Greetings from the (almost spring-like) Black Forest! In my on-going genealogical battle for my family tree, I have made a breakthrough and at the same time, run into a “brick wall”. Perhaps you can give me some advice on how best to proceed, or possibly have the pertinent documents in your files. If not, would you please be able to give me a few hints as to where else I might search? I am trying to nail down the birth/death (and any family data) concerning James Baker as well as his son (and grandson) Walter. Here is the information so far available: (Extract from Meditations and Disquisitions upon the First Psalm (1639-1640) by Sir Richard Baker) 1. James Baker, mentioned in the will of his grandfather (Thomas Baker of Cranebroke, Kent), 1493, and of his father (Richard Baker of Cranebroke, Kent) in 1504; to whom married not stated; had issue one son, named Walter. (James was a brother of Sr. John “Bloody” Baker of Sissinghurst, Kent.) 2. Walter Baker of Sherborne, Dorset, gentleman: his will is dated 19th of April, the 26tth year of Queen Elizabeth; proved 28th of May 1854; married Catherine – , widow; she was left executrix to her husband’s will, and had issue one son. 3. Walter Baker, married at Poole co., Dorset, 22nd January 1592, to Rebecca, daughter of John Andrew; baptized at Poole, 15 July 1573; he had issue eight sons and two daughters. The date of baptism with their names as follows: William, 1593; Walter, 1595; John, 1598; Robert, 1601; Andrew, 1604; James, 1605; Nicholas, 1607; Joseph, 1610; Judith, 1596; and Rebecca, 1612. William, the eldest, married Elizabeth Gosselin of Poole, 1619. No record that any other son or daughter was married except Andrew, the fifth son, and he inherited his father’s estate. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated! Best regards, Linda Thomsen

Hello Linda, I have asked a friend of mine with 30 years experience doing family research to look at the Baker family you mentioned. Firstly I did notice that the extracts that you mention were from a book that was destroyed by Sir Johns son-in law & the book on line is a reproduction. Do you come into the family through Dorset or Kent as you have not given your own line in any way. But I am guessing Dorset. The dates are very early for a lot of church records to still exist. We looked at the Visitations for Dorset & Kent & the only Bakers mentioned from these two counties was Sir John Baker who was obviously the first to be knighted & there is not a large tree to this family. If he had a brother James he is not mentioned & would not be mentioned as he would not be entitled to use the title. There is nothing to relate the family of Kent to Dorset, there were a great many Baker families & a number in other parts of England who held a title according to the visitations. Have you tried to get hold of the wills you mention as wills are the only way to track your family but I doubt you will trace them further into the early 1500's & 1400's. A book you might be interested in is "Halsteds Kent,ii.281, and iii.49" there is a reference to the Baker family, the book would be at the County Record Office, they might copy the reference to the Baker family for you. A lot of written genealogy is not terribly accurate which is maddening at times as I have found over the years. I wish you well with yours. Kind regards, Robyn -----Original Message----- From: dorset-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:dorset-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of LW-Thomsen@t-online.de Sent: Friday, 18 February 2011 10:22 PM To: DORSET@rootsweb.com Subject: [DOR] James/Walter Baker (1500s) Greetings from the (almost spring-like) Black Forest! In my on-going genealogical battle for my family tree, I have made a breakthrough and at the same time, run into a "brick wall". Perhaps you can give me some advice on how best to proceed, or possibly have the pertinent documents in your files. If not, would you please be able to give me a few hints as to where else I might search? I am trying to nail down the birth/death (and any family data) concerning James Baker as well as his son (and grandson) Walter. Here is the information so far available: (Extract from Meditations and Disquisitions upon the First Psalm (1639-1640) by Sir Richard Baker) 1. James Baker, mentioned in the will of his grandfather (Thomas Baker of Cranebroke, Kent), 1493, and of his father (Richard Baker of Cranebroke, Kent) in 1504; to whom married not stated; had issue one son, named Walter. (James was a brother of Sr. John "Bloody" Baker of Sissinghurst, Kent.) 2. Walter Baker of Sherborne, Dorset, gentleman: his will is dated 19th of April, the 26tth year of Queen Elizabeth; proved 28th of May 1854; married Catherine - , widow; she was left executrix to her husband's will, and had issue one son. 3. Walter Baker, married at Poole co., Dorset, 22nd January 1592, to Rebecca, daughter of John Andrew; baptized at Poole, 15 July 1573; he had issue eight sons and two daughters. The date of baptism with their names as follows: William, 1593; Walter, 1595; John, 1598; Robert, 1601; Andrew, 1604; James, 1605; Nicholas, 1607; Joseph, 1610; Judith, 1596; and Rebecca, 1612. William, the eldest, married Elizabeth Gosselin of Poole, 1619. No record that any other son or daughter was married except Andrew, the fifth son, and he inherited his father's estate. Any assistance you can provide will be greatly appreciated! Best regards, Linda Thomsen *************************************** When replying to this message, please spare a thought for your fellow list members, and anyone searching the archives in the future. SNIP everything which is not essential for comprehension or continuity (including the footers which will be put back anyway!) ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to DORSET-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message