Page 2 - ‘A Blaker Family History’ The family history of Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’)

© The Blaker Society
© The Blaker Society

1. Foreward
This text documents the results of a project to determine the family history of
Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’), looking specifically at his predecessors. It is
entitled ‘A Blaker Family History’.

The current genealogy project involved research over the period 2004 to 2013,
with most of this being undertaken by Graham Joseph Blaker (1946- ; ‘Joe’; son-
of ‘Joe’) and his wife, Juliet Elizabeth Blaker (1948- ; nee Hammond; ‘Juliet’).

It is hoped that this text will go some way to recording the life and times of ‘Joe’
and his predecessors, and to answer the question, ‘where did he come from’? The
work is also intended to be a point of reference for members of our family who
have an interest in their family history, and it is hoped that, as time progresses,
and new information emerges, they will wish to add to this body of knowledge.

Throughout there is an underlying desire to learn more, since bald facts do not
paint an adequate picture of the people concerned – how we wish we had been
able to talk to more people during their lifetimes – sadly opportunities that have
been missed cannot now be recovered.

This genealogy project has uncovered many fascinating insights into the lives of
the people, and the social history of the times concerned. The story that has
emerged covers a wide spectrum of professions, accomplishments, wealth, social
status, life styles and life spans - with the advent of premature death, as a
consequence of respiratory infections in the era before antibiotics, being striking.
There are examples of most human situations – of obvious joy, and obvious
sadness and tragedy.

The earliest records date back to the early 1500s, and trace back 12 generations
for my father ‘Joe’. At the time that the current project started, we had no idea
that there was such a strong lineage in Sussex back through the centuries.
Indeed, my father, ‘Joe’ was approached by several people with the Blaker
surname in the Brighton area, to see if he was related to them, but, in ignorance
he replied that his family came from London, not Sussex. How we wish we had
known our true roots, and how we would love him to know what we have
discovered – maybe he is looking over our shoulder now!

Other text have documented the lineage of ‘Peg’ Blaker (1920- ; my mother),
‘Lewis’ Hammond (1904-2000; my father-in-law) and ‘Joyce’ Hammond (1908-
2004; my mother-in-law). Accordingly, the current text does not include
substantive material relating to ‘Peg’ Blaker (nee Jackson).

Copies of all reference materials are separately collated, as are copies of birth,
marriage and death certificates.

We hope you find something of interest, as you look at the fruits of our research
and travels. Any views expressed are based on our best available information.