Benjamin Baker (1824-1875) - a first marriage?

[Descartes46]

Hello forum,

We always assumed that Benjamin Baker's marriage to Ann Waldon (23rd Aug 1868, St David's, Birmingham) was his only one and that their son Arthur Baker (b.1854) was their biological son. Delving in deeper, I noticed on the 1871 census that Benjamin (Widow) & Arthur (aged 18) are lodgers. This means Benjamin must have been married before as Arthur predates the BAKER/WALDON marriage! Is it possible for somebody to have a look for me. It would most likely have taken place in the Birmingham area. Many thanks, D.

[rosie99]

Have you tried looking for Benjamin and Arthur on the 1861 census

[Cas (stallc)]

There is this baptism

Arthur Baker
Gender   Male
Baptism Date   2 Jul 1854
Baptism Place   Saint Michael,Coventry,Warwick,England
Father   Benjamin Baker
Mother   Elizabeth
FHL Film Number   502206, 549659

BAKER, ARTHUR    mmn   TREADGOLD 
GRO Reference: 1854  J Quarter in COVENTRY  Volume 06D  Page 419

Cas
 

[Cas (stallc)]

Image of baptism gives his occ as paviour

https://www.ancestry.co.uk/discoveryui-content/view/304834329:2446

Can be found in 1851/1861 together

[Cas (stallc)]

There is this possible marriage with Benjamin Baker on same page

Name   Elizabeth Treadgold
Registration Year   1845
Registration Quarter   Oct-Nov-Dec
Registration district   Westminster St Margaret
Inferred County   London
Volume   1
Page   419

[Descartes46]

Wow! Thanks everybody. Some excellent facts to get my teeth into.

I found them in the 1861 census and sure enough Benjamin is living with his wife Elizabeth (from Lichfield) and son Arthur.

Thank you for finding the baptism and possible marriage. Both really helpful!

[rosie99]

Freebmd is an excellent free resource for looking up bmd’s indexes after registration started.  It does not cover all as it relies on volunteers doing the transcriptions.  The Online also free gro index fills in the missing gaps

[Descartes46]

Freebmd is an excellent free resource for looking up bmd’s indexes after registration started.  It does not cover all as it relies on volunteers doing the transcriptions.  The Online also free gro index fills in the missing gaps

Thanks Rosie