Joseph SMITH of Sharnbrook

[johnP-bedford]

Hello, sorry it's a Smith

The IGI has a member submitted entry of marriage for a Joseph Smith to Mary Ann Whittal on 14/05/1818. On the 1851 census it says he is born Sharnbrook in 1801 (whilst 1841 says 1797)  The Sharnbrook PR does not list a baptism for him. However I'm told in his later years he was a big noise in the Sharnbrook Baptist church so possibly his family were baptists too.

I am looking for his baptism & hence his parents. On 1841 census there is a Mary Smith age 65 (1776) in the household - perhaps his mother.

Anyone got info from the baptist church records or tell me where to look.

Thanks John

[waterfall]

Just a suggestion as you are far more experienced than myself

I did approach a Baptist Church that is still alive and well to request info. I was given a tel no but to date have not approached....just me being reticent.

I do know however of one person who did the same ( for another than the one I want and the one you want) and got what he wanted........so could be worth a try. So few records for the Baptists are lodged at CRO.

Regards Susan

[johnP-bedford]

Thanks Susan

There is a Sharnbrook Methodist Chapel that is still active (listed in yellow pages). So do I phone up & ask if they've got records ?

I am going to visit Beds Archives in mid November, & I will see what they've got first.

Regards John

[waterfall]

Beds CRO have few as I was looking for Baptist records just a few weeks ago. However they may have something for Sharnbrook but according to their website....no go. What they have seems to be from those now defunct.

I would phone......cannot ignore that whereas a letter can be and one hates not knowing whether it has arrived or not.

A website that you may or may not be aware of and might be useful

http://website.lineone.net/~gsward/index.html

Bye Susan

[johnP-bedford]

Thanks Susan,

I've seen Graham Ward's website - he has number of Partridge's in his tree that (perhaps) link to mine.

..... won't phone today - probably busy on a Sunday !

John

[waterfall]

Concur with that they might be busy.


Sometimes I feel that I'm trying to teach my Grandmother to suck eggs.....so hang about.

Would be interested in anything you find for Baptists at the CRO. They were at a loss initially as to my request for Baptist's......but one archivist came up with the "goodies".

Bye Susan

[cathymcc]

Hi John

The aptly named ''Souldrop'' is always a place to try when considering Sharnbrook - but they didnt have a church?

1803 Muster defence list has labourer: Jn SMITH [no age given] in Souldrop

Sharnbrook has a 17 yr old blacksmith called Robert SMITH; and a 31 year old married labourer called W. SMITH.

cathy
Ps: John WHITALL was a 26 yr old married weaver in 1803 Sharnbrook [see Nigel LUTTs Bedfordshire Musters book]

[cathymcc]

John

I dont understand all that 1841 census stuff... they rounded up [or down] your adults ages to the nearest '5' or something?

So that must be where the age discrepancy lies I think?   The 1851 [& any subsequent census] would be more accurate I think.

cathy

[johnP-bedford]

Ps: John WHITALL was a 26 yr old married weaver in 1803 Sharnbrook

Cathy, This is most probably Mary Ann's father b 1775 Felmersham who married Elizabeth Brittain in 1798.      Regards John