Captain William Smithson

[ElizabethHerts]

Thanks to Punch's Mum's invaluable help, I have found that

CHARLOTTE SMITH
married
WILLIAM SMITHSON
on 23rd July 1848 at Alverstoke.

Charlotte was christened on 20 May 1798 at Holy Trinity, Gosport, so she wasn't in her first flush of youth.

Charlotte Smithson was buried with her parents in 1870 at Holy Trinity, Gosport. I have now found a death announcement for her:

"On 18th inst. (Jan 1870) in North-street, Gosport, Charlotte wife of Captain William Smithson."

However, after their marriage in 1848 I have been able to find neither of them on the censuses.
Can anyone spot them?

[Jackie H]

Not found them on the census yet but Charlotte has an entry in the Probate Calendar

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=View&r=5538&dbid=1904&iid=31874_222596-00295&fn=Charlotte&ln=Smithson&st=r&ssrc=&pid=2307668

Charlotte Smithson (wife of William Smithson mariner) late of Gosport... will proved at Winchester by the oaths of George Keith Smith wine and spirit merchant, brother and Thomas Wolfe of Gosport, ironmonger. "Probate being granted under certain Limitations" Effects under £1500

Looks like her husband was still alive but I wonder whether the fact that he was a mariner is why you haven't found him

[ElizabethHerts]

Not found them on the census yet but Charlotte has an entry in the Probate Calendar

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=View&r=5538&dbid=1904&iid=31874_222596-00295&fn=Charlotte&ln=Smithson&st=r&ssrc=&pid=2307668

Charlotte Smithson (wife of William Smithson mariner) late of Gosport... will proved at Winchester by the oaths of George Keith Smith wine and spirit merchant, brother and Thomas Wolfe of Gosport, ironmonger. "Probate being granted under certain Limitations" Effects under £1500

Looks like her husband was still alive but I wonder whether the fact that he was a mariner is why you haven't found him

Jackie, many thanks for the probate details. I'll investigate further. George Keith Smith was her brother.

I'm sure the reason I can't find William is his seafaring activities.
It does puzzle me why I can't find Charlotte, though.

[Jackie H]

There's a possible here in 1851 HO107; Piece:1660; Folio:330; Page:30 age is shown as 40 and she's born in Portsea, married and independant

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=view&r=5538&dbid=8860&iid=HAMHO107_1660_1660-0670&fn=Charlotte&ln=Smithson&st=r&ssrc=&pid=5820197

Also in 1861 RG9; Piece:648; Folio:114; Page:2 aged 53 and born in Portsea

http://search.ancestry.co.uk/iexec/?htx=view&r=5538&dbid=8767&iid=HAMRG9_646_648-0531&fn=Charlotte&ln=Smithson&st=r&ssrc=&pid=7899826

[scuda]

I think she's in Alverstoke in both 1851 and 1861 - just do an exact search for Charlotte Smithson in Hampshire. Her age is out, but I reckon it's her.

scuda

Snap, Jackie

[ElizabethHerts]

Jackie and Scuda, many thanks, it must be her! She is lying through her teeth about her age.

I couldn't find her on FMP. I thought she was born in Gosport, as she was christened there.

[scuda]

It's one of those occasions where less is more. Just a name search without entering date or place of birth finds her with no trouble (on fmp as well as Ancestry) - add a date of birth and she'll remain hidden!

scuda

[scuda]

In 1871, William Smithson, Master Mariner is boarding in Alverstoke. He is widowed, age 53, and I think he's your man (explains why Charlotte knocked so much off her age!)

scuda

[scuda]

And in 1861 he is master of the Sunbeam.

scuda

[Uncle John]

I thought she was born in Gosport, as she was christened there.

Alverstoke is the registration district.

[ElizabethHerts]

Alverstoke is the registration district.

UJ, she was born before registration!

[ElizabethHerts]

In 1871, William Smithson, Master Mariner is boarding in Alverstoke. He is widowed, age 53, and I think he's your man (explains why Charlotte knocked so much off her age!)

scuda

Scuda, many thanks for the information. So he was 20 years' younger than Charlotte!

[ElizabethHerts]

He died in 1874, aged 56, in Alverstoke District.

[Uncle John]

UJ, she was born before registration!

Are you saying I should read things before replying??!!??

[ElizabethHerts]

Are you saying I should read things before replying??!!??

I'm far too polite to suggest that, UJ! :d
Besides, I frequently do it myself. :o

[Punchs Mum]

Found the marriage cert. for William Smithson and Charlotte Smith details are

Married at Alverstoke Church by Licence.

William Smithson OFA Widower Master Mariner Residence Alverstoke father Christopher Smithson a Joiner

Charlotte Smith OFA Spinster Residence Alverstoke father William Smith Licenced Victualler.

both signed. witnesses Looks like both were Smith.

I did do a photo copy if you want it I can scan or post it to you. Maybe you can read the witness names.

Burial date for Charlotte Smithson was 25/1/1870 age stated as 71.

Couldn't find any burial record for Wiliam Smithson but thinking about it as he was a Master Mariner maybe he was buried in Haslar Naval Cemetery.

Not sure if the marriage cert. will scan well but no problem to post it if you want it.

Lesley

[ElizabethHerts]

Found the marriage cert. for William Smithson and Charlotte Smith details are

Married at Alverstoke Church by Licence.

William Smithson OFA Widower Master Mariner Residence Alverstoke father Christopher Smithson a Joiner

Charlotte Smith OFA Spinster Residence Alverstoke father William Smith Licenced Victualler.

both signed. witnesses Looks like both were Smith.

I did do a photo copy if you want it I can scan or post it to you. Maybe you can read the witness names.

Burial date for Charlotte Smithson was 25/1/1870 age stated as 71.

Couldn't find any burial record for Wiliam Smithson but thinking about it as he was a Master Mariner maybe he was buried in Haslar Naval Cemetery.

Not sure if the marriage cert. will scan well but no problem to post it if you want it.

Lesley

:)Lesley, I didn't expect you to do this so quickly - many thanks. I'll send you a pm.

[Punchs Mum]

ElizabethHerts

Hopefully scan is on it way to you!

Lesley

[ElizabethHerts]

Gratefully received!