Help finding John Herbert

[worth]

Hi all
Im looking for a John Herbert before 1861 please. He was born around 1816 in Ecchinswell in Hampshire (according to the 1861 census). In 1861 he was a lodger with William and Mary Challes in Newbury Berkshire aged 45 and single. He married a Sarah Arlett (or Lawrence) in 1863 in Ecchinswell, he has given his fathers name as George Herbert on the marriage certificate, but before 1861 i cannot find any mention of him. John died in 1866 in Hampshire aged 50 having just the 1 son William Herbert in 1864. Any help would be appreciated, thankyou in advance x

[softly softly]

I notice that the 1861 census records John's occupation as Pensioner. This suggests a possible military career, thus abroad in 2 previous census.

SS

[worth]

Thanks softly softly for replying.
Why would he be classed as a pensioner at the age of 45 as thats his age on the census in 1861, is that a standard thing x

[softly softly]

Thanks softly softly for replying.
Why would he be classed as a pensioner at the age of 45 as thats his age on the census in 1861, is that a standard thing x

Hi, There appear to be very minimal evidence of John Herbert from birth until he appears on the scene in 1861. I say "if" he joined up aged 15/16 he would have served possibly approx 30 years. His marriage record also records he was a bachelor suggesting he a career man. Nothing set in stone though as we all know.

SS

SS

[Little Nell]

Ecchinswell registers for the earlier part of the 19th century do not appear to be online, nothing on FamilySearch or Freereg.  It was originally a chapelry of Kingsclere, becoming a separate parish in 1852.  I can't find him in any transcription that I have either.

Nell