Thank you Zeno. Glad you enjoyed the video. I'm a big history buff and the American Revolution is my absolute favorite. Stay tuned for more videos like this in the near future. :)
I recently discovered "Turn" thanks to Netflix. The characters and story are riveting. How cool that it's all based on the lives of real people. Thanks for doing the leg work in locating Abe Woodhull's final resting place. All the more meaningful this 4th of July, 2020.
The film ALSO is what alerted me to this riveting piece of American history. But if you are a TRUE history nerd (me, guilty as charged, LOL), do be aware that the TV series took quite a few liberties with the facts -- just for the sake of making a better story. They definitely accomplished that, but I've found it helpful to go back and read about the various ways the series diverged from real history. (Examples include the fact Abraham married his wife AFTER the war; he didn't cause the Liberty Pole riots; his father was NOT a Torrey but a Whig who went to great lengths to save his son's life on several occasions; and Anna Strong is an invented character, b/c what good TV story doesn't have a love story -- right? Also, Abraham traveled to NY under the cover of visiting his sister -- not to study law. ) I have also not found evidence that Simcoe terrorized Woodhull or Setauket in any of the psychopathic ways that were depicted in the series (and it does trouble me that we besmirch the memory of a real person -- even IF they were on the "other side" -- just for the sake of a TV story.) In fact, after the war, Simcoe traveled to Canada, largely because he so virulently opposed slavery and Canada ALWAYS opposed slavery (not exactly the actions or attitude of a psychopathic personality, right?) Simcoe's post-war life was spent in some sort of governing capacity in Eastern Canada, where he married, had a family, and died.) Nevertheless, the larger arc of the AMC series and the importance of Woodhull, Brewster, and Tallmidge's roles is not just Hollywood fiction, and they all definitely deserve all the honor and acclaim they are finally getting. For that, we should be thankful that an almost-forgotten piece of the story of our nation's liberation has been preserved for future generations. And thank you, "On The Move," for bringing visuals of the contemporary historic places where these events took place to those of us in the public who do not have the ability to travel there!
@@RavW1776 I think I must confess to being in the TRUE history nerd camp, as I did go back and read about Abraham Woodhull's story, and that of John Graves Simcoe. I realize the writers of the TV show took a LOT (wish I could underline that) of "artistic license" in order to create more suspenseful sub-plots and engaging characters. This is often the case with movies and TV shows based on the lives of real people. I'm just grateful to have learned of the existence of Abe Woodhull, thanks to 'Turn' which motivated me to learn more about his real life, and his role in the Revolution.
I am a descendant of Anna and Silah strong. Based on real people is being generous. I wish people would stop leaving mementos on the graves of my ancestors.
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video Peter. Thanks for checking it out. Stay tuned to my channel because I'll be doing more Revolutionary history soon. Cheers DAMIAN :)
@@onthemove5031 awesome video. As an American soldier of three combat tours and who's family settled on long island in 1741 I love your video and true American patriotism to our great nation. God bless you and your family and America and president Trump
@@mickeyhammer3713 Thank you Mickey. Glad you enjoyed the video. I also was born and raised in Suffolk County. Stay tuned there will be more LI videos uploaded soon. :)
It is tremendously overwhelming. I filled up with appreciation and gratitude to the man Abraham Woodhull, risking his life to helped George Washington win our freedom and independence. I can well imagine how moved you were, as well as honored, to stand by his resting sight. R.I.P. to the truest Patriot, Abraham Woodhull.
Thank you for very much! I just read partial story of Abraham Woodhull, and found your video. Excellent, and your comments well stated. I completely concur with your comments about Judge Woodhull, and consider you a true Patriot also for taking this effort, sir!
Don't forget all of the soldiers that perished in the American Revolution whether they were militia, privates, or high ranking officers.. they're as much our founding fathers as anyone. RIP to these legends and war heroes!
Dude not only are you covering a subject that is near and dear to my heart; American history, you're also doing it wearing a Randy Rhoads shirt happens to be my most favorite guitar player in the whole world! liked and subscribed.
3 commies didn't like this. Wow. Excellent video, sir. I never ceases to be in awe of the brilliance of our founding fathers, and the extreme bravery of the men and women who took up their cause. I love this country so much.
