Charles Baker and Sarah Hoile

St Mary Aldermary, Bow Lane, London EC4 - West end
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/885942

Charles Baker married Sarah Hoile in the parish of St Mary Aldermary with St Thomas the Apostle on 12 Jan 1822. Since the church of St Thomas the Apostle was destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666 and not rebuilt, it's probably safe to assume that the venue was St Mary Aldermary. 

The couple had two children, baptised at St Leonard's, Shoreditch:

1. Sarah Baker b. 1 Nov 1822, bap. 10 Jan 1823 
2. Charles Hoile Baker b. 23 Aug 1825, bap. 9 Oct 1825

On the record of son Charles Hoile Baker's marriage, he describes his father's occupation as Waterman. I've not [yet] isolated further records for this pair.

Samuel Mason and Amelia Baker

St Mary, Broxted
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3374354

Samuel Mason (b. 2 Aug 1793, bap. 29 Sep 1793 in Great Easton, Essex), son of Richard Mason and Millicent Butcher, married Amelia Baker (bap. 12 Sep 1791), believed to be daughter of William and Elizabeth Baker, at the church of St Mary, Broxted on 3 Jan 1816. The year before, they had been witnesses to the marriage of Daniel Hockley and Sophia Mason, Samuel's sister. Witnesses at this wedding were Rebecca Baker and Thomas Baker. 

Records suggest Samuel and Amelia Mason had six children:

1. Charles Mason b. around 1817
2. George Mason b. 1818-20 (calculated from age at death)
3. Richard Mason bap. 2 May 1824 at St Mary, Broxted
4. Sophia Mason bap. 30 Jul 1826 at St Mary, Broxted
5. John Mason bap. 27 Oct 1829 at St Mary, Broxted
6. Thomas Mason bap. 23 May 1833 at St Mary, Broxted

The baptism record for Richard, shows Samuel's occupation as Labourer.

In 1841, Samuel Mason (45) Agricultural Labourer was living at Browns End, Broxted, Dunmow, Essex with Amelia Mason (45), Charles Mason (20), George Mason (20), Richard Mason (17), Sophia Mason (15), John Mason (11) and Thomas Mason (8). The adults' ages being rounded down to the nearest five on this census, I'm assuming that they were listed in descending order of age and that Charles was older than George. 

Samuel Mason died, aged 62, in 1853 J Quarter in DUNMOW UNION Volume 04A Page 238 and was buried, on 21 May 1853, at St Mary, Broxted.

So far, I've not been able to find a record of Amelia's death.

William Edward Burton and Ellen Rosina Baker

St Dunstan & All Saints, Stepney
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © John Salmon - geograph.org.uk/p/3477079

William Edward Burton (b. 7 Jan 1865, bap. 18 Oct 1871 at St Luke, Millwall, West Ferry Road, Isle of Dogs), son of William Burton and Elizabeth Martin, married Ellen Rosina Baker (b. 1866), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney on 25 Dec 1888. Both gave their address as 46 Silver Street [Stepney] and witnesses were Ellen's brother, Charles Richard Baker and William's sister, Louisa Burton.

William and Ellen had four children:

1. Ellen Louisa Burton b. 1891 J Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 606
2. Ethel May Burton b. 1895 M Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 627
3. William Harry Burton b. 1897 D Qtr in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 595
4. Stanley Burton b. 1899 J Quarter in POPLAR Vol 01C Page 624

In 1891, William E Burton (26) Auctioneer's Clerk, Ellen R Burton (24) and Ellen L Burton (0) were living in Knapp Road, Bromley, Poplar. Staying with them also was Eliza L Tompson (22) Fancy Box Maker, listed as their niece. (She was Ellen's sister Sarah Jane's step-daughter.)

In 1901, in nearby Fairfoot Road, Bow were William E Burton (36) Commercial Clerk, Ellen R Burton (35), Ellen L Burton (10), Ethel M Burton (6), William H Burton (3) and Stanley Burton (1).

In 1911, William Edward Burton (46) Brewer's Delivery Clerk; Ellen Rosina Burton (45), Ellen Louisa Burton (20), Ethel May Burton (16), William Harry Burton (13) and Stanley Burton (11) were living in Bow Common.

In 1921, William Edward Burton (56) Brewery Clerk for Taylor Walker & Co, Brewers, was living at 119, Fairfoot Road, Poplar with Ellen Rosina Burton (55), Ellen Louisa Burton (30) Ladies Clothing Machinist; William Harry Burton (24) and Stanley Burton (22) Coppersmiths.

