Hi Janis
The Andrew I am looking for was a brick maker but my father's family were also Romany gypsies although I have yet to find a document as proof (from my gradfather's side of the family ..that is ) dad and his family always claimed to be 100% Romany and dad was actually the 7th son of the 7th son which means that the person is supposed to have certain powers (he could read Palm's tell fortune's read tea leaves and tell you the meanings of dreams ) I do know for certain that his mother Carnation Wharton/Whiston/Warton (born 1878 Sheriff hill Gateshead ) was from a very long line of Romany Gypsies so it must be true I have came across the name Smails on one of The Romany, site but without proof in front of me I cannot swear it as true (although if dad could read what I have just wrote he wouldn't be very happy with me for doubting him) I know dads father was a tin smith and would travel around with his horse & wagon selling his wares.
Thanks
Tom