Thank you for posting. If you are ever able to find an actual portrait of the real Abraham (not the actor) -- I would love it if you could add that into this video. I have looked for one on Google but not had any luck -- which surprises me, given he was a lawyer and presumably had acquired some money in his life time ...
I wonder if the headstone next to his belongs to his wife Mary, one of his children, his father, brother, or his cousin Nathaniel Woodhull who was a general in the continental army, or maybe it just belonged to someone else.
I love the show Turn, but I watch with a skeptical attitude. The show has taken dramatic license with historical facts to give it wider appeal, but hopefully people are researching to learn more about our history; if that's the result then I approve whole heartedly! Our history shouldn't be forgotten, it's how we progress in the present and the future. The members of the Culper Spy Ring and all those that sacrificed for independence live on...in us.
I just finished the series and I did indeed reacted by pouring a ton of time into researching it properly. While there's quite a few things I found that didn't line with what I am reading and seeing in the show I think that it did a fabulous job at drawing a crowd that will hopefully become buffs. I am typically a 'Civil War' buff, but, this breathed some real intrigue in me about The Revolutionary War. What I hope for shows that spiral a bit with the dramatic license is that they're doing it for the purpose of telling a great story - "Example: Woodhalls father, wasn't necessarily the loyalist that they made him out to be early on", for me, I thought that was there way of expressing division between families and towns that did, sometimes occur. Or, his father dying, which we know survived, I felt, that that was expressive of them simply tapping into our emotions about what not Abe gave, but many common families. At least that's why I hope they're doing it and we all know, in general, as entertaining as history is to some of us buffs, others, need a little bit of inspiration or encouragement to pick up a book and dig deeper. TURN seems like they did that quite successfully. I've been on a binge about Peggy, Andre, and Arnold. It's a rabbit hole, that, I've been stuck down since watching the series.... lol...
@@roberthobbs5292 I totally agree! Interesting how they made Andre more likable than Arnold, for me anyway. I also delved into Arnold's life while watching it and kind of felt sorry for him and could empathise with his frustration of not being recognized for his contributions to the cause, and if he wasn't such an egotistical jerk he might have gotten somewhere. This show also encouraged me to delve deeper into my family tree, and to my delight it revealed a trove of Patriots from several colonial states, which makes me want to travel to each place and visit their graves! My son went to visit one while he's in Savannah GA a couple of days ago and sent me pics, I was full of pride! Thanks for posting this, I hope you do more!
@@roberthobbs5292 one more thing, I found in my family tree that I have 5 ancestors that fought in the Civil War, and talk about the family divisions it caused, there were 3 brother's from St Louis, one was a Union General and his 2 younger brother's who joined the CSA! At least one returned to St Louis and was living with my 2x great grandfather and was working as a street supervisor for the sanitation dept. I don't know what happened to the other brother except that he was captured by the Union Army and eventually released and returned home, and that's where his paper trail has stopped. Of course that encouraged me to learn more about the Civil War. We can romanticize war, but war is not romantic when you are in the thick of it, and civil war is definitely not something people should be encouraging and romanticizing! I pray we never have to endure another!
@@lisaflint7027 That's an awesome bit of history and something you should absolutely have a ton of pride in! I'm in the midst of doing my own research with my family. I am certain of both Union and Confederate soldiers too, between my parents side, not necessarily within the same blood-line but still interesting to know that the unity that brings my family together would have been divided by such conflict during that time. I unfortunately, am unsure, that I had family here during The Revolutionary War but it absolutely doesn't stop me from being fully engulfed and appreciated in their sacrifices all the time. I'm in the same boat, Andre, was much more likable for me too - but - historically, Andre' was an incredible likable man, as was. Hamilton and Lafayette was both documented for crying at his hanging, as well as hundreds of others, and over a thousand turned out to it. One man was quoted as saying: "We would have all been happy in the trade of Arnold and Andre on both sides, besides Arnold." lol. I think Arnold is a terribly misunderstood individual in our history and I'm looking forward to digging more into that and while I am trying not to get lost in how the show romanticized Andre and Shippen, it's sometimes hard to not let your imagination go wild, especially since that is one of the most controversial-historical debates of The Revolutionary War (there role.) I found, many mistakes in the time line of how the show portrayed that, but, they still touched on some great spots to spark what they ran with. I am waiting on a book called "The Life of Major John Andre: The Redcoat who turned Benedict Arnold." , and it is from the British point of view, so, I am entirely interested on how it's going to turn out. I'll let you know! I LOVE talking history!
