Genealogy Chat

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As some of you know I am researching my Smoothy family. In the Family Bible, it says the Bible was a 'gift from Mrs Woodroffe' Christmas 1858, the year in which John Smoothy married Ann Chowns. I had wondered who Mrs Woodroffe was and whether I would ever find out. Quite by chance, whilst looking for something else on historical directories site I found her - in Maid of Honour Row, Richmond -where John and Ann's elder daughter was born, in the 1853 Mason's Court Guide and Directory. This is still a mystery, as Mrs W is in Richmond in 1853. John and Ann married in Kennington, 1858 and on the 1861 census there is a Mrs Woodroffe living in Kennington - she was born Chelmsford, as was John. I was thinking that maybe John worked for her husband (he says 'gentleman's servant' on his wedding cert) who then died. But John and Ann are in Richmond in 1861. I need to do more digging. nell

I hope this isn't too patronising but are you connected with the Smoothy's of Ickleton, Cambs - are you aware that there are a number of them there? I know because I have been to the graveyard!!! Kate

Kate That's not at all patronising! I imagine that way back I am connected to all Smoothys, but I don't know that lot. The earliest I have is John Smoothy born Chelmsford 1812, whose father was also John Smoothy - don't know when or where he was born. My John Smoothy disappeared after his birth and resurfaced on his marriage in 1858 - I am hoping the Woodroffe connection will help fill in some gaps. He and Ann remained in Richmond for the rest of their lives. They ran a lodging house, and then he became an assistant overseer/beadle/coroner's officer/vestry messenger, and lived from 1875ish to his death in Vestry Cottage, Old Burying Ground, Richmond - very salubrious address! Ann died Oct 1894 and he died a month later. They had 3 daughters and one son - my great-grandfather John David Robert Smoothy. I have always been grateful that they gave their boy 3 names, its made him much easier to trace. nell

Nell - If you need me to check anything out for you 'Smoothy wise' next time I'm in Ickleton - let me know! Also, Laird has this connection as he and I have the same tree of Lilleys from there! I have posted a note on the records office section about police orders Nell - hope you can help! Cheers Kate

Kate I have replied on the police-orders thread. Sarah Please go to the top of the class! You are brilliant! Thanks so much. nell

Thanks for your suggestions. I am soooo tired I can't think straight, but will tackle this again tomorrow. Enjoy the wine! nell