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Time and Place Genealogy, Wincanton (2025)

21/11/2025

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05/05/2025

The Lifestory of Agnes Saunders

As we have previously seen, Agnes Saunders, my 10th great aunt (sister of my 10th great grandfather), was born in May 1579 at Lydeard St Lawrence and baptised there 22 May. She was the second of eight children born to Thomas and Anne Saunders, nee Blake. Agnes was engaged to Hugh Treble (born about 1580). Hugh frequently visited Agnes at her family home in Lydeard St Lawrence.

However, on one occasion Hugh took unwanted advantage of Agnes in her father’s (Thomas) barn. Agnes broke off the engagement after this and stayed resolute even after finding out she was pregnant. As the stigma of being an unmarried mother would have had a negative effect on both her and her family, Agnes’ mother, Anne, worked out how to keep her pregnancy a secret. Once Agnes’ pregnancy became obvious, she remained at home and had no visitors. However, rumours still circulated as neighbours noticed her absence and the absence of Hugh, who had been a frequent visitor.

When Agnes went into labour, the midwife, Katherine Criddle, was summoned to the house to attend to her, as was presumably arranged by Anne. Agnes gave birth to a boy on 29 September 1601 at her parents’ home in Lydeard St Lawrence. That evening, Anne and Katherine took the baby to Hugh Trott’s home in Bishops Lydeard (about 3 miles away), as Hugh’s wife had recently given birth and she had agreed to be a wet nurse for the baby.

In her 1609 deposition Anne stated:
“Acomme [Mic]hellmas next [which is September 29] it will be 8 yeeres agon the said Agnes Saunders . . . was delivered of a man child. The baby boy was Aweak.”

Once the baby was safely in the arms of “the good wife Trott,” Anne and Katherine travelled to Ash Priors (less than a mile away) to the house of Christopher Marshfield, the pastor of Ash Priors. In his 1609 deposition Christopher stated:
“Abeing in bedd about ix of the clock att night [I] was knocked upp and requested by [blank] Saunders, wief unto Thomas Saunders of Lawrence Lydyerd, and one Katherine Criddle, wief to one [blank] Criddle of the same parishe, whoe tould [me] that a daughter of the said Saunders was delivered of a childe, and that the childe was verie weake and in [d]aunger of death, and then was in the [h]owse of Hugh Trott att Bishopps Lydyerd and intreated this [ex]aminante to go with them to christen the [child], this examinante then serving the [c]ur[acy] of Bishopps Lydyerd aforesaid, Att [w]hose requeste this examinante went and [th]eare found a man childe nulie borne and as it seemed but weake, the whiche hee baptized and named it Hugh as hee nowe [remem]breth the name, . . . [this] curate and the said Hugh Trott being [god]fathers, and the said goodwief Criddle, as now he recollects, being godmother theareunto. And hee saith further that att the tyme of the said christening the said goodwief Saunders tould this deponent that the said childe was her daughter Agnes Saunders childe and that shee att her the said Agnes delivery charged ye said Hugh Treble and none else to be ye father theareof. And the same the said goodwief Cridle did affirme to bee true and that the said Agnes was delivered of the said childe privately in her fathers howse att Laurence Lydyerd aforesaid, and that shee the said Criddle was the midwief att her deliverye.”

He baptised the baby in the name of Hugh with the godparents were himself (Christopher Marshfield), Hugh Trott and Katherine Criddle. He was paid well for his kindness by Anne. The baby, Hugh, remained with the Trott family in Bishops Lydeard for about a month. Katherine Criddle deposed in 1609 that he was then:
“Acarried to Huishe neere lamporte unto one John Sartells house, this examinants sonne in law, wher the said child hath byn ever since nurced and ther it nowe remaineth to this deponents certaine knowledge for [she] was allwaies acquainted in the [ ] carriage and mannageing of the [said child].”

She was helped in this by Peter Harris, a farmer, friend and neighbour of the Saunders family, who stated in his 1609 deposition that he:
“Acarryed or convayed the said childe from the said Trott[s] to Huishe aforesaid to bee nurced.”

Hugh grew up believing his parents were John Sertell and his wife, and his grandmother was the midwife, Katherine Criddle.

However, as is frequently seen, some secrets don’t remain secret for long. Rumours again began regarding Agnes and an illegitimate child. Once again they died away for a time, until 1605-1606, when Agnes’ sister, Elizabeth Wolcott nee Saunders was travelling to Taunton and encountered Hugh Treble. Elizabeth later deposed that Hugh Treble:
“Adid overtake this examinant, and then confessed to her that he was the father of the said child and told her that if he knewe wher the child were he would make as much reckninge of it as anie child of his owne for quoth he “I knowe it is myn owne child and farther” quoth he “I marry your sister if my wif should dye.”