@@roberthobbs5292 I would love to hear about your book! I could talk history all day long, always loved learning about history, I always will! As far as your family tree is concerned, I'll bet you do have connections, you just haven't found them yet. I haven't found any Tories, but I am related to most of the major English players in the conflict through my deep English roots. Maybe you can make a video on your research for the book, I'd find that facinating! Best of luck!
I loved the "Turn" series as I live in Setauket just a stones throw from the all the events. I've known about the Culper ring for 30 years as the local community is very proud of its role in the revolution and teaches of it regularly. One thing I was disapointed about was that Austin Roe was completely left out of the story. Austin R. was as much a part of the ring as any of them and why he was excluded is a mystery to me. He operated Roe's Tavern and made the NYC run more than Woodhull. Also, I don't think there was a Strong's Tavern at all. The tavern was Austin Roe's. The building still stands, was moved and is owned and lived in by a private family. I've been inside it. They also made Abrahams father out to be a Tory Sympathiser when he wasn't at all. Still, it was a valuable show that I highly recomend.
Turn is hand-down my favorite show. while they did take some liberties with making the show, the actual spy ring did pretty much everything depicted. damn good show
Go to familysearch.org. You will learn about your ancestors. I learned I am a Daughter of the American Revolution. I learned Frederick Denton, a Pvt, fought with Washington's Army in the Revolutionary War as well as the War of 1812 as a corporal. I also saw the actual payroll ledger. Check the sight out, it's free and records and you don't have to join anything when you sign up. good luck!!
The interesting thing is I have other Revolutionary War spying activity on a completely different line of my family. And one of those guys, Thomas Gibson Smith, was the pastor of The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow when Washington Irving published his story. Smith is mentioned in the story-but not by name. Irving's description of Ichabod Crane includes the line (paraphrased): Crane was the most learned man in the villaige second only to the minister. And indeed Smith was highly educated. Graduated from Oxford University and spoke five languages.
Great video. Abraham Woodhull was a true patriot and a true hero of the American Revolution. I'm so happy that he is still remembered to this day.
Thank you Zeno. Glad you enjoyed the video. I'm a big history buff and the American Revolution is my absolute favorite. Stay tuned for more videos like this in the near future. :)
They don’t teach you about some of these unsung heroes. They only talk about the famous ones which is sad
We could’ve lost the war without him
I recently discovered "Turn" thanks to Netflix. The characters and story are riveting. How cool that it's all based on the lives of real people. Thanks for doing the leg work in locating Abe Woodhull's final resting place. All the more meaningful this 4th of July, 2020.
Thanks for watching Roxanne. Glad you enjoyed the video. :)
The film ALSO is what alerted me to this riveting piece of American history. But if you are a TRUE history nerd (me, guilty as charged, LOL), do be aware that the TV series took quite a few liberties with the facts -- just for the sake of making a better story. They definitely accomplished that, but I've found it helpful to go back and read about the various ways the series diverged from real history.
(Examples include the fact Abraham married his wife AFTER the war; he didn't cause the Liberty Pole riots; his father was NOT a Torrey but a Whig who went to great lengths to save his son's life on several occasions; and Anna Strong is an invented character, b/c what good TV story doesn't have a love story -- right? Also, Abraham traveled to NY under the cover of visiting his sister -- not to study law. )
I have also not found evidence that Simcoe terrorized Woodhull or Setauket in any of the psychopathic ways that were depicted in the series (and it does trouble me that we besmirch the memory of a real person -- even IF they were on the "other side" -- just for the sake of a TV story.) In fact, after the war, Simcoe traveled to Canada, largely because he so virulently opposed slavery and Canada ALWAYS opposed slavery (not exactly the actions or attitude of a psychopathic personality, right?) Simcoe's post-war life was spent in some sort of governing capacity in Eastern Canada, where he married, had a family, and died.)
Nevertheless, the larger arc of the AMC series and the importance of Woodhull, Brewster, and Tallmidge's roles is not just Hollywood fiction, and they all definitely deserve all the honor and acclaim they are finally getting. For that, we should be thankful that an almost-forgotten piece of the story of our nation's liberation has been preserved for future generations.
