Page 56 - ‘A Blaker Family History’ The family history of Joseph Blaker (1916-2007; ‘Joe’)

© The Blaker Society
© The Blaker Society

Sarah was the fifth child born to William and Mary Blaker. Although the
records may be incorrect, it is thought that Sarah was subject of a
Boarding agreement in 1828, resulting in Miss Knight of Merstham
becoming her legal guardian.

In 1835, Sarah married Matthew Rice. The Rice family was very extensive
in the local area, with many working as ‘Agricultural Labourers’.

6.19.5.1 Matthew Rice (1811-1881)
Born: 1811, Balcombe, Sussex
Christened:
Married: 21 November 1835, aged 24 years, married Sarah Blaker: St.
Nicholas, Worth, Sussex
Died: 1876, aged 65 years; Worth, Sussex

Matthew’s parents were John Rice (1780-1863) and Mary Simmons
(1792-1864). He was one of 10 children born to John and Mary. Matthew
was an ‘Agricultural Labourer’.

In 1835, Matthew married Sarah Blaker.

6.19.5.2 Sarah Blaker and Matthew Rice
After their marriage, Sarah and Matthew lived in Worth, Sussex.

Sarah and Matthew had a large family, comprising at least twelve
children, most of who were born in Worth, Sussex:
• Elizabeth: b. 1838
• Mary Ann: b. 1840
• Martha: b. 1842
• Mildred: b. 1844, Three Bridges, Sussex
• Robert: b. 1846
• Amos: b. 1848
• Harry: b. 1850
• Jane: b. 1854
• Sarah: b. 1854
• James: b. 1855
• Ester: b. 1858
• Eliza: b. 1865

In the 1841 Census, Sarah and Matthew were living at ‘Brook Log’, Worth,
Sussex together with their first two children. Sarah’s parents, William and
Mary were visiting their daughter at the time of the Census. Ten years
later, Sarah and Matthew were living with seven children at New Barn,
Worth. Matthew was still working as an ‘Agricultural Labourer’.

By the time of the 1861 Census, Sarah and Matthew were recorded living
at ‘Furnance’, Worth, together with seven of their children.