Oxshott/Stoke D'Abernon family inter relationships - Where next?

[Arranroots]

Well that is the background a little clearer - but it doesn't help you much!

Seems probable that Sarah was at the DODSON house while her mother was pregnant or giving birth?

Have you found marriages for all the SMITHERS siblings?  Do you know who Caroline's siblings were?

I have had a look at freebmd to try to find relevant marriages, but am drawing a blank so far.

It could be as simple as Caroline and Jane being childhood friends?

Have you got the witnesses for Caroline's marriage and do the names DODSON or RAFFELL there?  Who reported Caroline's death?

I am sure if you cover enough ground an answer will be forthcoming, but it might be a long job!

You didn't say where Sarah is in 1861?

A 

[Arranroots]

I just found this while Googling:

Your Previous Thread

Again it is helpful to refer to this, as it saves time when researching (and saves you typing it all out again!)

[Pauline42]

I had forgotten the previous thread, (several months ago!)

Re the questions of who registered Carolines Death - that was her husband Robert. And the witnesses at their marriage _(why didn't I look at this sooner??? although it doesn't help a great deal)
1842, Marriage Solomnized at the Parish Church in the Parish of Stoke D'Abernon. Record No. 8. Date: February 3rd. Robert Smithers, of Full Age, Bachelor, Labourer, of Bear Inn Ockshot, Stoke D'Abernon. & Caroline Arters, Minor, Spinster of Bear Inn Ockshot, Stoke D'Abernon. Fathers: Thomas Smithers, Woodman & John Arters, Labourer. After Banns, in the presence of : John Smithers, & Mary Raffell (or it could be Russell)

I guess based on what I have discovered about Charles DODSON & Jane RAFFELL the above must be Raffell and not RUSSELL

This makes it clear that RAFFELL family were around in Stoke D;Abernon at that time but doesn't help identify the relationship

And try as I might I have yet to find Sarah SMITHERS in 1861......

[kevin339]

Hi Pauline, very interested to find your post as I have just discovered that Jane Raffell (who was my 3*gt grandmother) was the daughter of Mary Ann Spicer.  Googling Spicer and Stoke D'Abernon found this thread.

I have quite a lot of info on Dodsons and Raffells if you are interested?

I will have to read your posts in more detail and see where our families fit together.  Also noticed a ref to The Bear Inn Oxshott.  Thomas Raffell and Mary Ann were living there in 1823 & 1825 according to baptisms in the S D'A PR (I have a transcript on fiche).  I saw some baptisms for children of John & Sarah Arters, publican, at this time - but did not pay much attention.  I assumed the Raffells were lodging there, but sounds as though they were family?

Hope this thread is still live?  Kevin.

[Pauline42]

Hi Kevin,

YES I would love to know more, just in case it helps me solve my puzzle! And you never know, we may share some common ancestors! Have you read my posts in detail yet (including the link to the other thread?)

Trying to piece together the information from your post, With what I think I have worked out previously.
Thomas Raffell & Mary Ann Spicer where the parents of Jane Raffell, who married Charles Dodson. In 1851 this couple (Charles & Jane) have Sarah Smithers, b 1846, staying with them and she is listed as "cousin"

Sarah Smithers was the daughter of Robert Smithers & Caroline Arters. Caroline was the daughter of John Arters & Sarah Spicer. Is it possible that Sarah Spicer was the sister of Mary Ann do you think???
Robert Smithers was the daughter of Thomas Smither & Grace?, both born in Cobham I think so I think it less likely that if there is a releationship, it is on that side.

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts
Pauline

[kevin339]

Having looked at this for a couple of days I can understand your confusion!!  I have checked the Parish Registers for Cobham, Stoke D, Esher, T.Ditton (WSFHS transcripts) and cannot find the baptisms of Mary Ann Spicer or Sarah Spicer.  I agree it seems very likely that they were sisters.  They would be the right ages, and this would make Jane Raffell the cousin of Sarah Smithers mother (would also make us 6th cousins?)

I have also had an interesting note from the present manager of the Bear Inn.  The old building was unfortunately demolished in 1920.  There were evidently tales of an underground tunnel to a highwayman's house on the other side of the hill.  There is something to investigate.