And thank you, "On The Move," for bringing visuals of the contemporary historic places where these events took place to those of us in the public who do not have the ability to travel there!
@@RavW1776 I think I must confess to being in the TRUE history nerd camp, as I did go back and read about Abraham Woodhull's story, and that of John Graves Simcoe. I realize the writers of the TV show took a LOT (wish I could underline that) of "artistic license" in order to create more suspenseful sub-plots and engaging characters. This is often the case with movies and TV shows based on the lives of real people. I'm just grateful to have learned of the existence of Abe Woodhull, thanks to 'Turn' which motivated me to learn more about his real life, and his role in the Revolution.
Anna Strong was not invented. I’ve seen historians talk about her
I am a descendant of Anna and Silah strong. Based on real people is being generous. I wish people would stop leaving mementos on the graves of my ancestors.
Greatest show I’ve watched in a very long time thank you AMC
Thank you for watching. :)
I'm British, love American history, very interesting video appreciated
Glad to hear you enjoyed the video Peter. Thanks for checking it out. Stay tuned to my channel because I'll be doing more Revolutionary history soon.
Cheers
DAMIAN :)
@@onthemove5031 awesome video. As an American soldier of three combat tours and who's family settled on long island in 1741 I love your video and true American patriotism to our great nation. God bless you and your family and America and president Trump
@@onthemove5031 I'm born and raised also from long island from a town called Wading river. I subscribed to your channel. Keep up the awesome videos
@@mickeyhammer3713 Thank you Mickey. Glad you enjoyed the video. I also was born and raised in Suffolk County. Stay tuned there will be more LI videos uploaded soon. :)
My first thought before reading this was “I wonder how the British look at the revolutionary war and American history” lol
It is tremendously overwhelming. I filled up with appreciation and gratitude to the man Abraham Woodhull, risking his life to helped George Washington win our freedom and independence. I can well imagine how moved you were, as well as honored, to stand by his resting sight. R.I.P. to the truest Patriot, Abraham Woodhull.
Thank you for very much! I just read partial story of Abraham Woodhull, and found your video. Excellent, and your comments well stated. I completely concur with your comments about Judge Woodhull, and consider you a true Patriot also for taking this effort, sir!
Thank you for the kind words Jim. :)
Abe Woodhull is the BEST Turn character.
Yes I agree, I also really enjoyed watching John André 's character. I miss Turn.
No I don't respect weasel spies the character I like is John Andre
You sure your last name isn't Moore?
@@michaelholt1480 I would have to disagree,spies put their lives on the line although they are typically not a trained soldier.
michael holt he was head of his intelligence so clearly he was to idiot 🤦🏻♂️
Great video! I hope to visit there one day, love American history!
Thank you Amanda. I hope you get to visit here one day. The town of Setauket is full of history. It's a beautiful area also. :)
The Culper Spy Ring have captured my heart and imagination. Thanks so much for sharing this.
Thank you so much for watching. Cheers :)
Nice!! Turn was awesome. I was glued to it every week. Was so glad they finished it and the ending was great
It was definetly a great show. Thank you for watching :)
Just finished TURN ..great show ...Ole Abe is the man ...what balls of steel !!💪💪💪💪
For sure. Abraham was the real deal.
Thanks for checking out the video. :)
Thank you for making this video. Will pay my respects and visit this place next time I'm in N.Y
awesome video, RIP Abraham. God bless the U.S.
Thank you Brad. Thanks for watching. :)
Great history lesson..,i love colonial and revolutionary war history!..,,cool shirt too!
Thank You Hike with Mike :)
Such amazing history, thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you Ian :)
Don't forget all of the soldiers that perished in the American Revolution whether they were militia, privates, or high ranking officers.. they're as much our founding fathers as anyone. RIP to these legends and war heroes!
Currently watching this show it’s soo good! A Great American history show that makes me proud to be an American 🇺🇸
It's one of my favorite TV series. Thank you for watching. :)
This kind of stuff gives me chills. Love it!
THANKS for posting this! Nice to know that he has and still is honored for his sacrifice !!
ALSO.... Randy RULES!!!! ;-)
Thank you :)
I was recently there. Thank you!
Thank you for watching. :)
Dude
not only are you covering a subject that is near and dear to my heart; American history, you're also doing it wearing a Randy Rhoads shirt happens to be my most favorite guitar player in the whole world!
liked and subscribed.
