Stephen Smith (abt. 1628 - abt. 1676)

Born about 1628 in Pirbright, Surrey, England

Died about 1676 at about age 48 in Worplesdon, Surrey

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Biography

Quaker, Friend of George Fox

Sources

• Dictionary of National Biography: Vol. III: Smith - Stanger

In summer of 1665 Stephen and wife attended a Quaker meeting at John Smith of Worplesdon, his brother

An epistle for the remnant Friends and chosen of God, whom he has preserved to bear their testimony, in and around the city of London. To whom this testimony of the dear love and tender care which flows forth, and is extended toward you and all tender hearts who are concerned for the like sufferings, temptations and trials. From their faithful friend and servant in the Lord, GEORGE WHITEHEAD The Society of Friends, more commonly referred to as Quakers, flourished in this area (Guildford – Worplesdon – Godalming), between the early 17th Century and towards the end of the 18th Century. There was very much of an emphasis of presence at Perry Hill Worplesdon, what is now Fairlands and Wood Street Village. A prominent Quaker was Stephen Smith who resided at Whites Farm, Fairlands and there held Friends Meetings. It was he who was persuaded by George Fox, the credited Founder of The Society of Friends, to donate a nearby farm (now more familiarly known as Fairlands Farm), for a Friends Burial Ground. It is thought that the most probable site of the burial ground is beneath the present A323 dual carriageway somewhere near its junction with Holly Lane, Worplesdon.

The reader is best directed to local history publications: “Worplesdon Old and New” c. 1967, “Wood Street the growth of a Village” 1988 and “Worplesdon 2000” together with “A Pioneer Family” by Gladys Scott Thomson.

Worplesdon Friends Burials (Introduction) Downloaded from www.normandyhistorians.co.uk

130 SMITH (SMYTH) Elisabeth 1671 133 SMITH (SMYTH) John An 51 Worplesdon 1670 134 SMITH (SMYTH) John Worplesdon 1681 135 SMITH (SMYTH) John Worplesdon 1698

137 SMITH (SMYTH) Robert Worplesdon 1694 138 SMITH (SMYTH) Stephen Worplesdon 1670 139 SMITH (SMYTH) Stephen (junior) Worplesdon 1680 140 SMITH (SMYTH) Stephen (senior) Worplesdon 1676 141 SMITH (SMYTH) Stephen Worplesdon 1699 142 SMITH (SMYTH) Susanna Worplesdon 1693