Alfred John Gates

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SMITH, WILLIAM  JOHN     mmn CHEVERALLS     
1888  March Quarter
WEYMOUTH RD Volume 05A  Page 324

William John Smith was baptised 15 Mar 1888 at Melcombe Regis, son of William John (a soldier) and Elizabeth Martha, of Melcombe Regis.

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Gone back and looked at 1911 census according to that they had been married for 9 years (1892)

1902 

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Elizabeth M. Smith is in Portsmouth in 1891 with her father-in-law David Smith, 49 b Farlington Hants (her husband William is again absent).  His son Joseph D Smith 17 b Farlington is there too.

Also there are her 2 sons William J Smith (3 b Weymouth) and Albert G Smith (10m b Portsmouth).

RG12/854/26/45

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Elizabeth M. Smith is in Portsmouth in 1891 with her father-in-law David Smith, 49 b Farlington Hants (her husband William is again absent).  His son Joseph D Smith 17 b Farlington is there too.

Joseph D is likely to be the David Joseph Smith birth reg Jun qtr 1873 Havant mmn Stratton.

Likely birth for William therefore is William John Smith Mar qtr 1867 Havant mmn Stratton.

(Marriage: David Smith & Elizabeth Stratton, Jun qtr 1866 Havant).

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Another child: Rosina Jane Smith mmn Stratton, Dec qtr 1870 Portsea Island.

1871 census:

17 Hampton St, Portsea

Elizabeth Smith Wife Mar 26 Seaman's wife Hants Southwic[k]
William do Son 4 Hants Stakes
Rosina do Dau 4mo Hants Portsea

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William John Smith joined the Dorset Regiment in July 1884.  He served in various places at home and overseas, his last posting (Egypt) coming to an end in April 1892.  He was then transferred to the Army Reserve, but was struck off "for absence" on 30 September 1895.

I can't easily see what became of him after that, but if he disappeared rather than died it may be that his wife Elizabeth was not free to marry Alfred Gates.