William Edward Burton died, at 65, in 1930 M Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 409.

Ellen Rosina Burton died on 23 July 1948 (1948 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 05D Page 197), with Probate granted to son Stanley Burton.

Henry George Case and Amelia Elizabeth Baker

Disused railway bridge over Rotherhithe New Road
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen Craven - geograph.org.uk/p/2426607

Henry George Case (b. 1851 on Alderney, Channel Islands) son of Henry Case and Elizabeth Symes married Amelia Elizabeth Baker (b. 1854), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, on 23 Dec 1877, at Christ Church, Watney Street, St George in the East. Henry's address was 23 Cowley Street and his profession was Stone Mason. Witnesses were Amelia's older brother Charles Richard Baker and Sophia Baker, her younger sister.

Henry and Amelia had seven children:

1. Henry Charles Case b. 1879 M Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 567
2. Elizabeth Amelia Case b. 1880 S Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 518
3. Frederick John Case b. 1882 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 561. Died in 1883 J Quarter in MILE END OLD TOWN Volume 01C Page 374
4. Frederick William Case b. 1885 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 878. Died in 1885 J Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 493
5. Ellen Rosina Case b. 1887 M Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 989
6. John Frederick Case b. 1889 S Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 1D Page 895. Died 1891 M Quarter in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D Page 673
7. George Alfred Case b. 1891 S Qtr in CAMBERWELL Vol 01D 959

In 1881, Henry George Case (30) Oil & colorman (shop) from Alderney, Guernsey, Channel Islands, was living at 107, Ernest Street, Mile End Old Town with Emelia Eliz (sic) (26), Henry C Case (2) and Elizabeth A Case (1), as well as Matilda Pearson (29) Sewing Machinist, Lodger.

In 1891, Henry George Case (39) Oil & General Stores, from Guernsey, Channel Islands was in Bramcote Road, Camberwell, Southwark with Amelia E Case (36), Henry C Case (12), Elizabeth A Case (10) and Ellen R Case (4).

In 1901, Henry George Case (50) General Shop Keeper from Alderney, Channel Islands, was living at 80 Bramcote Road, Camberwell with Amelia E Case (47), Henry C Case (22), Elizabeth A Case (22), Ellen R Case (14), George A Case (9) and Christopher F Barden (sic) (13) Visitor. (Christopher Frederick Burden, b. 1888, was son of Amelia's sister, Sophia.)

In 1911, Henry George Case (60) Painter and Paperhanger from Alderney, Channel Islands, was living at 331 Rotherhithe New Road, Bermondsey with Amelia Elizabeth Case (58), George Alfred Case (19) Engineering Clerk; Elizabeth Amelia Case (30), Ellen Rosina Case (24) both Shirt Machinists; Edward M Leslie Mead (21) Boarder and Peter Washington (78) Widower, Retired Ship's Carpenter from Guernsey, Channel Islands, Visitor.

In 1921, George Henry Case (70) Stone Mason retired, was living at 23, Balham Hill, Wandsworth with Amelia Elizabeth Case (68), Elizabeth Amelia Case (41) and Elsie Whitford (34) Dressmaker from Guernsey, Boarder.

Amelia Elizabeth Case died, at 69, in 1922 J Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 666.

Henry George Case of 13 Lynette Avenue, Clapham, died, aged 79, on 28 Feb 1930 (1930 M Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 581) and was buried on 6 Mar 1930 at Streatham Cemetery. Probate was granted on 1 Apr 1930 to his eldest son, Henry Charles Case, Law Stationer.

Charles Frederick Burden and Sophia Baker

Watney Street and entrances to Shadwell Stations
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Ben Brooksbank - geograph.org.uk/p/3999191

Charles Frederick Burden (b. 22 Oct 1858, bap. 15 Apr 1860 at Holy Trinity (built 1844, demolished 1963), Milton-Next-Gravesend, Kent), Customs Officer, then of 363 Cable Street, son of William Henry Burden, Customs Officer, and Mary Elizabeth Sharland, married Sophia Baker (b. 1858), daughter of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, at Christ Church Watney Street, St George in the East, on 13 Oct 1878. Witnesses were Charles Richard Baker, the bride's brother, and an Elizabeth Pearson. (Charles' father's occupation was later listed as a Tidewaiter - who was a customs officer who boarded ships on their arrival to enforce the customs regulations.)

