Charlotte Gray was born around 1805 at Weedon Barracks in Northamptonshire the daughter of Charles Gray and Charlotte Hurst, (some researchers say Hunt).
Charlotte married Thomas Elliott on the 10th September 1827 at North Witham in Lincolnshire, where she is listed as a spinster of this parish, Thomas Elliott is listed as a bachelor also of this parish. Both made their marks. The register is witnessed by Sarah ? And Emily Snow.
Charlotte and Thomas had two sons Christopher born and died in 1828, and Thomas born 1829, Thomas the son was transported to Van Diemans Land for horse stealing in 1847. Thomas Senior died and was buried 28th July 1828 at Croxton Kerrial, Leicestershire.
Charlotte then went onto marry Matthew Smith (AKA Barthwell Smith) on the 12th September 1831 at Loughborough, Leicestershire. Charlotte Elliott is listed as a “widow” and a gypsy.
Barthwell (Matthew) and Charlotte went onto have eight children between 1832 and 1846, these are listed on the page concerning Barthwell Smith so not replicated here.
During research into Charlotte Gray/Elliott/Smith it has been suggested that she also went by the name “Frances”. This has, in my opinion come about from Charlotte being a witness on a marriage certificate. In particular the marriage of her brother William Gray to Mary Smith at Wellingore. The certificate is also witnessed by Bathuel Smith (Barthwell Smith).
Closer inspection of the marriage certificate shows this is NOT the case. The certificate is indeed witnessed by both Bathuel Smith and Charlotte Smith, both of whom can be seen as making their respective marks. The certificate is also witnessed by Francis Everitt who actually signs the register, BUT it is signed in such a way as to look like it reads Frances Charlotte Smith when it’s actually witnessed by three people. The marriage of William and Mary above took place at Wellingore, Lincolnshire and further research into the marriage register shows Francis Everitt was “witness” at numerous weddings over a period of time, possibly as curate or “professional witness”, but almost certainly proves Charlotte never used or went by the name Francis and it’s my opinion this has been misread/transcribed by others.
Charlotte was also witness to another of her brothers weddings, namely Christopher Gray to Maria Smith on the 5th September 1836, at Rauceby, Lincolnshire again she makes her mark, this time though with Matthew Smith (AKA Barthwell).
Charlotte is shown on the 1861 census at Bassingham, Lincolnshire with Bartholmew Smith and their daughter Sarah Smith, Bartholmew is another alias for Barthwell.
Charlotte’s death certificate states died Third November 1889, North Kyme, age 86 years, Widow of Barthywell Smith horse dealer, cause of death Chronic Gastritis certified by doctor. Death in the presence of Harriet Gray daughter. Charlotte is buried at North Kyme.
After Barthwell’s death in 1861 Charlotte moves over to North Kyme, Lincolnshire and appears to settle down until her death on the 3rd November 1889. She was buried at North Kyme on the 8th November 1889
Wayne and Sandra's Family History 