Adult Baptism

[MarkyP]

Hoping someone might be able to help with a query I have. Why would a soldier serving in India in 1874 get baptised at the given age of 27? He had married 2 yrs previously in a Parish Church in Hale, Surrey as a Private in the Royal Artillery. I have a copy of the baptismal record from Find My Past and I'm wondering if it's something to do with getting a promotion? However, intriguingly, there is a record in the National Archives of the baptism that refers to a name change at some point, so could this be the reason? I have been unable to find a birth for him from the date (5th Nov 1847) given on the record, or from his supposedly place of birth, Croydon, given on various census records. His name is George Sycamore who gave his father as John Sycamore and mother as Harriet on the baptismal record. The description on the National Archives website suggests the name was changed from George Fiddler, I have asked them to send me copy. Any help appreciated, thanks. 

[rosie99]

Maybe he had just 'found' God 

[ShaunJ]

So it appears he enlisted in 1866 as George Fiddler.
https://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C14401774

This record suggests his regimental number was 21251 but the 1871 "army index" has his number as 1860.

He's on the 1871 census in Frimley as George Fiddler.

The baptism record on FindMyPast gives his father's occupation as "sailor".

Why would he get baptised as an adult? Who knows. Probably to do with his change of name.

FindMyPast has a possible record of his discharge by purchase in April 1882 after 15 years service - a Sergeant Farrier number 3885:
https://search.findmypast.co.uk/record?id=GBM%2FWO121%2F0237%2F001_151&parentid=GBM%2FWO121%2F121543188

[mumjo]

It might not be relevant but to get married in an Army church they like you to have been baptised.

[MarkyP]

Thank you Shaun, I had the discharge record, but hadn't thought of looking on the National Archives for George Fiddler, or the census records, only births with no luck.

[heywood]

Do you have the marriage certificate?

Is there an occupation for John Sycamore on that or on the baptism record?

[Jomot]

Probably not connected but just in case, FindMyPast has a transcription of a baptism in Halstead, Essex 17 Apr 1840 Samuel Suckamore s/o John (a labourer) & Harriet.

Potential death the following year, aged 3
SYCAMON, SAMUEL  aged 3  GRO Reference: 1841  M Quarter in HALSTED UNION  Volume 12  Page 89

[ShaunJ]

Is there an occupation for John Sycamore on that or on the baptism record?

See reply#3 : Father John was a sailor per the 1874 baptism record. The 1872 marriage register doesn't record John's occupation, just that he was deceased.

[trish1120]

John Coney Sick Leane
Baptism 7 Apr 1850,Croydon Common, St James, Surrey
Parents JOHN/HARRIET
Father a Sailor*
Image on Anc appears to be Sicklemore