Charles and Sophia had six children:

1. Amelia Mary Burden b. 1879 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 409. Died, aged 3, in 1883 S Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 275
2. Jessie Edith Burden b. 1881 J Quarter in SAINT GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 402
3. Ethel May Burden b. 1883 J Quarter in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Volume 01C Page 411
4. Hilda Irene Burden b. 1884 S Quarter in POPLAR Volume 01C Page 652
5. Alfred Charles Burden b. 1886 J Qtr in WEST HAM Vol 04A Page 48
6. Christopher Frederick Burden b. 26 Nov 1887, Reg: 1888 M Quarter in WEST HAM Volume 04A Page 57

All of the registrations show the mother's maiden name as Baker.

In 1881, Charles F Burden (22) Bricklayer was living at 27, Watney Street, St George in the East with wife Sophia Burden (22) and Amelia M Burden (1). Living there also were Dan and Sarah Jane Tompson (formerly Sarah Jane Baker, Sophia's sister); Eliza Louisa Tompson (my great-grandmother); Sarah Sophia Tompson, Mabel Grace Tompson and Mary Adcock Tompson.

In 1891, Chas Fredk Burden (32) Surveyor, Sophia (32), Jessie (9), Ethel (8), Irene (6), Alfred (5) and Christopher (3) were in Stamford Road, East Ham.

On 6 Apr 1892, Charles Frederick Burden, Architect, became a member of St. John Lodge (United Grand Lodge of England Freemason Membership).

Christine Miller at Gin and Genealogy tells us that Charles Burden had risen to the position of Superintendent of Works at Mile End Workhouse around 1884 and was appointed the Architect for the Guardians of the Poor in 1894. "Then, suddenly, the Eastern Post Newspaper of February 25th 1899, brings news of Charles Burden’s sudden resignation ..." Due to a sex scandal.

No longer surprising then, in July 1900, C F Burden (40) Architect, arrived in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada, sailing from Liverpool on the SS Tunisian.

In 1901, Sophia Burden (42) Married, listed as head of the household was living in Daubeney Road, Hackney with Jessie E Burden (19), Ethel M Burden (18), Hilda J Burden (16) and Alfred C Burden (15). Christopher F Burden (13) was staying with his Aunt Amelia, his mother's sister. Having left the UK, Charles Burden was by that time lodging in Massey, Ontario, Canada.

In 1910, Charles Burden (~50), Architect, embarked in Montreal on the SS Barbadian (Leyland Line) travelling from New Orleans to Liverpool, arriving in Liverpool on 27 Oct 1910. Chas Fred Burden arrived in Canada again in Feb 1911, on the SS Sardinian, which I think also sailed from Liverpool, with destination Massey, Ontario and shows he'd previously lived in Canada for 10 years, from 1900 to 1910, which concurs with the 1900 record.

In 1911, Sophia Burden (52) Married and once again head of the household, was living in Lower Clapton, London with Alfred Charles Burden (25), Christopher F Burden (23) and Hilda Irene Burden (26). (Ethel May had married in 1902 and Jessie Edith in 1903). While, Charles F Burden (listed as 56) was again a Lodger in a household in Algoma East, Ontario, Canada.

In 1921, Chas Frederick Burden (62) was, a Boarder (presumably getting fed too) in a household in Algoma East, Ontario, Canada, living with Arthur Albert Hallett (41), Emily Hallett (35) and what appears to be their four children. Sophia Burden (62) Housewife, meanwhile, was living at 173, Chatsworth Road, Hackney, with three young gentleman boarders.

In 1931, C F Burden (~70) Architect, Married, was lodging, it appears still in the household of Arthur A Hallett in Massey, Ontario, Canada.

Sophia Burden died, aged 73, in 1931 D Qtr in HACKNEY Vol 01B 388.

Charles Frederick Burden, Architect, Widower, died, aged 77, in Massey, Ontario, Canada, on 14 Dec 1935 with cause of death given as chronic myocarditis (heart failure). The record specifies his length of residence in Canada as being 35 years, which again agrees with the record of him arriving in 1900. His obituary describes him as "a grand old man, liked by all". 

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright

St Michael at Plea Church (Norwich Christian Resource Centre)
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/1398216

Spire of Holy Trinity, Norwich
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Graham Hardy - 
geograph.org.uk/p/167498

James Baker (bap. on Leap Day, 29 Feb 1824 in Trowse, Norfolk) Widower, Servant, son of James Baker and Sarah Leach, married Mary Ann Wright (b. 11 Oct 1838 in Heigham, Norfolk), Spinster, daughter of James Wright and Mary Ann Minns, both then resident in Heigham, at Holy Trinity, Norwich on 7 Oct 1866. Witnesses were three of Mary Ann's 1st cousins: Samuel Blazey, Hannah Blazey (my 2x great-grandmother) and Elizabeth Blazey.

