Joan  SMITH

On 31 March 1648, he (Thomas) married as his second wife JOAN SMITH, the daughter of Richard Smith and Joan Barton.Joan was baptized in the church of St. Mary the Virgin in Thornbury, Gloucester, England, in January 1623-4.

Apparently, Thomas' marriage to Joan caused quite a scandal.They were married by William Hark (or Hart), Sheriff of Flushing, Long Island (then in the jurisdiction of the Dutch colony of New Netherlands) "against the consent of the woman's parents and without being legally authorized to do so by the Supreme Authority [the colonial government]."Because of this, the "indecent marriage" was voided, and as a deterrant to others who might have contemplated doing likewise everyone involved was heavily fined: the bride and bridegroom were fined 300 guilders, and the unfortunate Sheriff Hart was fined 600 guilders and dismissed from office.

Despite this inauspicious start, the couple was eventually allowed to wed.After "three publishments of the banns," the "official" wedding was concluded on Monday, 10 April 1648, in New Amsterdam (New York City):

Thomas Newton, widower of Dorothea Newton, residing at Oakeway [Oncoway], being reconciled, both parties being satisfied with Mr. Richard Smith, with regard to the marriage with his daughter, Joan Smith, now wife of said Thomas Newton, after the usual proclamations have been made, without any opposition, so are Thomas Newton and Joan Smith confirmed in the bond of marriage by the Director General and Council, in the presence of the aforesaid Mr. Smith and John Dollingh, on the 10th April, 1648, in New Amsterdam.

Thomas and Joan had seven children.