The Family of Benjamin Benton The Grocer of Plaistow, West Ham, Essex

James Benton - Second Son of Benjamin The Grocer

James was born 14 June 1822 at West Ham, Essex, and baptised 21 July 1822 at All Saints Church. Both dates are recorded on the parish baptism record.

1841 Census:

In 1841, James is living with his parents at Black Lion Row, Plaistow.

1851 Census

In the 1851 census, James is aged 28, unmarried and listed as "General Grocery Shop", at Black Lion Row, Plaistow. He has a servant, Charlotte Martindale, aged 15. It would appear that he had taken over his father's grocery shop.

1861 Census:

By 1861 James had left the grocer's shop and if we have the correct person, had become a house painter. He was married, but on census night was lodging at 5 Upton Row, Church Street, West Ham.

1871 Census:

In 1871 James is a lodger at 10 Warrington St West Ham, married and aged 47. His occupation is difficult to read but could be "Hawker". It is likely to be the correct James as he gave his place of birth as Plaistow.

James is not in the 1881 or 1891 censuses, suggesting he had died between 1871 and 1881. We know little else about this James. He is listed as married in the 1861 census but is a lodger in 1861 and 1871 so this does not identify his wife or family. There is a marriage for a James Benton in West Ham, Sep qtr 1858 4a/43 to Sarah Ann AYLETT but this is not the correct James. The marriage certificate shows the James who married Sarah Ann AYLETT was aged 21 years (born 1837), a Carman from Woodford and his father was James BENTON, carpenter.

There is a death for a James BENTON at West Ham, Sep 1874 4a/48. The age given for this James of 52 gives his year of birth of 1822, the correct year for our James.

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Last updated: 02/02/2020