A family affair at Smethwick in the Fifties

The Leighton family.

The problem is rewards are few and far between, none the less, a fascinating pastime! Married “Recently my Aunt Mary Hale of Rowley Regis, sent me the enclosed photo (bottom right) which was probably taken in the 1920s. Thomas and Elizabeth (nee Goodhand) Leighton, were married at the parish church of North Harborne (Smethwick Old Church?) in 1884 and the photo shows their children with the exception of Sidney, who emigrated to the United States in 1922. We understand that he sailed on the Cunard vessel ‘Carmania‘ bound for Boston, but cannot find a passenger list or indeed, confirmation this ship made a voyage to Boston in that year.

“My gandmother, Alice May Leighton, married John Charles Griffin in 1917, both families having resided in Reynolds Street Smethwick.

Forward another forty years and my second photo (top of page) is from their wedding anniversary celebration at St Mark’s Hall, Thimlbemill Road Smethwick. Here we see the Griffin siblings and their partners together with grandchildren. Then finally another picture (left) shows my grandparents on that celebratory day back in 1957 “Both my aunt and I are anxious to delve further into the Leighton and Griffin ancestry which, as far as we know, is centred around the Smerthwick area. To date we have made a little progress with the Leightons, but the Griffin line is somewhat of a headache. If your readers have information regarding any aspect of the above to help in our quest, we would be happy to hear from them”.

Rob Griffin, 145 Summerfields Avenue, Halesowen.

Email rob@griffpost.co.uk