13 December 1827 'Beulah' 21 High Street Launceston Tasmania Australia Miriam Dowle Jane Florence, Percy Chapman, Charles Ernest, Robert Norman, James Harcourt, Elvira Mary & Lucy Miriam

Charles Henry Smith was born at Great Berkhamsted, Herefordshire, England on 13 Dec 1827, a son of Robert Hopton Smith and his wife Jane Bovill Chapman. CH Smith emigrated to Melbourne in 1852 on the ship Mermaid. In 1854 he was initially employed as an accountant with Dalgety, Blackwood and Co., but was sent to Launceston as managing clerk later that year.

After two years he returned to Melbourne and married Miriam Dowle at St Mark's Church on 17 Jul 1856. The couple came to Launceston where their seven children were born between 1857 and 1869. In 1874 Charles bought 'Beulah', 21 High Street, Launceston. In 1884 Dalgety & Co. became Du Croz, Smith, and Co. About ten years later the name was altered to Chas Smith and Co. Charles was involved with many organisations. He died at his residence 'Beulah' on 7 Dec 1904. Miriam died on 31 Dec 1911. They were both buried at the Cypress Street Cemetery. Five of Charles' children are also pictured in the Launceston Family Album. See The Examiner 12 May 2007, page 43.

Gus Green 2007