Birth

Henry Baker, the fifth child of George and Anne Baker, was born at Hardington in about 1834. He was not baptised until 25 September 1842.

His father, George, a labourer and weaver, died in February 1849, aged 48.

Occupations

Henry primarily worked as a farm labourer throughout his life. The only real exception in the historical record is the 1871 census, which shows him as a railway platelayer.

An 1889 trade directory lists him as a shopkeeper, but his wife probably kept the shop.

First marriage

On 18 January 1855, Henry married Elizabeth Gullidge at Hardington. A weaver by trade, she was the daughter of Henry and Jane Gullidge.

Elizabeth died in January 1859, probably in childbirth. Her death left Henry in sole charge of a three-year-old son and a baby daughter.

Second marriage

On 26 July 1860, Henry married Rebecca Jeans at Hardington. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Jeans. Henry was about 26, and Rebecca was twelve years older.

Children

Sadly, even with Rebecca’s help, Henry’s baby died in May 1861, but his son grew to be an adult.[1]

Henry and Rebecca had two children: Mathias and Elizabeth.

Residence

Henry and Rebecca lived at Marsh throughout their married life.

Death

Henry died in about 1891, aged 57.

Rebecca’s later life

In April 1891, Rebecca lived in Farm Lane, Marsh, where she kept a grocer’s shop. Her sister, Elizabeth Jeans, aged 78, lived with her.

In March 1901, Rebecca lived with her son, Matthias.

She died in 1904, aged 71.

References

[1] He is recorded on the 1871 census but then disappears from view.