Thank you for watching and for the sub. Much appreciated. Randy is one of my favorite players also. :)
Great video! I really hope to make it here some day.
3 commies didn't like this. Wow. Excellent video, sir. I never ceases to be in awe of the brilliance of our founding fathers, and the extreme bravery of the men and women who took up their cause. I love this country so much.
Thank you for watching & commenting on the video Doug. Much appreciated.
Thank you for posting this
This is very cool. I'm glad he has a preserved place/marker.
Very cool! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Matt. Thanks for watching. :)
Thank you for this honor.
Thank you very much for watching. :)
Excellent video sir.
Thank you Tony :)
Great vid brotha. As genuine as it gets.
Great video!
Love that he was never forgotten.
Thank you for posting. If you are ever able to find an actual portrait of the real Abraham (not the actor) -- I would love it if you could add that into this video. I have looked for one on Google but not had any luck -- which surprises me, given he was a lawyer and presumably had acquired some money in his life time ...
I wonder if the headstone next to his belongs to his wife Mary, one of his children, his father, brother, or his cousin Nathaniel Woodhull who was a general in the continental army, or maybe it just belonged to someone else.
It says in memory of Mary wife of Abraham Woodhull esq. Just google mary woodhull grave
Thank you for this video.
Thank you
I love the show Turn, but I watch with a skeptical attitude. The show has taken dramatic license with historical facts to give it wider appeal, but hopefully people are researching to learn more about our history; if that's the result then I approve whole heartedly! Our history shouldn't be forgotten, it's how we progress in the present and the future. The members of the Culper Spy Ring and all those that sacrificed for independence live on...in us.
I just finished the series and I did indeed reacted by pouring a ton of time into researching it properly. While there's quite a few things I found that didn't line with what I am reading and seeing in the show I think that it did a fabulous job at drawing a crowd that will hopefully become buffs. I am typically a 'Civil War' buff, but, this breathed some real intrigue in me about The Revolutionary War. What I hope for shows that spiral a bit with the dramatic license is that they're doing it for the purpose of telling a great story - "Example: Woodhalls father, wasn't necessarily the loyalist that they made him out to be early on", for me, I thought that was there way of expressing division between families and towns that did, sometimes occur. Or, his father dying, which we know survived, I felt, that that was expressive of them simply tapping into our emotions about what not Abe gave, but many common families. At least that's why I hope they're doing it and we all know, in general, as entertaining as history is to some of us buffs, others, need a little bit of inspiration or encouragement to pick up a book and dig deeper. TURN seems like they did that quite successfully. I've been on a binge about Peggy, Andre, and Arnold. It's a rabbit hole, that, I've been stuck down since watching the series.... lol...
@@roberthobbs5292 I totally agree! Interesting how they made Andre more likable than Arnold, for me anyway. I also delved into Arnold's life while watching it and kind of felt sorry for him and could empathise with his frustration of not being recognized for his contributions to the cause, and if he wasn't such an egotistical jerk he might have gotten somewhere. This show also encouraged me to delve deeper into my family tree, and to my delight it revealed a trove of Patriots from several colonial states, which makes me want to travel to each place and visit their graves! My son went to visit one while he's in Savannah GA a couple of days ago and sent me pics, I was full of pride! Thanks for posting this, I hope you do more!
@@roberthobbs5292 one more thing, I found in my family tree that I have 5 ancestors that fought in the Civil War, and talk about the family divisions it caused, there were 3 brother's from St Louis, one was a Union General and his 2 younger brother's who joined the CSA! At least one returned to St Louis and was living with my 2x great grandfather and was working as a street supervisor for the sanitation dept. I don't know what happened to the other brother except that he was captured by the Union Army and eventually released and returned home, and that's where his paper trail has stopped. Of course that encouraged me to learn more about the Civil War. We can romanticize war, but war is not romantic when you are in the thick of it, and civil war is definitely not something people should be encouraging and romanticizing! I pray we never have to endure another!
