RootsChat.Com

Assuming that you are not already aware of it, I would like draw   your attention ( and everyone else) to a  superb book called A Canal People by Sonia Rolt of the photographs of Robert Longden.

Just found there have been lots of posts since I was last here so I am going to fill in some information.
The book above was written by the first wife of my Great Uncle George Smith, son of George Henry Smith.  George Junior is my Grandads brother.

Yes I am related to Jeannette (CatsClaws) so we have found out, and have now met.  Her Gran Sarah was George Henry Smith's sister.


By the way "Youngtug", that film Painted Boats had many extras that were "real life boatpeople".  I have a copy - if you look at the pub scene, you will see my Uncle George with his curly hair - an extra in the film!

Jean - there are a couple of errors in your posts

the photo you posted is not in A Canal People but is in "Narrow Boats at Work" by Michael E Ware.  It says it is on the Grand Union Canal.
They have made a jigsaw from it - but not in its original place - in Lincoln of all places!

The photo you were trying to post with the horse is in fact my Uncle George as a boy with his dad George Henry (who married Hannah Statham).

I will try to post both images.  Please keep me informed of any progress or meetings and when I get a chance I will fill in more!

We have now established that my SMITH family - George and Solomon, George Henry, Thomas etc - are also related to Jean's and BandM's Smith family so we are getting somewhere!

My Statham is Joseph his father was William this is all the info i have on them im afraid.

               Sharon

Hi Sharon,
 your post has prompted me to join!  I am also following my tree, my Grandfather and all his ancestors were boatmen from the Midlands.  The exciting thing is that his mother was Hannah Statham who married George Henry Smith in 1908.  George Henry Smith's brother Solomon Smith married Hannah's sister Mary Jane Statham in 1911.  The Statham sisters' father was William Statham. 

They could be linked with your tree so I would be interested in any information.  I have the certificates but have not managed to find many census returns.

According to family, there is a link somewhere with the Stokes too but I have not yet found where due to a lack of evidence.  Stokes was the maiden name of one of the wives.

The Moore family were known by our family and I have Moores as witnesses at weddings.  eg Elizabeth Moore at Statham + Smith marriage in 1908 and J B Moore at my Grandfathers marriage in 1948.

There is also a link to the village of Barnacle near Coventry, where we have memories.

I look forward to anybody's news from the clues!