Samuel Smith born C1813 Swindon Glou/Wilts

[Allan Jemmett]

Samuel Smith in the 1841 & 1851 census shows that he was born in north Swindon occupation basket maker. There is a Swindon in Wiltshire as well as a village in Gloustershire at Leckhampton. The family was living at Milton End Fairford at the time of the census. Searches of records and at non conformist churches has failed to locate him. He appears to have been a gypsy. Can anyone help? Allan

[ColC]

Welcome to Roots Chat.
I note the family in 1851. I’m not sure if you have found the 1861 yet but they are still in Fairford, although neither record is too clear, I think Samuels place of birth in 1851 is Wilt. Swindon & 1861 it is Wilt. Market Lavender, which might be Market Lavington some 20 miles from Swindon, so maybe place of birth may not help. Samuels occupation in 1851 is Basket Maker, wife Mary and 61 Engine Driver, wife Mary Ann but at least some o f the children have the same name.
I thought this might help others.

Colin

[ColC]

There is a birth at Market Lavington, which reads:

Samuel Smith   3 days old
Baptism   2 Jun 1811
Parents    John & blank Smith
Baptism Place:   Market Lavington, Wiltshire,

No births Swindon on Ancestry but others elsewhere in the County.

Colin

[ColC]

This appears to be Samuel in 1871 he is 57 an Ag Lab, he appears to be on his own.Noted as unmarried.

Samuel Smith
Birth   1814 Market Laverton, Wiltshire
Residence   1871 Ralton, Gloucestershire

Colin

[Allan Jemmett]

Hi Colin
Thank you so much for your message, I have had my info for 20-30 years but being over here in NZ had no knowledge of the area to realise that Market Lavender was in fact Market Lavington. I do have the 1861 Census thanks but I did not want to overburden the first message. I feel confident that you have hit on the correct entry. Samuel disappeared between the 1861-1871 censuses so I have  been concentrating on the deaths.
My DNA suggests Gypsy heritage and it was mentioned by Grandparents. I discovered Samuel's wife MaryAnn on the Gypsy roll a while ago but lost the site. Are you able to suggest where to look.
Thanks again for your help. Allan

[Neale1961]

There is a birth at Market Lavington, which reads:

Samuel Smith   3 days old
Baptism   2 Jun 1811
Parents    John & blank Smith
Baptism Place:   Market Lavington, Wiltshire,

The BT of that baptism has mother named as Mary.
https://www.familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:6DS1-GFQ7

[Allan Jemmett]

Great work. Many thanks.
Allan

[ColC]

Hi Allan,
I've not come across the Gypsy Rolls but I did find a couple of sites, see below, that might be worth a look, not my area of knowledge I'm afraid.
Have you found any deaths or marriages of their children that might help?

http://rtfhs.org.uk/free-records

https://www.cyndislist.com › gypsy

Colin

[ColC]

You may have this information but it might help others?

Fairford ages in 1861   ----   1871
Samuel Smith   49   See below.
Mary Ann Smith   47   In Fairford noted as Widow
Edwin Smith   18   No clear trace
Julia Smith   16   Married to George Smith in Cirencester.
Winefred Smith   14   Servant in Weston Birt
Francis Smith   10   With her mother above.
Sarah Smith   8   With sister Julia above

The only death I can see in Cirencester (Which I think is  the Fairford district) 1861-1871 but the age is wrong. Plenty of others in the County, others may be able to help.

Deaths Jun  1870
Smith    Samuel    66    Cirencester    6a   256

Colin