This was James Baker's third marriage.

In the first quarter of 1849, James Baker had married Virtue Dunham, also in Norwich. James and Virtue Baker had two children:

1. James William Baker b. 1850 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 13 Page 308, bap. 19 May 1850 in Heigham, Norwich
2. Mary Baker b. 1852 J Quarter in HENSTEAD Volume 04B Page 186, bap. 23 May 1852 in Trowse, Norwich

In 1851, James Baker (28) 'Keeper of lunatic gent', from Trowse Newton, Norfolk; Virtue Baker (28) birthplace listed as Bellingham (Burlingham); J W Baker [James William] (0) and Elizabeth Dunham (8) from Lingwood, Norfolk, Niece, were living in Philadelphia, Saint Clement, Norwich.

Then Virtue Baker died, aged 30, in 1854 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 128 and was buried, on 27 Aug 1854 in Heigham, Norfolk.

And so, James Baker (35) Widower, Dealer, son of James Baker, Labourer, married Julia Mickleburgh (23) Spinster, daughter of Robert Mickleburgh, Labourer, on 7 Nov 1859, at the church of St Michael-at-Plea, Norwich. Born Julia Anne Mickleburgh on 3 Aug 1837 (1837 S Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 13 Page 18), bap. 17 Aug 1837 in Postwick, Norwich, James' second wife was the daughter of Robert Mickleburgh and Alitha Kate Barrett.

In 1861, James Baker (36) Servant, from Trowse; Julia Baker (24) from Postwick; James Baker (11) and Mary Ann Baker (9), Scholars, were living at Newmans Buildings, 1, Armes Street, Heigham, Norwich.

Julia had an illegitimate child before marriage, as Henry, son of Julia Anne Mickleborough (sic), Spinster was baptised at Postwick, on 17 Jan 1858. However, the infant died in 1858 M Quarter in BLOFIELD UNION Volume 04B Page 177 and was buried in Postwick on 24 Jan 1858. There is no evidence of any further children with James Baker and, then Julia Baker died, age listed as 26, in 1861 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 130.

James Baker and Mary Ann Wright then added three children:

3. Ellen Mary Baker b. 14 Apr 1867 (1867 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 166)
4. Eliza Harriet Baker b. 8 Aug 1869 in Nelson Street, Heigham (1869 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)
5. Herbert Alfred Baker b. 27 Jul 1874 (1874 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 155)

In 1871, living in Seppings Buildings, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (32) Wife, Dressmaker with Ellen M Baker (3) and Eliza H Baker (1). James Baker (47) from Trowse, was not in the family home and was listed as a Servant, with his occupation being "Male attendant" at Heigham Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich. (Heigham Private Lunatic Asylum, which had opened in 1836, was almost opposite the Dolphin Inn. It's grounds "filled the large swathe of land between Armes Street, Nelson Street, Old Palace Road and Heigham Street." It closed in 1960. [Source]. It was an asylum for ‘patients belonging to the upper and middle classes’.)

In 1881, once again at Seppings Buildings, 1, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich were Mary Ann Baker (42) Wife, Dressmaker; Ellen Mary Baker (13), Eliza H Baker (11) and Herbert A Baker (6). Once again, James Baker (age rounded down to 55) Hosp[ital] attendant on the insane, birthplace Trowse, was listed at Heigham Hall Asylum, Old Palace Road, Heigham, Norwich.

James Baker died at 63 on 1 Sep 1887 (1887 S Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 112). He is buried at Earlham Old Cemetery, Section 7 Plot 182. Probate was granted at the Principle Registry in Norwich on 22 Sep 1887.

In 1891, Mary A Baker (52) Widow, Dressmaker, was living at 186, Nelson Street, Norwich, Norfolk with her daughter, Eliza H Baker (21) Dressmaker; and son, Herbert A Baker (16) Shoe Hand.

In 1901, and still at 186, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich, were Mary A Baker (62) Widow, with Herbert A Baker (26) Boot & shoe trimmer; Eliza H Bream (31), Jack W Bream (2) and Fred H Bream (0).

