Researching SMITH is like searching for the proverbial needle in a haystack, made especially more difficult when you have limited information about the individual. So here goes...



John's marriage registration in 1868 lists his age as 29 - making his estimated birth year 1839. His birthplace is listed as London. His father is listed as John SMITH, coach proprietor.



His death registration in 1892 lists his age as 62 - making his estimated birth year 1830. It also lists his place of birth as Blackwall, London, England.



I posted a querry to another board and was kindly helped in finding some possible census records. One looks like a good possibility, because names in his family match names of his children, but that's a total guessing game.



They are:



1841 Census

REF HO 107/686/13/37/71

John (25) H. Coachman

Mary (23)

John (2)

Elizabeth (1)

living in Little Gower Place, Marylebone, St Pancras (Tottenham)



1841 Census

REF: HO107/702/9/9/11

John (25) - Coachman

Eliza (25)

Frederick (5)

John (3)

Eliza (1)

living in Cottage Street, Poplar, All Saints



** This is the one (above) that looks possible - John and his wife Fanny Jane APPLIN had a daughter named Eliza and a son named Frederick **



1851 Census

REF: HO107/1488/281/33

John (58) Cab Proprietor - born Overton, Hampshire

Maria (52) - Silver Hill, Sussex

John (12)

Jane (10) - both Marylebone

Charles (25) Potter - "" (Nephew)

Charles Reeve (21) Cabinet Maker - (Nephew)

living at 4 Durweston Mews, St Marys, Marylebone (Christchurch)



1861 Census

John T (69) Fishmonger - Overton, Hampshire

Mary (62) - Eastbourne, Sussex

John (22) Omnibus Conductor - Marylebone

John Reeves (20) Carter - Marylebone (Nephew)

Elizabeth Hunt (9) - Overton, Hampshire (Niece)

living at 72 Earl St, Marylebone, Christchurch





I do not know when John (or his wife Fanny Jane APPLIN) came to Canada, and would love to track that down.



Does anyone have any suggestions on how I can research this common name and break down my brick wall? Any and all suggestions are greatly appreciated.



Happy hunting!

ElizaJo