samuel smith will

[orkrad]

 I have recently downloaded from the National Archives  the will of Samuel Smith formerly of Holborn but in 1834 residing in Clay St Walthamstow  Essex.

He designates himself as Gentleman and appears to own quite a bit of property.  What exactly does the title gentleman mean in  this context? Is it simply landowner?

Where can I search for further information on this man other than on Ancestry ( I dont have a subscription and the libraries are closed for the Easter break ) Do I look at London  or Essex records?

Thanks in anticipation  Orkrad

[jomcd967]

From The Chelmsford Chronicle, 19 Sept 1834... "On the 11th instance, of Walthamstowe, Mr Samuel Smith, in his 87th year".

Bury and Norwich Post, 1 Sept 1830......"On Saturday senight, in her 77th year, Elizabeth, wife of Samuel Smith Esq, Walthamstowe, Essex"

Jo 

[robesur]

A 'Gentleman' was the usual description given by someone who had sufficient private income that he did not have to undertake any kind of regular work. The income could be from land, stocks and shares or perhaps just a pampered son of a wealthy father. I have seen unemployed men describe themselves as such. Some were Gentlemen some were definitely not.

[orkrad]

 Thanks Jomcd967 and Robesur for your help. I'm wondering if there is any point in following up  by trying to locate Samuel's death certificate. Would a record from 1834 contain  names  of  his parents or his actual occupation?

Regards Orkrad.

[StevieSteve]

Certification only started in 1837 so that route isn't available

[jomcd967]

Going by possible records for grandson Alfred William Smith...

An Alfred William Smith, baptised 10 Nov 1816, St Margaret Lothbury, s/o James (solicitor) and Sarah of Token houses Yard...

An Article of Clerkship record, 27 Nov 1792... James Smith to John Gotobed, of Norfolk Street, Strand, Attorney of His Majesty's Court of Kings Bench at Westminster, clerk for five years in the practice of Attorney and Solicitor, James the son of Samuel Smith of Holborn, Stationer.

Also of note, Samuel names a Benjamin Gibbons of Walbrook, wholesale stationer, as an executor of his will.

Jo 

[jomcd967]

And....

James Smith, son of Samuel Smith of Holborn, stationer and Elizabeth (daughter of James Fitch of Deal, Kent) born in St Andrews London, 15 July 1777.

Jo

[jomcd967]

Further baptism records, same place and parents...
Samuel, born 8 Oct 1774
William, born 22 Apr 1784
Elizabeth, born 14 May 1782

All match with children named in the will.

Jo 

[jomcd967]

Faculty Office Marriage Licence issued 28 Dec 1772 for Sam'l Smith and Elizabeth Fitch.

Jo