Tobias Smyth was a hard-working farmer and dedicated Methodist layman when, in the 1830s, he shared in efforts to start a college in the
area (Virginia). He made the first gift toward the college's financial needs -- a sum of $500 contributed when Emory & Henry was little
more than a dream -- and he served on the Board of Trustees from 1836 until his death in 1866. Smyth's farm was located about one mile
north of the campus, and he was well-known for his generosity in providing bed, board and fresh horses for itinerant Methodist preachers
who passed through the area. Smyth became involved in the founding of Emory & Henry college when the Rev. Creed Fulton stopped to return a borrowed
horse after having attended the church's annual conference in Abingdon. Fulton had been named the conference agent to assist in founding
a college, and, when Smyth learned about Fulton's mission, he became very enthused about the possibility of having the college located in
his own community. Smyth recommended a tract of land to Fulton and agreed to make a financial commitment to the cause if that tract were
chosen -- and it was. Smyth family descendants have remained in the area to this present day.
Tobias Smyth,Born June 18,1803 in Va.He died Dec. 3,1866 in Estill Co.,Ky.Tobias Smyth married Matilda Garrett who was born in 1816.
They married on August 18,1837.She died January 1,1869.They rode horseback to Proctor,Beattyvill, Va. the old landing where Tobias tought School.
The 1860 census records show they owned 600 acres of land.The New Virginia Settlement Church was on this land.Tobias was also a farmer,
an elder in the Methodist Church where he conducted services when the minister wasn't there.
He Married:Mary Ann Sparks had 1 child (&) Matilda Garrett they had 10 children There Children were:
(1) Polly Smyth,Was born Dec. 23,1837
(2) Sarah Smyth,Was born Dec. 27,1839.She died 1878.
(3) Rebecca Smyth,Was born Jan. 3,1842.She died Aug. 9,1890
(4) Edward Smyth,Was born Feb. 5,1844.He died Sept. 23,1918
(5) Elizabeth Smyth,Was born March 25,1846.
(6) Jeptha Smyth,Was born Apr. 10,1848.
(7) Margaret Smyth,Was born Nov. 16,1850.She died 1943.
(8) Joseph Smyth,Was born Jan. 9,1853.
(9) Henry Smyth,Was born Dec. 16,1855 in Estill Co.,Ky. He died June 7,1925
(10) Amanda Smyth,Was born Jan. 5,1859
(11) Tobias E. Smyth/Sparks Was born April 30,1831 in Va. (his Father was Tobias Smyth and his Mother was Mary Ann Sparks)