Mary Ann Baker, Widow of James Baker, a Valet, died, aged 65, at 186, Nelson Street, Heigham, Norwich, on 6 May 1904 (1904 J Quarter in NORWICH Volume 04B Page 100) from Locomotor Ataxia 1 year, Apoplexy 23 years, Cardiac Syncope and is buried at Earlham Old Cemetery along with her late husband. Probate was granted on 11 Nov 1904 to Herbert Alfred Baker, Licenced Victualler. She left £285 8s 9d (~£44,000 in 2025).

Their headstone reads: In loving memory of JAMES the beloved husband of MARY ANN BAKER who died 1st September 1887 aged 63 years also of MARY ANN the beloved wife of the above who died 6th May 1904 aged 65 years Call not back the dear departed Anchored safe where storms are o'er On the border land we left them Soon to meet and part no more. (These words are from the hymn, Our Missing Treasures, written by Fanny Crosby.)

John Winship Soppit and Mary Ellen Bradley

Sangley Rd, Lewisham
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © N Chadwick - geograph.org.uk/p/3162332

John Winship Soppit (b. 1 Mar 1882 in Greenwich), son of John Soppit and Louisa Tompson married Mary Ellen Finch, at St Lawrence, Catford (built in 1887, demolished in 1968) on 24 Sep 1904. Born Mary Ellen Bradley in 1872 M Quarter in YORK Volume 09D Page 12, she was the illegitimate daughter of Mary Elizabeth Bradley. Following her mother's marriage to George Henry Finch she was known as Mary Ellen Finch. [Source]

John and Mary Ellen had three daughters:

1. Dorothy Louisa Soppit b. 18 Aug 1906 in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 471
2. Hilda Mary Soppit b. 14 Aug 1908 in LAMBETH Vol 01D Page 477
3. Kate Winship Soppit b. 12 Oct 1910 in Lewisham 

The records for the first two girls show the mother's maiden name as Finch. 

In 1911, living at 78 Sangley Road, Lewisham, were John Winship Soppit (29) Joiner from Deptford; Mary Ellen Soppit (36) with birthplace listed as York; Dorothy Louisa Soppit (4) birthplace Brixton; Hilda Mary Soppit (2) birthplace Brixton and Kate Winship Soppit (0) born in Catford.

In 1917, then actually 35 (not 33 as listed) John Winship Soppit enlisted (was probably conscripted) into the Royal Army Medical Corps (RAMC) at the 4th General Hospital, Birmingham. [See more at: Birmingham’s Military Hospitals] At the time of his discharge he was a nursing orderly. [Source]

In 1921, John Winship Soppit (39) Commercial Traveller was a visitor in the household of his brother, Joseph at 175, George Lane, Lewisham; while Mary Ellen Soppit (39ish) was living at 107 Reservoir Rd, Erdington, Birmingham with George Alfred Finch (41) Commercial Traveller (Brother), Dorothy Louisa Soppit (14), Hilda Mary Soppit (12) and Kate Winship Soppit (10).

Mary Ellen Soppit died, aged 51, in 1924 D Quarter in BIRMINGHAM NORTH Volume 06D Page 486 and was buried 13 Oct 1924 at the church of St Barnabas, Erdington, Birmingham.

John Winship Soppit (46), Widower, Commercial Traveller of 107 Reservoir Rd, Erdington, Birmingham, then remarried to Mary Baker (née Morrell), Widow (43), daughter of William Jabez Morrell and Sarah Waldron, at the Parish Church in Erdington, Birmingham (St Barnabas' Church, Erdington) on 8 Dec 1928. (Her first husband Samuel Horatio Baker had died in 1925 and she had at least two sons from that previous marriage.)

Second wife, Mary Soppit, died, aged 65, on 13 Jul 1950 (1950 S Quarter in BIRMINGHAM Volume 09C Page 15).

John Winship Soppit died, in Birmingham, on 6 May 1969. The death notice in The London Gazette gives his address as 15 Homecroft Rd, Yardley, Birmingham. It's ironic that growing up in Birmingham in the 1960's, at times we'd have been mere streets from there, while my mother felt as 'a fish out of water' in that city. If only she'd known she had blood relatives so close.

• Dorothy Louisa Soppit died in DOR Q2/1989 in BIRMINGHAM (0611K) Volume 32 Page 1041
• Hilda M Soppit married James F Lawless, in Birmingham, in 1933. James Frederick Lawless (bap. Jacobus Fredericus Lawless at the Roman Catholic parish of Most Holy Sacrament & St Osburg, in Coventry, in 1908.) The couple don't appear to have had children. In 1939, they lived at 286 Chester Road, Hardwick (286 Chester Road, Streetly, Sutton Coldfield). James Frederick Lawless died in 1980 in Carmarthen. Hilda Mary Lawless of 15 Homecroft Road, Yardley, Birmingham died, aged 86, on 18 Mar 1994 at Lapworth Nursing Home, Chessetts Wood Road, Solihull and was buried at Yardley Cemetery & Crematorium, on 25 Mar 1994.
• Kate Winship Soppit died in DOR Q3/1998 in SOLIHULL.

