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Vangusmengro
Posts:3
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| 24 Jan 2011 12:51 |
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| Hello there!
I wonder if anyone out there can help me with information on my ancestors?
In particular, I am looking for information on the Smith’s of Mitcham, Surrey.
Here’s what I know already about the Romany side of the family: My late mum (Julie) was the daughter of Len & Rose Sparrowhawk. Len was the son of Thomas Sparrowhawk and Mercy Smith. As far as I know, Thomas was a Gorgio, but his wife Mercy Smith was an English-Romany. They had five children: Leonard, Charles, Christopher, John and Magenta.
My Great-Gran Mercy (I knew her as Granny Masie), was the daughter of William (Billy) Smith who used to run a stall at Mitcham Fair and in his youth had been a bare-fist fighter boxing under the moniker of ‘Billy Fair-Play’!
I would dearly love to find out more about the Smiths. I can trace the Sparrowhawks back to 1774, but on the Smith side, I can only go back to my Great-Great Grandad Billy Smith mentioned above. His wife may have been called Lucy.
The Census for 1881 shows the a Smith family living in tents on Mitcham Common:
William SMITH Head M Male 21 Mitcham, Surrey, England Lab
Lucy SMITH Wife M Female 22 Wimbledon, Surrey, England
Camilla SMITH Daur Female 2 Mortlake, Surrey, England
Thomas SMITH Brother Male 9 Croydon, Surrey, England
Uriah COOPER Uncle W Male 60 Croydon, Surrey Tinman
I do remember talk of a ‘Granny Lussy’ who I’m told lived in a bender in the woods, but I don’t know when or where or who she was related to.
I don’t remember Great-Great Grandad Billy Smith, but he was alive when I was born and died when I was one year old. However, I do very well remember my G-Grandad Tom and my dear G-Grandma Masie.
When I was about eight, I used to go out ‘totting’ on the cart with Grandfather Tom. My job was to ring the bell, while he shouted: “Raaaaaggg, Boohhhhnnnneeee!!!!!” His cart was beautifully carved and painted with big coach lamps and iron-rimmed cart wheels. The bl--dy bell I had to ring was almost as big as me! On both sides of the cart he had panels signpainted:
“Thos. Sparrowhawk. Dealer in Rag, Bone and Obets d’Art” !!!!
I used to visit Tom & Masie at their house in Gladstone Road, Mitcham. The place was just like Steptoe & Son – but bigger!!
I used to play with my cousins, Trudy and David (Aunt Genty’s kids) in the rag loft above the stables and the old Gry! Thinking back, it was like some adventure playground! Now, nearly fifty years later it is just a memory. That area was re-developed long ago.
I was lucky enough to know Tom and Masie until I was a young man.
Granny Masie died in the mid 70’s aged 84. I was in the Royal Navy at the time, but was fortunate enough to be able to come home for her funeral. Grandfather Tom lived on to the age of 90 and died in 1983.
They were folk from a different age and tough old birds!
A story told to me by my dear Mum illustrates this: Tom was a tall, thin man. When arguing with her husband, my Granny Masie (who never swore) used to say to him: “You dirty-long-gutted-animal-come-out-of-your-mother!” However, Granny Masie was a tiny woman, but she could be a Spitfire! My Mum told me the story that one day, a bloke who had a disagreement with Tom over something knocked on his door. Tom answered and the man started shouting about this and that and how he wanted recompense, etc. Tom did no more than say: “Hang on I’ll get the missus!” Granny Masie came to the door and pulled herself up to her full five-foot height and “Bam!” – laid the bloke out!!!!!
So, if anyone out there can pass on some information I would be most grateful.
Paracrow tute!
John
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rg
Posts:47
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| 24 Jan 2011 20:23 |
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Hi saw your post i believe the father of William is Josiah Smith and Alice have them in various census if you would like to email me at romanygenes@googlemail.com I can send you some info .
or if you like can post on board. |
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Vangusmengro
Posts:3
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| 25 Jan 2011 10:45 |
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| Hi there rg!
Thanks for getting back to me and I'm very much obliged for the info. I'd be very grateful for further information on Josiah & Alice Smith and I'm quite happy for you to post on the board.
Many thanks again!
Cheers!
John |
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naturesmate
Posts:1
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| 01 Sep 2011 05:33 |
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| hi there my nans mothers name is rebbeca smith who married henry willoughby,and her mother and father were samson smith also known as samie,and rachel smith. they live in gladstone road mitcham
also theres a mention of my mums aunt genty who worked as a rag and bow ladie.she also had a little monkey.my mums still has her bell at home
maybe were the same family get back to me,as im really intrested?thanks dean |
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hoppicker
Posts:1
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| 06 Jan 2012 14:51 |
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my grandmother was aunt maises sister her name was phoebe denne,i remember my great grandfather billy smith,he died when i was about 5.
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