John Blackett, a labourer, also known as John Abraham Blackett, lived in the East End of London with Mary Ann Hawkins for nearly 50 years and the couple had at least ten children born between 1826 and 1856.
On 5 March 1873 the couple finally wed at St. Mary’s, Whitechapel. They are described in their marriage record as a bachelor and spinster, both of full age, which seems something of an understatement as John was then nearly 70 and Mary Ann 62. John died early the following year and Mary Ann a year later. It is not known if John was aware of the Blackett family motto, “Nous Travaillerons en Esperance” (we labour in hope).