John Smith, Surgeon, Aylesford, Kent. Died 23 March 1820.

[HarryBob]

Where might I find more information regarding John Smith, Surgeon, beyond his Will and below ^(**) which I found at:

https://www.kentarchaeology.org.uk/research/monumental-inscriptions/aylesford

Some issues that are attracting my attention.

Was his wife Elizabeth Hooper? (= Ditton, Kent, 8 September 1784)
As far as I can tell the 2 daughters mentioned below, were the only children. Of interest is the 12-year gap between their birth years.
Who is Smith’s partner at Aylesford - a Mr Wickham?
Am I on the correct path to think about the connection: Surgeon / Royal Navy?

My principal interest is the family of his daughter Harriet Elgar.  Though, daughter Jane’s husband - John Wheeler, is an interesting fellow.

Thanks for your time.

^(**)
114.   Headstone
SACRED
TO THE MEMORY OF
Mr JOHN SMITH
SURGEON OF THIS PARISH
WHO DIED MARCH 23rd 1820
AGED 62 YEARS
John Smith, died 1820, Surgeon of Aylesford. His P.C.C.C Will is dated 15th March 1820
All his estate to wife Elizabeth, including debts owing to practise, for her lifetime. After his wife's death shared equally between his daughters, Harriet Elgar and Jane Smith.
Also the sum Mr Wickham is to pay into the business at the expiration of the term of 4 years from the commencement of their partnership.
Witnesses: George Groombridge, Edward Poss and Thomas Lake. Proved 2nd October 1820

[Jebber]

Unless you have the baptisms of the daughters showing both parents, could the 12 year gap between the daughters be because they had different mothers? The John Smith who married Elizabeth Hooper was a widower, Elizabeth was a spinster.

[trish1120]

Not sure if you know that John was a Widower at the time of that 08 Sep 1784 Marriage?

Bapts, St Peter ad Vincula, Ditton to JOHN/ELIZABETH Smith
FRANCIS 13 Oct 1784
ANNE and ELIZABETH 24 Sep 1786 (Twins)
WILLM 15 Mar 1789
CHARLOTTE 29 Jan 1792
(all above on FreeREG)

So just trying to rule in or out that Marriage you quoted.

Trish

[trish1120]

Dont think thats the right Marriage.

From 1841 Census Harriet Elgar born c 1791 (living in Portsea)
Jane married John Wheeler 1831 London, Harriet Elgar a witness
Jane Wheeler born c 798-1802 Aylesford

F/S only has 2 Bapts Aylesford to John/Elizabeth, Harriet 1 Jan 1789 and Jane 7 June 1798
May be other children born elsewhere who died.

Death Reg
ELGAR, HARRIOT age   59 
GRO Reference: 1845  D Quarter in LAMBETH  Volume 04  Page 157

[HarryBob]

Thank you to you all for your responses.  Clearly more work to do.

Bob

Some comments.

The Smith=Hooper marriage was always a guess.  It gave me a John Smith marrying an Elizabeth.
 And before Harriet was born - c1786.  [From age at death (1845) - 59yo.]  And, the village of Ditton isn't far from Aylesford.

I'm hoping if I get any information regarding John Smith, surgeon, in Aylesford, it might provide some clarity regarding his wife and children.  Certainly at his death in 1820, there were only 2 children mentioned in his Will and likely still living - i.e. Harriet Elgar (nee Smith) & Jane Smith.

BTW:  Harriet Elgar wasn't a witness at her sisters wedding in 1831.  The witness was Hannah Elgar, Harriet's 16yo daughter.  The "Hannah" matches her signature as witness at her sister's marriage in Manila, Philippines in 1844.

[trish1120]

Aaah looked like Harriet to me but then I have just had eye surgery!

Thanks for clarifying Harrybob

[RobertHauteville]

"Am I on the correct path to think about the connection: Surgeon / Royal Navy? "

From what I have read the Royal Navy were the biggest employers of Surgeons at that time. Postings depended on whether a war was being fought at the time but you should definitely check the online indices at FindMyPast/Ancestry and the National Archives to see if there are any leads.