[6] The Scrivener family was familiar with Bartholomew Gosnold, who had traveled to Virginia with the original colonist ships in 1607.

[5] Before departing England, Scrivener was appointed by the Virginia Company of London as a council member to assist the new colony.

[7] Listed as "Matthew Scrivener, gentleman" in early Virginia records, his sister was married to the cousin of the first President of the Council of Jamestown, Edward Maria Wingfield.

[2][9] Smith was elected president ("chief counselor") in September, Scrivener stayed as a Councilor and secretary.

As most English could not swim at the time, Scrivener and eight other colonists drowned, half of them members of the governing Council, including Bartholomew Gosnold's brother, Anthony.