Introduction
William Baker spent all or most of his married life at West Coker, where he worked as a farm labourer. After the death of his wife in 1860, he moved to Hardington Moor to work in a bakery owned by John Yeandle, the husband of his late wife’s niece. He later returned to West Coker to live with another relative.
Birth
William Baker was born at North Perrot on 12 November 1796, the son of Thomas and Mary.
Marriage
On 3 November 1813, William married Susannah Genge at Hardington Mandeville. William was 20 years old, and Susannah was 25. They both signed the marriage register.
Susannah was the daughter of Robert and Mary Genge. Her mother died in 1798, and her father in 1812. In his will, Robert bequeathed Susannah one guinea.[1]
Life at West Coker
After marrying, they settled in West Coker, where William worked as a farm labourer. In June 1841, they lived in Parish Lane and by March 1851, in Duck Street.
The 1851 census describes Susannah as a governess.
Susannah died on 26 April 1860 at the age of 68.[2] After her death, William spent the rest of his life living with relatives.
Life at Hardington
In April 1861, he lived with his late wife’s niece and her husband, John Yeandle, at Hardington Moor. John Yeandle was a baker, and William worked in his bakery.
Return to West Coker
In April 1871, William Baker lived with his brother-in-law, Israel Marks, in East Street, West Coker. Israel was the husband of William’s late sister, Sarah, and a Chelsea Pensioner who had served in the 13th Regiment of Foot.
William died on 30 March 1875, at the age of 78, and was buried at West Coker on 5 April.[3]
References
[1] The will of Robert Genge, dated 2 August 1806, proved 29 April 1815.
[2] The Civil Registration Death Index incorrectly recorded her age as 64.
[3] The Civil Registration Death Index incorrectly recorded his age as 79.
