Joseph Smith was aged 10 when he died by drowning on 7 January 1840. The death was registered by the coroner two days later. Joseph was living with his mother, Jenet, and stepfather, George Jones, in Pantywaun, Gelligaer, together with his older brothers Robert and Henry. George was a blacksmith and, later, a publican as were, in their turn, Jenet and Robert. Is there, by any remote chance, a newspaper report on Joseph's death? It is recorded on a memorial tablet in Ebenezer Chapel, Twyn Carno, Rhymney, dedicated to the memory of his father, Joseph Smith, who was reputedly killed in a mine explosion in 1830, aged 29.
From the Glamorgan, Monmouth and Brecon Gazette, 11th January 1840 (Welsh Newspapers Online) Merthyr W. Davies Esq., Coroner, held an inquest on Wednesday last, on the body of a youth named Joseph Smith, who had been sliding on one of the ponds, when the ice gave way, and he was drowned. Verdict - Accidental Death
Many, many thanks, Ann. I was just going to hit the "like" button but that seemed a totally inadequate response. Dare I ask if there is any mention of the death of his father, also Joseph Smith, in April 1830?
No problem I had a look for Joseph Smith senior when I was looking for Joseph Smith junior, but had no luck - have you any more details such as the name of the mine?
All I know of the death of Joseph, senior, is what I was told by a fellow researcher who relayed a "family story". His memorial in Rhymney Chapel describes him as "late of Pantywaun". He was married in Gelligaer in 1824 but two children ( Henry, 1825 and Robert 1827) were baptised in Penuel Particulat Baptist, Rhymney Iron Works. I have not found the baptism record of Joseph, junior, circa 1829. His widow re-married in Gelligaer in 1832 and appears to have spent the test of her life in the Pantywaun area. I am inclined to think Joseph, senior, met his end whilst working in the Pantywaun area.
If it helps Joseph Smith senior died 6th April 1830 buried at the Ebeneezer Calvanistic Baptist Church
Thanks, MollyMay. Yes, I have seen this. The memorial was the starting point for my research into the deaths of both Joseph, senior, and junior.
Thanks, Ann. I guess life was so cheap and accidents so frequent that it did not attract notice, particularly if only a small number if individuals were involved.
Is anyone still following this thread ? I am Robert Smith's and Sarah Rosser's 3 x Great Grandson and know quite a lot about the family. The only one slight hitch I had was trying to locate Robert on the 1841 census however, with a little bit of detective work (luck !!) I came across him, along with his brother Henry under the surname of 'Jones'. Obviously George Jones had married their mother Jennett (nee Llewellin) and that is how they appeared with George's surname. Their ages are incorrect as they are both listed as being 10 years old, Henry would have been 16 years old and Robert 13 years old. They are both noted as being miners. Both George's and Jennett's dates of birth are also about 5 years out.
I am linked to this family via my wife's paternal line, descended from Robert, (1827). I am reasonably confident of Sarah Rosser's parentage -David Rosser and Jane Richards. Much more speculatively I have the parentage of Joseph Smith as Henry and Agnes, born Merthyr Tydfil, baptised 3 Jan 1802. There was a Robert Lewelin having children born and buried in Llanwonno 1810-15, possibly Jenet's father. I am working on the theory that Henry and Robert were named after their grandfathers. If you know anything different, I shall be happy to proved wrong. PS Welcome to Genealogy Specialists.
I'm afraid our research differs on a number of points so, maybe best not to go there ..... LOL. I am interested in what chapel the memorial is in ? I have been to Ebenezer in Twyn Carno but that is now a private house and the owner got rid of all the headstones and plaques...... absurd !!
My research in this area is very superficial so I am not surprised if you differ. I was half expecting to be short down in flames! The George Jones/ Jennet Smith marriage certificate is one item on a long shopping list I have. I hope that will provide her father's name and enable me to trace her origin. I am aware of the David Rosser/Ann Griffiths marriage in Swansea in 1816 as well as the David Rosser/Ann Richards in Llantrisant in 1814. I opted for the latter on a hunch ( not very sound practice) on the grounds that the birth certificate of Jane Smith b 1847 identified her mother as Sarah Smith, formerly Richards. Sorry to hear about your abortive trip to Twyn Carno. So sad that no one felt moved to preserve the various memorials. I have heard of an instance where all headstones were removed to the boundary of the property. At least they were saved.
I'd be interested to know what your wife's descendancy line is from Robert & Sarah (Rosser). Mine is through their son Henry Smith (1857-1924) who was killed in a mining accident at the Brittania Collery, then to Edward Smith (1878-1954) and then to Ceiriog Smith (1904 - 1956) who was my Grandfather. I have inherited a very old ornate gold ladies watch Engraved 'Sarah Smith', I'll post some photos of that and a ladies mourning brooch which came with it. Both items are now with my eldest daughter. I have a silver match case which is engraved 'Edward Smith' that belonged to my Great Grandfather. I'll post some photos of the items on my next post.
Phil, what beautiful family heirlooms! I'm happy share to share my wife's descent from Robert Smith. As you will see, it is not quite straight forward. I have had to buy more certificates for this family than any other, and they have not always been helpful! Marriage. Robert Smith/ Sarah Rosser. Groom's father - George Smith! Jane, daughter of Robert and Sarah. Mmn Richards.! Marriage. Jane Smith/George Thomas. Bride's father - Thomas Smith! ( Robert Smith as witness, first son named Robert) Daughter Sarah Thomas born 1875. Her daughter, Sarah Ann Thomas, born 1893. My wife's grandmother.
Yep, it is a bit of a nightmare when wrong names are used, completely messes up searches. So, your wife and myself have Robert Smith and Sarah Rosser as common ancestors. I located Robert's grave at Pant Cemetery just outside Merthyr Tydfil, unfortunately the headstone has fallen over with the inscription side face down and it is massively overgrown. You cannot see any detail at all.
I have just come across your comprehensive on-line tree which I will examine with interest. I freely admit my very limited work on the early Smith, Rosser and Lewellin lines does not merit being described as research. You have obviously been more dedicated in your "ground" work - both literally and metaphorically.
Don't take my trees as being the definitive answer, although I do try and check and double check my ancestory I have on a number of times looked again and thought 'Nope, that is not my lot' and had to wipe out a complete thread and start again.
