Smith, Barnabas (1582-03-25 - 1653-03-25)

The exact birth date of Barnabas Smith is unknown. He matriculated at Lincoln College, Oxford in December 1597 at the age of fifteen, graduating B.A. on 17 December 1601 and proceeding M.A. on 7 July 1604. In 1610, he was instituted to the rectory of North Witham, Lincolnshire. On 27 January 1646, Smith married Hannah Newton, the mother of Isaac. Upon their marriage, the young Isaac Newton was left with Hannah's parents in Woolsthorpe, Lincolnshire. Newton's mother returned to Woolsthorpe with her second family upon the death of Barnabas Smith in 1653. Newton inherited Smith's library, including 'Newton's Waste Book' (Cambridge University Library MS Add. 4004).