Fords chewton mendip

[Andrew RM Hayes]

My great grandmother was Eliza Ann Ford, born 1867, Chewton Mendip, daughter of Joseph Robert Ford, christened 2nd June 1835, Chewton Mendip. His father was one Robert Ford, buried 12th November 1838, Chewton Mendip, aged 50. But he, his wife and some of his children also seem to have used the name Smith! I cannot seem to fit him in with the other Chewton Mendip Fords. There is no christening for a Robert Ford, but there is one for a Robert Smyth at about the right time, 8th September 1786, Chewton Mendip. Likewise there is no marriage for a Robert Ford, but there is one for Robert Smith to Hannah Dix, 14th November 1814, Chewton Mendip, witness William Foord. There is also no burial for Robert Smith, only Robert Ford. Can anyone though any light on the name change? Illegitimacy?