@@lisaflint7027 That's an awesome bit of history and something you should absolutely have a ton of pride in! I'm in the midst of doing my own research with my family. I am certain of both Union and Confederate soldiers too, between my parents side, not necessarily within the same blood-line but still interesting to know that the unity that brings my family together would have been divided by such conflict during that time. I unfortunately, am unsure, that I had family here during The Revolutionary War but it absolutely doesn't stop me from being fully engulfed and appreciated in their sacrifices all the time. I'm in the same boat, Andre, was much more likable for me too - but - historically, Andre' was an incredible likable man, as was. Hamilton and Lafayette was both documented for crying at his hanging, as well as hundreds of others, and over a thousand turned out to it. One man was quoted as saying: "We would have all been happy in the trade of Arnold and Andre on both sides, besides Arnold." lol. I think Arnold is a terribly misunderstood individual in our history and I'm looking forward to digging more into that and while I am trying not to get lost in how the show romanticized Andre and Shippen, it's sometimes hard to not let your imagination go wild, especially since that is one of the most controversial-historical debates of The Revolutionary War (there role.) I found, many mistakes in the time line of how the show portrayed that, but, they still touched on some great spots to spark what they ran with. I am waiting on a book called "The Life of Major John Andre: The Redcoat who turned Benedict Arnold." , and it is from the British point of view, so, I am entirely interested on how it's going to turn out. I'll let you know! I LOVE talking history!
@@roberthobbs5292 I would love to hear about your book! I could talk history all day long, always loved learning about history, I always will! As far as your family tree is concerned, I'll bet you do have connections, you just haven't found them yet. I haven't found any Tories, but I am related to most of the major English players in the conflict through my deep English roots. Maybe you can make a video on your research for the book, I'd find that facinating! Best of luck!
He was a great man.thank you Abraham Woodhull your the man
Thank you for watching. :)
I loved the "Turn" series as I live in Setauket just a stones throw from the all the events. I've known about the Culper ring for 30 years as the local community is very proud of its role in the revolution and teaches of it regularly. One thing I was disapointed about was that Austin Roe was completely left out of the story. Austin R. was as much a part of the ring as any of them and why he was excluded is a mystery to me. He operated Roe's Tavern and made the NYC run more than Woodhull. Also, I don't think there was a Strong's Tavern at all. The tavern was Austin Roe's. The building still stands, was moved and is owned and lived in by a private family. I've been inside it. They also made Abrahams father out to be a Tory Sympathiser when he wasn't at all. Still, it was a valuable show that I highly recomend.
Thanks for watching John and thanks for sharing your insights of the history of the area. :)
Well done lad.
Nice video!
Thank you :)
Visit Quincy Mass..burial place of John Adams and his son.
Love mass and it's beautiful patriotic history except for Elizabeth Warren
Mass is full of buried hero’s. Go to the North Church in downtown area and see the small cemetery there. I love Quincy! So beautiful and Historic.
The dirty Q as we call it
Turn is hand-down my favorite show. while they did take some liberties with making the show, the actual spy ring did pretty much everything depicted. damn good show
I agree. Definitely a great show. :)
Thank you for watching. :)
Awesome video!
That's actually my last name. Wonder if I'm related because that's like a very rare name. 🤔😅
Go to familysearch.org. You will learn about your ancestors. I learned I am a Daughter of the American Revolution. I learned Frederick Denton, a Pvt, fought with Washington's Army in the Revolutionary War as well as the War of 1812 as a corporal. I also saw the actual payroll ledger. Check the sight out, it's free and records and you don't have to join anything when you sign up. good luck!!
It is a rare name. Give me an update if you've looked into it, because that would make us cousins as well.
The final resting place of a true hero...
This is my family, the Woodhulls, Abe would have been my uncle, if I was alive back then
Thank you for sharing. I am a DAR. III%
Are those stones on his grave there for a reason or are they just random? RIP Abraham. You were a great patriot.
What started the wars of independence?
I have all the lists of our family tree, we have an extensive amount of relatives who were very prominent in the history of early America
Wow, that's very cool. Thank you for leaving a comment. :)
I am a Woodhull. Abe's my first cousin seven times removed.
The interesting thing is I have other Revolutionary War spying activity on a completely different line of my family. And one of those guys, Thomas Gibson Smith, was the pastor of The Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow when Washington Irving published his story. Smith is mentioned in the story-but not by name. Irving's description of Ichabod Crane includes the line (paraphrased): Crane was the most learned man in the villaige second only to the minister. And indeed Smith was highly educated. Graduated from Oxford University and spoke five languages.
Thank you Geoff for the comment and sharing your family history with us. :)