1840 Letter to Mrs Symonds

[Les de B]

In the 1980's I was into stamp collecting, and purchased an envelope (see photo) for its stamp. The stamp was a one penny black, and the envelope postmarked on the back May 8, 1840, two days after the first ever stamp was issued (previous owner has penciled that date on front of envelope).

Now, that I'm into genealogy, the recipient of the letter intrigues me;

Mrs Symonds
Balham Hill
Clapham

Would anybody "out there" be able to help me to find out who this lady was? No doubt, a 1841 Census check would be the first starting point.  There was no letter with the envelope when I purchased it.

Just as a matter of interest, anyone have an idea on our much the stamped envelope may be worth now, considering when it was posted?

Regards

Les

[Aulus]

Had a quick look at the 1841 census, but couldn't spot her as Symonds or Simmonds

Don't know about the value.  Would be interested myself, as I have several similar, plus some stamps of the period, bought yonks ago.

[mosiefish]

Hi,

This could be a possible:

The enumerator route mentions Balham Road and houses on the West side of Balham Hill to the George Inn and 4 houses on the south side of Clapham Common (abridged version).

Next door to Balham House on Balham Road:
Not born in County
H107/1068/1 folio 23 page 9

Nathl Symonds, 50, Ind.
ELIZABETH, 35
A.M., 15
Nathl. 20
plus 2 female servants.

Belham Hill was on the next pages but no Symonds Simmonds etc. there. 

Regards,
Mo

[mangomania]

Hi

I think this is a possible for her in 51, given the ages, the early use of posting and you reverse AM's initials 

HO107/1491 f328 p40

27 Aberdeen Place, Marylebone,Middx

Edward H Rea head M 28 Senior clerk in Post O   b. Middx, Kensington
Mary Ann  Rea wife  M  25                                        City of London
Elizabeth Symonds MaLaw W 45 Annuitant              Kent, Orpington
Elizabeth Symonds sislaw U 27 Annuitant                City of London
Ernest T Smith visitr U    3                                        St James Picadilly
Charlotte Oxly sevnt U 28 House servant                 Middx, St Pancras

There's a possible marriage for Edward Hugh Rea and Mary Symonds (8 entries on page).

Westminster St Margarets Vol 1 Page 395 Dec qtr 1848

Cheers
Ian

[mangomania]

....and googling, I found this -

http://www.fool.co.uk/news/comment/2004/c041119c.htm

Though the early postmark must surely push the value up.

Good luck
Ian

[Les de B]

Thanks for those Census results. I would agree that the 1841 appears to be correct, while the 1851 is also a good possibility. The name, age, area are correct, and as indicated by Ian, her daughter's initials being A.M. in 1841 and her daughter's initials being M.A. (Mary Ann) in 1851. Daughter's age is also correct.

Further in 1841 Elizabeth was married to Nathaniel Symonds, while in 1851 she is described as a widow. I checked FreeBDM and found a Nathaniel Symonds died 1844, in London. No other same names recorded until 1870's, so it all fits in.

Yes, it all appears to be giving my envelope a bit of "blood & bone". This a lot more interesting than stamp collecting, any "profit" being made of history, not money. Though I must admit, I have now emailed Stanley Gibbons Stamp Collectors a description of the stamp/postmark, just to see if it is worth anything, but not expecting any surprises.

Les

[DePoyCE]

This won't answer your question on who is Mrs. Symonds, but the three year old boy living there with her is my great-grand Uncle.  He was staying there because I believe his baby brother was sick at home.  The other brother went to the Grandparents in Bristol.  He ended up being a doctor like his father (William Tyler Smith, MD 1815-1873).  Just thought you would find that interesting.

Cheers,  Carol in Tucson, AZ, USA

[Les de B]

Hi Carol

Thanks very much for your reply regarding the envelope addressed to Mrs Symonds. Interesting?  Sure is, I find just about anything to do with Family Research/History interesting! 

I find it amazing that a letter written in England in 1840, can find its way to Australia, only to find a connection in the USA 

By the way, at the time of you replying to this posting I see you have a "record" of only one post yourself. That being the case, welcome to RootsChat. I find it a great site, with friendly people only too willing to help where they can. Hope you enjoy it as much as the rest of us do.

Les

[DePoyCE]

Hi Les:

Thanks for the welcome.  I usually don't post much on boards, but I couldn't refuse replying to you.  Yes, it is amazing how things really are all connected in one way or another.

Take care and give me a shout if you are ever around Tucson.

Cheers!

Carol