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I'm trying to establish whether I have a link with John Smith of Coven http://www.historywebsite.co.uk/Museum/Transport/Trains/Smith/JohnSmith.htm#menu  and http://3hammers.co.uk/about-us/history/who was 'famous' for producing steam engines in South Staffs for use in agriculture and then into the mining industries.
Apparently, John Smith left no children but I'm hoping there is a connection either with his ancestors or his siblings.
The link I'm I'm trying to establish is very tenuous but I've more or less convinced myself that there is a link based on the fact that my grandfather Harry Smith, gt grandfather Uriah Smith and great great grandfather Henry Smith were 'engine drivers / tenders in the coal mining industry in Essington South Staffs.  This seems to me a rather prestigious role compared with working at the coal face and one that was probably acquired through nepotism, notwithstanding the fact that Coven and Essington where my ancestors originate is not that far apart.
The only clues I have to go on are the 1841 census there is a Harriet Yates working as a servant for John Smith Sr. I believe Harriet is the sister of Lydia Churm (born Yates) who's parents are Thomas Yates and Hannah Yates (born Smith). It's also worth noting that I have a connection with the Yates family in as much as my 3 x Gt Grandmother Catharine (Caroline) Smith (born Tarbuck) (1814-1888) - her mother Mary Tarbuck (born Yates)(1786 -1864)
Also in the 1841 census for the Yates family
Thomas Yates - Head -35
Hanna Yates - Wife -25
Lydia Yates - Dau -4
Harriet Yates - Dau -3
Phoebe Smith - 12 - visitor

Even though I've not found a direct link with Hannah Smith and my direct descendants, I'm also wondering if Phoebe is related  to Hannah by way of the Smith family name as well as being  linked with John Smith of Coven?

Thanks for taking the time to look at this.
Yes the census details are correct. Uriah was my GGrandfather, Henry was his father and the elusive Joseph was his.
I got G Smith off Joseph and Catharines marriage record so I suspect the trail ends there unless I can find Mary Smith Joseph’s Mother assuming that’s her maiden name and he’s illegitimate.
Thanks for looking.
Typing on phone at the moment so have limited access to records until I get home tonight if you need more info.

Hello
Probably a long shot being a Smith but I need some help making sure I have the right Smith in my family
It seems like Joseph appeared out of nowhere and disappeared just as easily. The first record I can find of him is his christening 14 June 1812 at St. Giles, Willenhall, Stafford, England with reference to his Mother Mary and father listed as G Smith.
I've traced what I think to be him through the various census (1851 was almost indecipherable and poorly transcripted but pretty confidant that the family is his based on later census transcription. Married to Catharine (Tarbuck) also known as Caroline down the family line Henry, Uriah, Harry, Anthony and me.
The only Joseph Smith I can find in 1841 Census was in Shorth Heath (near New Invention) but was married to Emma and had two kids (different names that don't appear in later New Invention census).
How do I know which is 'my' Joseph Smith? How can I find out when /  where he was born (assuming 1812 as christenings seemed to be performed shortly after the birth? Assuming was born in Willenhall as christened there. Also no death details although 1861 census show Catharine / Caroline as head of the family so he's either dead by the time of 1861 census or moved on and abandoned the family.

Any info around Joseph and his Mother / Father greatly appreciated.

Many thanks