Elizabeth Smith, born 1819, Orsett

[LizzieL]

William was baptised 21 November 1841, s/o William and Elizabeth Gored (sic) of Chadwell occ labourer. Maybe Evan Jones was a bit deaf.

[LizzieL]

In 1841 Henry has surname Goddard and is household of Thomas and Rebecca Bray both 50. Also in household are George and Sarah Rush both 20. From 1851 Sarah Ruch was born South Ockendon. A George Rush and Sarah Gurnett married in S Ock on 16 Nov 1840.  witnesses William and Elizabeth Goddard and Timothy White.
I wonder who the Brays are?

[MacGrigor]

That's great for William! Thanks. Yes, this Mr. Jones doesn't appear to have been particularly good at his job.

And yes, that is a mystery. Seeing as we know little about Elizabeth's origins, perhaps relatives on her side of the family?

[jonw65]

Might be Rebecca Smith as was!

[LizzieL]

Need to find a death for Benjamin and remarriage for Rebecca then.

[MacGrigor]

Yes, that's a fair observation. So the illegitimate son was sent to stay with his grandparents. That would make sense. But is Benjamin Smith the father in view of the John/Charles Smith as suggested by the marriage records? I think the 1838 record is inherently unreliable due to the series of errors Evan Jones made while writing, making Charles Smith (from the 1881 marriage) the more likely father.

[LizzieL]

marriage at  Chadwell - Benjamin Smith bach and Rebecca Rush widow on 21 Dec 1818, so looks like George Rush is Sarah's son.
9 Oct 1831, Joseph Groves bach married Rebbeca Rush sp - They were witnesses at Elizabeth's marriage

One of the witnesses to Rebecca Rush jnrs marriage was Samuel Staines. Looking at Samuel in 1851 shows his wife Mary was born Enfield in 1818. Can't find marriage but birth of their youngest child James has mmn Rush. Another relative.

[MacGrigor]

And seeing as Rebecca Rush was a widow in 1818, presumably there's a marriage record for before then?

[jonw65]

marriage at  Chadwell - Benjamin Smith bach and Rebecca Rush widow on 21 Dec 1818, so looks like George Rush is Sarah's son.

In 1834 George Rush, 15, was charged with maliciously and feloniously shooting at four people in Chadwell. He was in Thomas Bray's garden at the time!
Thomas Bray confirmed that his wife was George's mother by a previous husband.
George was acquited.
(Chelmsford Chronicle, 18 July 1834)
What happened to Rebecca Bray?