Hello all,
thanks for all of this information, and please accept my apologies for neglecting it. Turns out that immigration was a lot more time consuming than I had first thought!
In answer to Rol's question, you can track the Smith's on the census records living in Thimble Hall, but the earliest record we have for them is from 1776. I do not know the source of the original, as all I have is a photocopy that passed through three other people before reaching me. David64 very kindly translated it for me to read this:
David Smith
The notice you are hereby required to quit and give up the holding and
possession of the farm or tenement called Gwern y Gasseg with the
appurtenances thereof standing in the Parish of Aberhaves at Lady Day
next ensuing only ye house and barn at May next ensuing whereof you have
this nolis
Dated ye 24th day of September 1776
Given you by me Richard Lewis
This is the oldest record we have for this particular branch of the tree. I wondered who Richard Lewis was, whether he was the owner or a steward for example, which is what got me interested in the general life of my ancestors before they moved, en masse, to Liverpool.
Thanks again for all of the leads you have provided me with; when I have time(?) I hope to piece together some more information about their life.
Regards,
Gemma