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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => Essex => England => Essex Lookup Requests => Topic started by: Rosemary.uk on Tuesday 12 February 19 17:05 GMT (UK)
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I'm trying to find details of the parents of Henry Smith who was born in Maldon, Essex in about 1820. The only information I have is that he had siblings Mary and John and his father may have been James Smith, a currier.
He married Sophia Hunsdon in 1841 at St. Luke, Old Street. Surely this church is in London. Any idea why anyone would marry there when they lived in Essex?
I have caught up with them in the 1841 census living at High Street, Havering atte Bower Liberty, Essex and later they move to 132 Union Street, St Saviour Southwark.
Sophia was born about 1820 in Romford, her parents were John and Louisa Hunsdon.
I don't know when they died.
I would love to trace my ancesters back further but I have hit a dead end. Any help or suggestions would be gratefully received. Many thanks
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Hi,
You could purchase the marriage cert for Henry and Sophia in the hope that Henry's father's name and occupation is recorded on the cert. Equally the witnesses may hold some clues.
JJ
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Have you found Henry in the 1851 census?
This would confirm that he wa born in Maldon.
It was not unusual to move to London at that time,but considereing how common is the surname, I would firstly confirm that he is the Maldon Henry Smith.
Mark
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Hi! Thanks for getting in touch. I've confirmed details in the 1851 census and the following ones and I'm positive it is my Henry living in Maldon. It is a real pain he is a Smith but I suppose I should be grateful I've gone back this far!
I've details of Henry's and Sophia's marriage which is where I got the parent's name from. The only other details were the wittnesses were Eliza Hunsdon and Joaanne P?
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The marriage cert shows that although Henry was living in Romford, Essex, Sophia gives her address at the time as President Street. Very close to the church where they married.
I think the other witness is James Smith.
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Wow you are clever and quick! Thanks for that. I must look up President Street, I didn't realise she was there.
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Unfortunately, no sign of any Hunsdons living in President Street in 1841
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In the 1841 census Sophia is living in High Street, Havering atte Bower Liberty with her Mother and sisters. Her father isn,t mentioned so presume he had passed away. Maybe she was in service in London.
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Baptism at Maldon, St Peters D/P 201/1/11 2 of 4
May 18, 1820
Henry, son of John & Susanna Smith, he Barge Man
Regards CP
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Thanks for the information regarding the baptism.On Henry's wedding certificate his father is James a currier in 1841, so I presume it can't be the correct one.
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The 1851 census for High Street, Romford has this possible family:
James Smith head wid. 63 Currier Maldon
John Smith Son 25 Currier Maldon
Elizabeth Smith dau. 22 Maldon
Louisa Smith niece 7 Romford
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That sounds very probable, especially as the name Louisa runs down through the generations. 'My family' we know lived in High Street and James was a currier. I need to look into James' sons details from my records; he had a son John but I have his year of birth as c1818 which would make him too old. I appreciate you taking the time to help me out.
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Possible nonconformist baptism? Indexed on FamilySearch, available elsewhere.
27 Sep 1819, Malden, Essex
Henry Smith
Father James Smith
Mother Martha Smith
Ref RG4 / 1767 (Maldon Independent)
Potentially others to same parents, including
John Bevois Smith, 30 January 1825
Elizabeth Hannah Smith 22 March 1829
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This looks like the same John in 1861 - Romford:
John B. Smith Head 36 Currier Maldon
Mary Smith sis. 45 Maldon
Elizabeth H Smith sis. 32 Maldon
Louisa Smith niece 17 Romford
Mary Smith niece 14 Romford
If this is the brother, could Louisa and Mary be Henry’s children?
Maybe the John who was baptised in 1818 died young
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Family Search has an Essex 1816 marriage of James Smith to Martha Bevis which fits nicely with Jon’s find of John Bevois
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“Maldon voters 1826” includes a James Smith junior - currier. So the son of a James.
Also on the list are:
James Smith carter
Robert Smith currier
Thomas Smith currier
John Smith currier
But, of course, with the name Smith, these could be totally unrelated
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A newspaper article dated 1847
They didn’t even use her name!!
Deaths
Jan.2nd aged 57
Mrs. Smith, wife of James Smith, currier, Romford
AMENDMENT This should be 1846
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Oh my goodness I think you have cracked it! Everything suddenly falls into place. My grandfather's brother was a John Bevis Smith! I need to study all the information you have all so kindly found for me. Thank you so much.
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Possible nonconformist baptism? Indexed on FamilySearch, available elsewhere.
27 Sep 1819, Malden, Essex
Henry Smith
Father James Smith
Mother Martha Smith
Ref RG4 / 1767 (Maldon Independent)
Potentially others to same parents, including
John Bevois Smith, 30 January 1825
Elizabeth Hannah Smith 22 March 1829
There are also these baptisms - doesn’t give fathers occupation
Sarah Smith 7 May 1813 Maldon, Essex, James,Martha
James Smith 8 Nov 1814 Maldon, Essex, James,Martha
Thomas Smith 10 Aug 1816 Maldon, Essex, James,Martha
Mary Smith 8 Feb 1819 Maldon, Essex James, Martha
Henry Smith 27 Sep 1819 Maldon, Essex James, Martha
Joseph Smith 10 Feb 1822 Maldon, Essex, James, Martha
John Bevois Smith 30 Jan 1825 Maldon, Essex, James,Martha
Elizabeth Hannah Smith 5 Oct 1828 Maldon, Essex, James,Martha
William Smith 19 Jun 1831 Maldon, Essex, James, Martha
Maldon, Parish of St Peter (Independent), 1776-1837
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Hello Ladyhawk,
All these names seem very promising as most of them continue down the line of Henry and Sophia's children. I have spent a wonderful evening putting all the information gathered onto paper and cross referencing. Thrilled that with the help of so many kind people it has allowed me to find more members of my family. Thank you.
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Just to add that the marriage of James Smith and Martha was at Hazeleigh in 1812 and is transcribed in full on FreeReg (she is Beavis here)
https://www.freereg.org.uk/
Some great finds by Lily (as always)
John
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Lily told me the marriage was in 1816 but as the first baby arrived in 1813 I think I'll change the year to 1812. I'm now going to have a look and see where Hazeleigh is.
Many thanks
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Oops, you’re right. I did say 1816, but having just checked, it clearly says 1812
Hope I haven’t caused a messy bit.
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Of course you haven't Lily.
Hazeleigh is only 2 miles from Mordon and on the marriage details it says that it is Martha Beavis' parish. As it only a hamlet I must be able to find her parents there. Its amazing but for years I have wondered why my Grandfather's brother was called John Bevis Smith and now I know!