It's evident, therefore, that neither Dorothy, nor Kate ever married.

Robert Middleton and Elizabeth Baker

St Peters Church, Knowstone
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Roger Cornfoot - geograph.org.uk/p/6092409

Robert Medelton (sic) (b. ~1791) married Elizabeth Baker (b. ~1800) at St Peters Church, Knowstone, Devon on 21 Sept 1821. Unfortunately, there are no baptism records to trace their origins further, however, Elizabeth Baker was from Knowstone and came to the marriage with an illegitimate daughter, Mary Baker, born ~1821, but for whom there's no baptism record either.

Robert and Elizabeth added seven children, baptised in Knowstone: 

1. Elizabeth Medelton (sic) bap. 19 Jan 1823 (buried 23 May 1824)
2. William Medelton (sic) bap. 13 Mar 1825 (buried 5 Jun 1825)
3. Robert Medelton (sic) bap. 4 Jun 1826
4. Jane Medelton (sic) bap. 15 Mar 1829
5. Maria Middleton bap. 22 Jan 1832 (buried 21 Sep 1834)
6. Harriot Medelton (sic) bap. 4 May 1834
7. Thomas Middleton b. 1841 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 10 Page 209, mother's maiden name BAKER, bap. 25 Jul 1841

Spellings are always variable, but none more so than with Middleton / Medelton and it's variations, which I'm sure is as a result of the officiator writing down what they heard said in a thick West Country accent. 

The North Devon Journal of 25 Jun 1835 reported that "Farmer William Blackwell, of Knowstone, charged Robert Middleton, a labourer, with harbouring Mary Baker, his parish apprentice. It seemed that for some fault the farmer's wife had beaten her, not by any means with undue severity, and that she had run off to the defendant's (her father-in-law)[1], who, instead of taking her back to her master, had kept her at home a fortnight: this he had done on other occasions before. The defendant appeared to have acted under the idea that the child had been treated cruelly; but the magistrates warned him that supposing that had been the case, of which there was not the slightest proof, his duty was to apply to the overseers who would see that the parish apprentices were not subjected to any improper usage."

[1] On many occasions I've seen "in-law" used in place of "step".

In 1841, Robert (50), Agricultural Labourer, and Elizabeth (40), were living, as were many other families, in "Part of Lower High Building" in Knowstone, with Harriet (7) and Thomas (0). Robert Middleton Jnr (15) Ag Lab was out working, for William Follett at Bransford, Knowstone, while Jane Middleton (12), was similarly employed by John Bucknell at Beaple's Barton. 

Robert Middleton died, aged 50, and his death was registered in 1842 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 140. The Exeter and Plymouth Gazette of 19 Mar 1842 reports on the particulars. "Suicide: On Monday last the 14th inst., an inquest was held in the parish of Knowstone, before J Partridge, Esq., coroner on the body of Robert Middleton, a man of rather weak intellect, and a pauper of that parish, who had committed suicide, by lacerating his left arm with a razor, and bled to death. It appeared that on Saturday the 5th, he had received half-a-crown for labour, from a farmer of the parish, and that he went to a public house, and spent the greater part of it. In consequence of spending the money, an altercation took place between him and his wife. On the Sunday morning following he was heard to say that he would destroy himself, and one of his children observed that he took a razor and made a slight laceration in his arm, from which blood appeared; soon after which he left his house, and about nine o'clock the same morning, he was discovered lying upon his face in a barn, a few hundred yards distant from his cottage. He was desired to leave the barn, which he did, and walked in the direction of a coppice on the other side of the field, and was never seen alive afterwards. He was accidentally found on Sunday the 13th by his landlord, in the coppice towards which he had been walking. The body presented a most emaciated and wretched spectacle, being enveloped in rags and filth, with the same shirt in which he had left the Union [Workhouse] at Christmas. In the left arm were several slight lacerations, but one had divided the artery and caused death; in his waistcoat pocket was found a razor stained with blood. The Jury returned a verdict of Felo de se, and he was accordingly buried in the church-yard, between the hours of nine and twelve the same night."

