John Smith, Catherine Dewson

[Paris1959]

I'm trying to locate further information about my Great Grandfather, Charles Smith, whose parents were John Smith (abt 1824-?), and Catherine Dewson (1834-1898).
Charles immigrated to Australia abt 1912, his wife, Lilian James following in 1913. Charles is known as a jeweler, yet l am unable to much about him or his father at all.
Charles was born in July 1872, in St Lukes.
His father, John Smith, is listed as a widower, a shoemaker, living in Milton St, while Catherine is listed as a Spinster, and Warehouse woman, from Phillips St Aston. Thet were married in the registry office, with Ebenezer and Maria Smith as witnesses, in 1866.
John's father is Thomas Smith, dec., Button Stamper, and Catherines father is John Dewson, jeweller.
As many of you know the Smith family is a challenge, so if anyone has any further information l will be very grateful.

 

[Astoness]

hi and welcome...we are always up for a challenge but as you say the name john smith is very challenging but i am sure we will give it a go..

could you post us any documents ie marriage certs or census years you have to support your research so far as they may help..thanks

lyn

 

[Paris1959]

 

[Paris1959]

 

[Paris1959]

Re. the previous census...1881 - Charles is living with his Aunt Emily Deeley nee Dewson.
The Dewson family has been a lot easier to research, and l have some photographs and documents which have really assisted.
The Smiths... well, thats another story!
I have found a census where all three children are with John and Catherine Smith but l dont seem to be able to put my finger on it right now. Hope that helps someone! PS. Im more than happy to help anyone if you have the Dewson family in your tree.

 

[Astoness]

thanks for the info...on the 81 charles is at 100 finch road...just thought you may like to know that the house is still there..click on link below to street view..its the house with the black door

lyn

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[Maz 60]

Hi
Did a search for Ebenezer Smith in Birmingham on ancestry for 1861 census, on assumption he was relative of John if witness at the wedding. There is a John Smith, head (Boot & shoemaker), wife Mary A Smith (I wondered if Mary Anne?) -both aged 36- & sons Ebenezer aged 12 (giving dob circa 1849) & John aged 10 months. They are living I think in Brearley Street. (Not very clear, but would seem to be right area of Brum) If this is correct John with his first wife, would suggest Ebenezer as Charles' half brother? He would be around 17 at time of marriage of John & Catherine.
Marian

 

[Paris1959]

thanks for the info...on the 81 charles is at 100 finch road...just thought you may like to know that the house is still there..click on link below to street view..its the house with the black door

lyn

Street View · Google Maps

Explore a place in a more immersive way in Google Maps.

www.google.com

Wow! Thankyou! How interesting.

Hi
Did a search for Ebenezer Smith in Birmingham on ancestry for 1861 census, on assumption he was relative of John if witness at the wedding. There is a John Smith, head (Boot & shoemaker), wife Mary A Smith (I wondered if Mary Anne?) -both aged 36- & sons Ebenezer aged 12 (giving dob circa 1849) & John aged 10 months. They are living I think in Brearley Street. (Not very clear, but would seem to be right area of Brum) If this is correct John with his first wife, would suggest Ebenezer as Charles' half brother? He would be around 17 at time of marriage of John & Catherine.
Marian

Thanks Marian,
That does make sense. I've wondered who Johns first wife might be, and then if he had children. Ebenezer is not a super common name and neither is Lidera. Since replying to the last thread l have been wondering why Emily adopted Charles at the age of nine. Given the family has a history in the jewellery trade, it makes sense that Charles learnt his craft from either his Dewson grandfather, or William Deeley, his uncle, who was a diamond cutter/merchant. I have a photograph of Emily Dewson with writing on the rear connecting her to Catherine, as well as her death card -Emily Dooley.
I will try the suggestion of Mary Anne and see what the algorithm comes up with. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.

 

[pjmburns]

There is a birth reg in Birmingham in 1849 of an Ebenezer Smith mmn Lester.

 

[Paris1959]

Wow! Thankyou! How interesting.

Thanks Maria
That does make sense. I've wondered who Johns first wife might be, and then if he had children. Ebenezer is not a super common name and neither is Lidera. Since replying to the last thread l have been wondering why Emily adopted Charles at the age of nine. Given the family has a history in the jewellery trade, it makes sense that Charles learnt his craft from either his Dewson grandfather, or William Deeley, his uncle, who was a diamond cutter/merchant. I have a photograph of Emily Dewson with writing on the rear connecting her to Catherine, as well as her death card -Emily Dooley.
I will try the suggestion of Mary Anne and see what the algorithm comes up with. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate it.

I had a shot at lining it all up, and unfortunately there's a few problems with that. Probably the most interesting is that Mary Ann is still alive in 1866 when Catherine and John were married. I'm open to all suggestions though! One never knows really do they?

 

[Paris1959]

Ill add a few more pieces of evidence for any sleuths out there.....

 

[Paris1959]

There is a birth reg in Birmingham in 1849 of an Ebenezer Smith mmn Lester.

Thanks Janice...I will look into that later today.....much appreciated

 

[Paris1959]

I purchased the document of where Datherine Smith was buried and it states that her last address was 26, Court, Heneage Street. Does that street exist still? I seem to be unable to find it, although l have seen some reference too it here on the Birmingham History site.

 

[Astoness]

I purchased the document of where Datherine Smith was buried and it states that her last address was 26, Court, Heneage Street. Does that street exist still? I seem to be unable to find it, although l have seen some reference too it here on the Birmingham History site.

all of the old houses in heneage street are long since gone and only part of the street now remains but with new buildings there...i had a rellie living there in 1841...we do have a thread showing some old photos of the street...click on link below

lyn

Thread 'Heneage Street'

Jun 22, 2007

Hi, could anyone please help me . I'am trying to find any relatives of the Jones family who owned a butchers shop in Heneage street, in the 1920's. any photos of the shop would be a bonus. I've hit a brick wall on this one,??? especially (John Adam) Jones the son of the owner John Jones. thanks

• coopbill7
• heneage street photos
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Neighbours & Streets

 

[Paris1959]

all of the old houses in heneage street are long since gone and only part of the street now remains but with new buildings there...i had a rellie living there in 1841...we do have a thread showing some old photos of the street...click on link below

lyn

Thread 'Heneage Street'

Jun 22, 2007

Hi, could anyone please help me . I'am trying to find any relatives of the Jones family who owned a butchers shop in Heneage street, in the 1920's. any photos of the shop would be a bonus. I've hit a brick wall on this one,??? especially (John Adam) Jones the son of the owner John Jones. thanks

• coopbill7
• heneage street photos
• Replies: 83
• Forum: Neighbours & Streets

Fabulous...thankyou very much