Who was William Smoker?

[Happy Searcher]

I came across William in the 1901 census living in Crook, County Durham.  He originated in Hampshire - Longparish and Andover are names mentioned on different census.  I think he was born in 1847 and died in 1902.  He had children named William and Frederick.  In the 1901 census he claims he is the son-in-law of Elizabeth Whitfield nee Graham with whom he is staying.  I don't think this is right.  So who is he and why is he in County Durham?  Any clues gratefully received.  Thanks in advance  Jo
P.S. his name sometimes appears as Smooker and Smoaker!

[Milliepede]

You seem to have a good bit of information to start with.

Have you found a marriage record for him?  The certificate should name his father/occupation. 

Is he with a wife on any census or is he a widower?

Birth registrations for his children will confirm their mothers maiden name.  You can look these up on the General Register Office website if born England/Wales.

[Milliepede]

1891

William Smoker 43 widower born Hampshire
William 4 son born Middlesex
Hilda 3 daughter born Middlesex
Fred H 2 son born Beechburn? Durham
Mary Nasbitt 16 servant

[CaroleW]

Why are you researching him?  If he is an ancestor - which of his children are you descended from?

What is the child's name/birthyear & birthplace?

No birth for a Hilda Smoker in M’Sex but one b 1888 Stroud Gloucs

No birth for Fred in Durham

No female Smoker death in Durham 1888- 1891

[Milliepede]

Possible birth - Hilda born in Strood registration district Dec 1888 - mothers name Curling

[QueenoftheWest]

Possible birth - Hilda born in Strood registration district Dec 1888 - mothers name Curling

She was actually Caroline Hilda Smooker. The mother's maiden name is Church. Marriage between a William Smooker and Caroline Church in 1885.

SMOOKER, WILLIAM  CHURCH     CHURCH 
GRO Reference: 1886  J Quarter in HACKNEY  Volume 01B  Page 492

SMOOKER, CAROLINE  HILDA     CHURCH 
GRO Reference: 1887  D Quarter in HACKNEY  Volume 01B  Page 491

SMOOKER, FREDERICK  HENRY     CHURCH 
GRO Reference: 1889  M Quarter in AUCKLAND  Volume 10A  Page 231

Queenie 

[QueenoftheWest]

Caroline died in 1890:

SMOOKER, CAROLINE       40 
GRO Reference: 1890  J Quarter in AUCKLAND  Volume 10A  Page 134

Queenie 

[CaroleW]

Caroline SMOOKER died 1890 aged 40

Snap😄😄

[Milliepede]

Double snap beat me to it