Hello Matt
I am starting with the end of your post. Yes I am related to Thomas Sysum Catton Smith. He was my Mother’s father, my Grandfather who died before I was born. He was one of three children, (Wm Henry and Fanny) who were born to Henry Smith and Frances Jane Catton. Frances Jane (sometimes written in census as F Jane Catton) was therefore my Gt. Grandmother and George, Joseph, Mary, Thomas and Amos Richard Catton were her siblings. This means that Thomas Sysum Catton Smith was cousin to Joseph Amos Catton who married Caroline Cutler. Henry Smith, according to my Mother Florence was “born up north and came to Waddesdon and then Lane End to be their first “policeman” (Watchman was the name in those days). Henry Smith was born in 1824 in Puddington Cheshire and I was always told he died “back up north” – no certificates.
I guess you may have been in contact with Mr Roger Druce of Frieth? He is the son of the late May Ellis and referred to Caroline as his Aunt. He sent me a fascinating photo of Caroline perched on a chair at the Wedding of his parents May and Ted Druce in 1928 and a group photo taken outdoors of Caroline Catton with, presumably the Cutler children which she brought up. These may be the photos you already have. Let me know and if not, I will post them. Yes please, I would love a copy of Caroline’s obituary, such an interesting lady even ‘though not a blood relative of mine. Shame she married the black sheep…..
I will get my Husband to scan in the certified copy of the entry of Joseph Amos Catton’s Death Cert. I am a little confused, who is the Joseph you said died in Stone Asylum in Oct. 1903 was he the husband of Caroline’s sister Clara? – certainly not Caroline’s husband Joseph Amos Catton. His date of death is 9th Jan. 1940, aged 78. Far too many Josephs! I would be interested to see your copy of the Marriage Cert. of Jo Amos C and Caroline as the Photostat “copy” I have appears mostly to be in the same handwriting.
Having spoken to Betty Twitchen recently and I gather that the Death Registers from Lane End are put on show each year in Holy Trinity Church on the second Sat. of June which is Fete day. I hope to be there.
To get back to the Smiths. I do not think I have much chance of finding out where my Gt. Grandfather Henry Smith came from as Smith is such a common name and I have no clue to any older members of his family. His Wife, on the other hand, Frances Jane Catton seems the most likely way of getting further back if only I can learn more about her parents Joseph and Elizabeth. If you have any further information on these people or indeed Thomas Sysum Catton Smith I would be most grateful.
Best Wishes, Liz
