Missing Smallman found!

[WHS1899]

While my Nan was still alive she was pumped for family info and stories and despite some of them being a bit muddled I have managed to find/prove  all but two. One related to Nan's parents who she said had 7 children, the first died after he was born and was buried in Ross-on-Wye, where they lived. They were unable to afford a gravestone for him. Nan didn't know his name.

My Mum had heard this story, her sister hadn't, and I couldn't find any trace of him, so he was put to one side. Today I have been looking up baptisms for Ross on the Forest of Dean website and there he was.......Harold John Smallman christened 7.4.1906, buried at 5 weeks 18.4.1907. I'm so pleased to be able to add this little one to my tree and finally give him a name.

Never give up

[Lydart]

Would he have a headstone ?


If so, and you can send me more details (church, for e.g.) I can go and take a photo for you ?!?

[stoney]

Nice to hear you've been able to "place" this missing  little one. There's almost a feeling of laying the we'ans soul to rest.

I have a few similar, whose deaths were recorded but alas, remain unfound.

[WHS1899]

Thanks for your replies Lydart and Stoney.

Stoney, yes it is like laying his soul to rest. Hope one day you find your lost one's.

Lydart, thanks for the offer, but little Harold had no gravestone. His parents were unable to afford one. All I know is that he was buried in the churchyard at Ross-on-Wye. His parents (my great grandparents) are buried there too, and my Grandad in a seperate grave. He died very suddenly in a Hotel in Ross while visiting his in-laws. I was 18 months old and have no memory of him and always felt robbed.

[Lydart]

If the gr. grandparents have a grave, I might be able to find and photo it for you ??

[WHS1899]

Lydart,
Thank you for your message and really kind offer, but I was lucky to be able to go to Ross a few years back and managed to find and photograph the graves, along with the house where great granny lived. My Mum was with us so was able to point me in the right direction. We even found my Nan's school and the shop where she first went to work, once called Vines but now (or at least when I went) a Superdrug! It was a super day, one I'd like to repeat sometime.