[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.