dmi. 1710

Jane (signum) Smith (seal)

Signed sealed & declared to be the last will & Testamt: of the above named Jane Smith in presence of us

Philip Lee George Dunbar Jno: (his mark) Bryon

And on the back was Endorsed

Decembr: the 7th: day Anno Dmi. 1713

Then came Geo: Dunbar & Jno: Bryon wittnesses to the wth:in will & did make oath upon the holy Evangelist of Almighty God that they were present at the time that the dece'd Jane Smith did signe seale & acknowledge the wth:in will to be her last will & Testamt: & that att the same time she was in her perfect sences

Sworn before me

Benjn: Berry Depty: Comry: Prin: Geo: Co:

References

1. http://prathergenealogy.com/defaultmain.htm
2. https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I1031...
3. “JANE MACKALL PRATHER SMITH- A BRIEF BIOGRAPHY” by Beth Golden (2020). (document attached).
4. https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Mackall-174 cites
   1. Golden, Beth “One-Name Studies” 2020
   2. Calendar of the Laing Charters, A.D. 854-1837 p. 18-19; https://archive.org/details/calendaroflaingc00edin/page/18/mode/2up...
   3. Nugent, Nell Marion. Cavaliers and Pioneers; abstracts of Virginia land patents and grants, 1623-1800; Richmond, Press of the Dietz Print Co., 1934. https://archive.org/details/cavalierspioneer00nuge
   4. Hall, Thomas John. Jane referenced as widow Prater in court petition dated 24 August 1682
   5. Ancestry.com, Maryland, Calendar of Wills, 1635-1743 (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc., 1998), Volume: III, Wills from 1703 to 1713
   6. Ancestry.com, Maryland, Wills and Probate Records, 1635-1777 (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015), Will books; Author: Maryland. Prerogative Court; Probate Place: Maryland.
   7. Ancestry.com, Maryland, Wills and Probate Records, 1635-1777 (Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015), p. 623-625
   8. Brown, James J. THE SOCIAL, POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC INFLUENCES OF THE EDINBURGH MERCHANT ELITE, 1600-1638; Vol. II https://era.ed.ac.uk/handle/1842/6860 p. 492
   9. Tron Kirk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tron_Kirk A well-known landmark in Edinburgh along the High Street.
   10. Wood, Marguerite. The Tron Church; The Book of the Old Edinburgh Club Vol. 29; 1956. pp. 96-99, 110. http://www.oldedinburghclub.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/BOEC-OS/Volum...
   11. Bowie Walter Worthington, author, The Bowies and their kindred. A genealogical and biographical history (Washington: 1899), digital images, https://archive.org/details/bowiestheirkindr00bowi accessed online 23 March 2020
   12. Marshall, Mike. Jane Prather Smith profile; Early Colonial Settlers of Southern Maryland Virginia's Northern Neck https://www.colonial-settlers-md-va.us/getperson.php?personID=I0103...
   13. Healy, David. https://davidhealeyauthor.com/2012/11/02/excerpt-from-great-storms-...
   14. In the area shortly west of The Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary and Natural Resource Management Area along the north shore of Mataponi Creek, in the vicinity of GPS coordinates 38.736820, -76.730423
   15. "Chapter 6 Presbyterian Beginnings in Prince George's County" http://www.ronsgospelmusic.org/covebook/Thomfiles.pdf accessed 28 Sep 2018
   16. Doliante, Sharon J. Maryland and Virginia Colonials: Genealogies of Some Colonial Families : Families of Bacon, Beall, Beasley, Cheney, Duckett, Dunbar, Ellyson, Elmore, Graves, Heydon, Howard, Jacob, Morris, Nuthall, Odell, Peerce, Reeder, Ridgley, Prather, Sprigg, Wesson, Williams, and Collateral Kin; Genealogical Publishing Com, 1991. Volume II, Prather-Prater p. 707-710. accessed 5 July 2020 through ancestry.com. Book also available as Google eBook.