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William Smith snr c.1800 |
William Smith jnr c.1855 |
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William Smith jnr jnr c.1880 |
Sam Smith c.1890 |
There were four William Smiths connected to Dickleburgh Mill. My great grandmother was a younger sister of William Rayson Smith. I believe that one of the other brothers, Samuel Smith, ran the mill in later years though perhaps not as successfully as in the past (I have a copy of a slightly disparaging aside in a letter written by William R to his nephew in South Africa!)
A bit of a side issue, but it is just possible that the oldest picture - actually a photograph of an oil painting long gone from the family – was painted by George Cattermole, later a well known illustrator, including of Dickens’ work. George Cattermole was the son of squire Cattermole of Dickleburgh, presumably a friend of William Smith senior and executor of his will (but I have absolutely no proof of this, merely a circumstantial document and a mind which makes connections). I can’t think why else a rural publican would have an oil painting done of himself, unless there was somebody very close to him who could paint!!
1. The first William Smith connected with the Mill, died 1812 aged 64.
I believe (though I have not researched it) that this man, (also a publican - the White Horse now gone?) first bought the milling business. 2. William Smith, son of above, died 1862.
3. William Smith son/grandson of above. Died 1897
4. William Rayson Smith son/grandson/great grandson of above. Died in 1932. This man was married into the Hudson family (Maria Hudson), who had a rolling mill in Harleston. No children.
5. Sam Smith who ran the business in later years. The second photo (in old age) is taken with his sister Emma Smith Womack, my great grandmother and his older brother William Rayson Smith.
Scilla Bunn - 5th November 2014 |