Persons who were judged guilty of Felo de se (felon of himself) - it was then a crime - would forfeit their property (very doubtful Robert had any) and be subjected to 'a shameful burial'. Burials for felones de se typically took place at night, with no mourners nor clergy. In England and Wales, the offence of felo de se was abolished by section 1 of the Suicide Act 1961.

Then the following item appeared in the same newspaper of 2 Apr 1842. "KNOWSTONE AGAIN: Resurrectionists.- Several attempts have been made to steal the body of that poor unfortunate creature, Robert Middleton, who a short time since committed suicide, and was buried about midnight in the churchyard of this parish; but hitherto the villains have been disappointed. It was suspected that on a certain night an attempt would be made, and the grave was accordingly watched; when in the dead of the night two notorious characters of the parish were observed to remove the earth to within about a foot of the body, when finding they were discovered they made a most precipitate retreat, once more disappointed of their booty."

A Beginner’s Guide to Body Snatching, explains why the interest in his body: "In the early days of surgery, dissecting a corpse was seen as a heinous defilement of the body, akin to cannibalism in its vulgarity. But the growing field of surgical science demanded bodies for study. The gallows were the only place surgeons could get cadavers. Executed criminals were fair game to slice and dice, as were suicide victims, but not regular law-abiding corpses."

In 1851, Betty Medelington (sic) (46) Widow from Knowstone, Devon; Thomas Medelington (10) and Robert Medelington (24) were all Lodgers in the household of Thomas Chapple, Farm Lab, at Rock, Knowstone.

In 1861, Thomas Middleton (19) was a House Servant to James Perryman at Higher Radnidge Farm, Old Way Road, East Anstey, Devon.

In 1871, Elizabeth Middleton (71), widow and annuitant, was a lodger in the household of George Bawden, at Bawden Cottage, Knowstone, who was Elizabeth's son-in-law, married to her eldest daughter, Mary Baker.

Elizabeth Middleton died, aged 73 in 1873 S Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON and was buried on 31 Aug 1873, at St Peters Church, Knowstone.

George Bawden and Mary Baker

Knowstone : Cottage & Church
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Lewis Clarke - geograph.org.uk/p/3980875

George Bawden (bap. 9 Dec 1821 in Knowstone, Devon), son of John Boaden (sic), Shoemaker and Ann Marshall, married Mary Baker, illegitimate daughter of Elizabeth Baker, at St Peter's church, Knowstone on 15 Aug 1845.

George and Mary appear to have had seven children:

1. George Bawden b. 1845 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 286. Died 1845 D Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 133.
2. John Bawden b. 1847 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 Page 205
3. Mary Ann Boaden (sic) b. 1850 J Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 10 216
4. George Boaden (sic) b. 1854 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 426. George Bawden aged 1 was buried on 26 Dec 1855
5. Grace Boaden (sic) b. 1857 M Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 415. Died at 16 months in 1858 J Quarter in SOUTH MOLTON Volume 05B Page 302 and was buried on 2 May 1858 in Knowstone
6. Grace Bawden b. 1860 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 417
7. George Bawden b. 1863 M Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B Page 480

The mother's maiden name on all of these births was BAKER.

In 1851, George Boaden (sic) (29) Farm Labourer and Mary Boaden (30) were living in Knowstone Town, with John Boaden (3) and Mary Anne Boaden (0).

In 1861, George Boaden (sic) (39) Labourer and Mary Boaden (40) were living at West House, West Village, Knowstone with Mary Boaden (10) and Grace Boaden (0). John Bouden (sic) (13) was a Farm Servant at Allshire, Higher Sour Hill, Brushford, Dulverton, Somerset.

In 1871, George Bawden (49) and Mary Bawden (50) were living at Bawden Cottage, Knowstone with George Bawden (8) and Elizabeth Middleton (71) Annuitant, Lodger, but who was in fact, Mary's widowed mother. Grace Bawden (10) was a Domestic Servant at Beaples Barton, Knowstone.

George Bawden died at 51 in 1872 D Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 301 and was buried on 20 Oct 1872 in St Peter's churchyard.

