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Dave Joy: John Lennon's Cowkeeping Connection

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Normandie:

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Moogmodule:

--- Quote from: Normandie on September 28, 2022, 11:19:07 PM ---
I've been reading Graeme Thomson's bio of George, Behind the Locked Door, and in it he erroneously/mistakenly claims that John's Uncle George Smith was Harrison's elementary school English teacher. Apparently, though, the teacher in question was—I believe—in fact one of George Smith's brothers, Alfred J. Smith. Thomson's book is meticulously annotated but, frustratingly, this is one of the few sentences for which he does not cite a source (probably there is none because, as far as I can tell, this statement is not correct).

Last night I was searching online for some information about Alfred J. Smith, and I came across a site that has an incredibly detailed history of George Smith's family. Thus far I have only skimmed it, but I plan to read it in more detail as soon as I get time (ha).

I'm not sure if this site would interest anybody because it is very narrow in focus, and it's incredibly detailed, but I thought I'd share it anyway, in case anyone wants to take a look:

http://www.davejoy-author.com/the-john-lennon-connection.html

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I recall seeing that in that biography and my first reaction was, wow that’s interesting. Before a few minutes  of referring to other sources showed that to be incorrect. Thomson does seem to be generally good so I wonder if such an easily checked error was inadvertent. I can’t remember the exact wording but maybe it was as simple  as “George Smith’s  brother” becoming George in the journey from pen to printing.

Will check out your link  icon_good

Normandie:
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zipp:
This is an amazing find Normandie.

I've always been surprised at the name George Toogood Smith. The blog you've found shows that Toogood was originally an ancestor's surname. So I imagine, giving it as one of his first names kept the ancestral name alive.

I think this may also be a question of fashion. In the early twentieth century it was maybe fashionable to use a surname as a first name.

My father, who was born in 1912, was given the first name Clough (pronounced Cluff) which is a fairly common surname where I come from.

I'll obviuosly be reading the blog again, so maybe you can tell us what we're actually looking for so we can help out.

Normandie:
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