Part 5 "Captain" Reuben Orton.... Balloonist ....1821 to 1881

 Reuben Davison Orton

Born in London the son of a Coach builder Henry Orton and his wife Sarah (nee Davison) 

Reuben's father died when he was just 6 years old. 

Reuben first appear's in documents when he is 7 years old when he and several siblings are baptised in Paddington, London. Their respective birth dates are noted. Reuben was born on the 19th of June 1821, which was a month before the Coronation of King George the IV at Westminster Abbey.

As part of the celebrations for the Coronation Charles Green made a Balloon ascent from Green Park on the same day. At this time Balloon ascents had become and continued to be  hugely popular gathering crowds to see them ascend into the heavens.Balloon ascents were the focus and highlight of many Fetes and Galas guaranteed to bring in the crowds.

Living in London I wonder when Reuben saw his first Balloon ascent and when did he decide this was what he had to do?

The first census Reuben appears in is the 1841 census that has limited information ..however the Address is Lascelles Place this was right next to the notorious St Giles and St George Workhouse.

As far as I can tell Lascelles place consisted of twelve houses leading off Broad street .In the 1841 census there were 171 people listed with Lascelles place as an address, divided into approximately 43 households ,this leads me to believe that each household had at most a room for the family. (It's a guess because I don't know the size of the houses ..but if 2 up 2 down that would make sense.
 


 

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