Mary Bawden, Widow, then remarried to Thomas Marshall, Widower, son of Edward Marshall and Elizabeth Sellick, at St Peter's, Knowstone on 9 Jun 1875. The next wedding to take place in that church and listed on the same page of the register, was that of Mary's half-sister (and my 2x great-grandmother), Jane Middleton to William Flew, on 2 Sep 1875. And Thomas Marshall was the brother of James Marshall, who had married William Flew's sister, Mary Elworthy (née Flew) in 1856. In addition to that, Mary Baker's first husband, George Bawden's mother, Ann Marshall, was the sister of her 2nd husband, Thomas Marshall's father, Edward Marshall, so her two husbands were first cousins. What a small gene pool they had in these villages. Honestly, an episode of Soap would be easier to follow! 

Thomas Marshall had previously married Hannah Kingdom (bap. 26 Aug 1827 in Knowstone) daughter of John Kingdom and Mary Marley, in Knowstone, on 31 Mar 1847. Thomas and Hannah had four children. Hannah Marshall died at 46 on 25 Feb 1875 (1875 M Quarter in SOUTHMOLTON Volume 05B Page 378) and was buried that same day in Knowstone churchyard.

In 1881, Thomas Marshall (61) Ag Lab and Mary Marshall (60) were living in Knowstone Village. Grace Bowden (sic) (20) was Servant to Charles Williams, Grocer at 1, Queen Street, South Molton; and George Bowden (sic) Jnr (18) was an Ag Lab (indoors) at Whitefield Farm, Knowstone.

Have been unable to find them [as yet] in 1891, nor a death for Mary.

Thomas Marshall died at 77 in 1896 S Qtr in SOUTH MOLTON Vol 05B 275.

Charles Richard Baker and Ellen Linklater

Shadwell Basin
cc-by-sa/2.0 - © Stephen McKay - geograph.org.uk/p/4625222

Charles Richard Baker, son of Charles Hoile Baker and Amelia Young, married Ellen Linklater, daughter of John Linklater and Ellen Willett, on 22 Jul 1867 at Croydon, St John. Now The Minster Church of St John Baptist at Croydon, the record of the marriage lists that the marriage took place in the Temporary Parish Church. This was because on the night of 5 Jan 1867, a fire had broken out that had gutted the entire building. "During the period of rebuilding, services were held in a temporary "iron church", with seating for 700, erected in April 1868 in Scarbrook Road." Therefore, Charles and Ellen's marriage must have taken place in an even more temporary building, or one being used in the interim, before even that was erected. Both the bride and groom were then 19 and resident in Croydon. Ellen's father was a Mariner.

Charles and Ellen had seven children, of whom four died in infancy:

1. Frederick Charles Baker b. 1867 D Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 472. Died 1867 D Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 348.
2. Ellen Margaret Baker b. 1868 S Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 430. Died 1870 M Quarter in STEPNEY Volume 01C Page 351.
3. George John Baker b. 1870 S Quarter in STEPNEY Vol 01C Page 442.
4. Amelia Mary Ann Baker b. 1872 D Qtr in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Vol 01C Page 431. Died 1872 D Qtr in ST GEORGE Vol 01C Page 263.
5. Annie Elizabeth Baker b. 1874 M Qtr in ST GEORGE Vol 01C Page 431
6. Charles Hoile Baker b. 1876 M Qtr in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Vol 01C Page 442
7. Amy Baker b. 1877 S Qtr in ST GEORGE IN THE EAST Vol 01C Page 371. Died 1877 S Quarter in ST GEORGE Vol 01C Page 277.

(In 1851, the 3 year old Ellen and her mother - presumably her father was at sea - had been living in the household of Maximilian Bates (43) School Master and his wife Amy. Maximilian Bates had married Amy Willett in 1834. The youngest child, therefore, was almost certainly named for Ellen's aunt.)

In 1871, in Shadwell, Stepney: Charles Baker (23), Ellen Baker (22), George John Baker (8 m), Margaret Horlock (28) and Ann Watt (56), Lodgers.

In 1881, at 26, Lower Shadwell, Shadwell, Stepney, London were Charles Richard Baker (33) Plumber; Ellen Baker (32) born in Greenhithe, Kent; George John Baker (10), Annie E Baker (7) and Charles H Baker (5).

We don't find them again on any census and the next record is for the death of Ellen Baker, wife of Chas Baker on 5 Apr 1907, from Pleurisy, Emphysema and Heart Failure at the Sanatorium, Berea, Durban, South Africa. At that time Charles Richard Baker was her surviving spouse. The record of the death also lists their three surviving children and their address at 164 Old Dutch Road (now 164 Chris Ntuli Rd, Musgrave, Berea, 4001, South Africa).

Charles Richard Baker, returned to England. He died, aged 60, in 1909 M Quarter in WANDSWORTH Volume 01D Page 479.