Martin Newth was baptized on 6 Dec 1702 at St. Botolph, Bishopsgate, London, England, the son of Adrian and Anna Newth. With this baptism record, he was certainly born in 1702, but the date was not recorded. He married Maria Young, born in 1708, on 13 Feb 1725 at St. Andrew, Holborn, Camden, London. Additional baptismal records indicate that they had nine offspring between 1730 and 1749, but only Catherine, the youngest, now with a linked memorial.

One interesting record which appears correct for Martin is London "Freedom of the City Admission Papers", which records him becoming indentured/apprenticed to William Wakman, "Cordwainer of London" on 6 Dec 1718 to "to learn his art". That "art" being shoemaking, but the full term of his "service" illegible. He was then sixteen years of age…not then uncommon for a young man of that age to enter an apprenticeship, and terms of four years, or until reaching majority, also noted in the period. Interestingly, it is also signed by "Martin Newth" in what appears a youthful hand, so he was literate.

Following his marriage record, there are dozens of London Tax records from various areas of the city from the 1730s up until 1780 for "Martin Newth", these also assumed for him, and suggesting some modest affluence. Of the many "residences" noted in the tax records, Camden (where he married), Stepney, Middlesex and Vintry, directly across the Thames from Southwark, are often repeated.

Martin and Maria's nine offspring per all additional baptismal records found, the year of baptism noted:

• William – 1730 - died in infancy
• Mary – 1731
• William - 1735
• Ann - 1736 - died in infancy or early childhood
• Martin – 1737
• John – 1739
• Anne – 1742
• Phillip – 1746
• Catherine - 1749

There may have been other offspring, but only these are found to date in the baptismal records. Two of their offspring died very young (as noted), and their given names afterwards repeated. The repetition of deceased children's names appears not uncommon for the time, and found in other families. Maria's name is spelled as such in all but one record, her marriage, and that spelling instead "Mary", and a common variation.

Martin is recorded as buried in this churchyard on 31 Jan 1794, his death likely the previous day, possibly two days prior., but unrecorded. It is possible that Martin had moved to this parish in his advanced years to live with an offspring, possibly a grandchild, but that remains speculative to date.

Allan Garner - Rev: 8 May 2024