Joseph Edwin Smith appeared in the census of 1901 living with his family at Pen y Garth Mold. Head of the household was Joseph Jones, a 63 year old widower who was a Cattleman on a farm. He had been born in Holywell. Also in the house was his son – another Joseph Jones. He was 18 and a Lead Miner. The rest of the household consisted of Joseph Snr’s married daughter and her family.  Mary J Smith (daughter) was 24. Her husband Thomas Smith was 24 and a Lead Miner. Their children were Jennie 4, Joseph E 3 and Arthur E 1.

The next census of 1911 records the family at Coed Fadog Gweraffield. Head of the household was Thomas Smith. He was 34, a Farmer who was listed as Blind. His wife of 15 years Mary Jane Smith was 35. She had given birth to 5 children all of whom had survived. They were listed as Jennie14, Joseph Edwin 13, Arthur E 11, Catherine 9 and Mary 7.  Still living in the household were Joseph Jones then 74 and living on a pension and his son Joseph Jones jnr was 27 and a Gardener

UK Soldiers who died in The Great War 1914-19 accessible on www.ancestry.co.uk confirms the regimental details as above. It tells us he was born, resided in and enlisted in Mold (But for some reason they said in error that Mold was in Hampshire). This source tells us that he ‘Died’ which usually means he died from a non military cause – either an accident or illness.  His Medal card, also on ‘ancestry details his medals. Written on the card is “RFA Recs requests authority for disposal of medals 1st August 1922”

There is an index card for Joseph in The Flintshire Roll of Honour in the County Record Office in Hawarden. This card gives the address Coed Fadog, Gwernaffield and it confirms the regimental details as above. It says he served 18 months and that he died on 25th October 1918 as a Prisoner of War in Stendal, Germany. The card was signed by M J Smith (His mother) on 30th September 1919.