Percy Hirst Grindrod Smith

Percy Hirst Grindrod Smith was born in Worthing, Sussex, England on April 9, 1881. Percy's parents were Thomas Smith and Eliza Sarah Gear. (Percy's father is erroneously listed in some places as Frederic John Smith. This is incorrect--Frederic was Percy's brother.) Percy was the sixth of seven children (whom we know about).

Percy's father, Thomas, was listed on census records as a surveyor and contractor. He was born in 1822 in Rickmansworth, Hertforshire, England.

Percy's mother, Eliza, died in 1895. For some time after, Percy lived with his aunt, Theresa Gear, who had never married and who had been living with Percy's family for many years. At the time of the 1901 England Census, Percy was living in London with Theresa, his older brother Louis, and little sister Lilian. Eventually, Percy left England for the United States, where he made his way to California.

In 1903, Theresa, Louis and Lilian came to America aboard a ship called the St. Paul. Louis, who was 23 at the time, listed his profession as "architect." They listed their final destination as Long Beach, California, where they possibly planned to meet with Percy, who had made the voyage in 1902.

At the time of the 1910 Census, Louis was living in Long Beach, California, with Aunt Theresa. By 1920, Louis and Theresa were living in Corona, California.

Percy was married to Bessie Flagg Losee on April 25, 1905, in Long Beach, California. For a copy of the LA Herald article that mentioned their wedding, click here. Percy became a successful real estate developer in the Long Beach area.

Percy and Bessie had three children for whom we have a record: Dorothy (born in September 1905), Walter (born in August 1907) and Winifred (born around 1915).

Percy passed away in Fullerton, California, on May 2, 1950.


Baptismal record of Percy and his siblings. Except for Lilian, who would be born later, all of the Smith children were baptized on September 8, 1881 in St. Marylebone, Middlesex, England.

Bessie and Percy Smith.