In 1606 Agnes gained the courage to submit herself for questioning and:
“Ato confesse and say that shee was delivered of a childe by the said Hugh Treable.”

Agnes then moved to Cheddon Fitzpaine where she married Richard Barber on 28 January 1608.

However, she returned to deliver her deposition in 1609. Christopher Marshfield, the pastor who baptised her illegitimate son, deposed:
“Athat for this halfe yeere [last past] or upwards [the episode] hath bin open[ly discussed] in Laurence Lydyerd, Bish[opps Lydyerd] and Aishepriors, and other neighboring parishes.”

In August 1609 Agnes’ sister, Elizabeth, stated:
“Afor aboute this half yeere now last past . . . ther hath byn and is a common and generall fame, speech and reports amongest the honest and sufficient parisheners of Liddeard Laurence and other parishes theraboutes regarding Agnes.”

Around this time Thomas Saunders, Agnes’ father, had an argument with a neighbour, Mr Dening, who attempted to punish Thomas by bringing up the subject of “Asecrett whispering and rumor” that Agnes had birthed an illegitimate child. The matter of Agnes and her child by Hugh Treble was brought to the church authorities (court) in the spring of 1609. Many depositions were heard between then and June 1610, with officials calling many witnesses, including Christopher Marshfield, Anne Saunders, Elizabeth Wolcott nee Saunders, Katherine Criddle, Peter Harris, Christopher Saunders (Agnes’ brother) and Agnes herself. Unfortunately, evidence of any penalty or punishment imposed upon Agnes and/or Hugh Treble have been lost.

Agnes and Richard Barber went on to have 5 children, all born at Cheddon Fitzpaine: Anne (born 1609), Honor (born 1612), Amos (born 1614), Richard (born 1617) and Grace (born 1621). The lives of Agnes, Richard and their children remain a mystery as relevant records have not been found.

Agnes lived with the shame of having an illegitimate child (albeit unintentionally) for 9 years before she found the courage to face the rumours. Her ordeal shows the stark differences between life in the early 1600s vs nowadays.

How far back can you go in your family tree research? We can help break down those brick walls by finding and transcribing documents from hundreds of years ago. Have a look at our website for examples of the work we can do, and/or message with any queries at www.timeandplacegenealogy.co.uk

28/04/2025

The Lifestory of Elizabeth Saunders 1584-1655
As we saw last week, Elizabeth Saunders was born December 1584 at Lydeard St Lawrence and baptised there on 20 December 1584. She was the 6th of 9 children born to Thomas and Ann Saunders. Elizabeth married Henry Wolcott (born 5 December 1578 Lydeard St Lawrence) on 29 January 1606 at Lydeard St Lawrence (see picture 2).
The couple had 7 children, all born at Lydeard St Lawrence:
1. John (born 1607), baptised 1 October 1607; living in England in 1631; died between 1631-1642 (was still alive in 1631 but assume he died before 10 March 1642 when his father Henry referred to his son, Henry Jnr, as his eldest son on an inheritance deed)
2. Henry (born 1611), born 21 January; emigrated with parents; admitted a freeman by the General Court as Boston on 1 April 1634 (shows he was member of the Dorchester Church by this time); moved with the family to Windsor in 1636; married Sarah Newberry on 18 November 1641; was engaged in public life, holding many appointments: was one of 19 prominent men in the colony named in the Charter of Connecticut; an elected member of the House of Deputies 1660; an elected member of the House of Magistrates 1662; had 8 children; importing merchant; died 12 July 1680
3. George (born 1613), emigrated with parents; made a freeman by the General Court of Connecticut on 21 May 1657; settled in Wethersfield; married Elizabeth Treat; had 4 children; died 12 February 1662 at Wethersfield
4. Anna (born 1620), emigrated with sister and younger brother after family had settled; married Matthew Griswald 16 October 1646 at Windsor; had 5 children; died 1700
5. Marih/Mary (born 1622), married Job Drake on 25 June 1646 at Windsor; had 6 children; died 1689
6. Simon (born 1625), remained in England with sisters when parents emigrated; emigrated with sisters after family had settled; admitted as a freeman in 1654; married twice, first to Joanna Cook on 19 March 1657, but she died 27 April 1657; married secondly to Martha Pitkin on 17 October 1661; had 9 children; died 11 September 1687 at Windsor
7. Christopher (born 1628), emigrated with parents and 2 older brothers in 1630; family homestead in Windsor was bequeathed to him from his father; never married; died 7 September 1662.

Henry and Elizabeth were presented at the Diocesan Court in July 1609 for the offence of incontinence (Sexual immorality: this modern term has been applied in cases where imprecise wording, such as 'incontinency', or 'living an incontinent life', appears in the original Presentment Bill, or where it is not clear what the actual s*xual offence was. It is also used for references to co-habitation and when describing premarital s*x. It was a very common presentment throughout the period covered by the Presentment Bills):

"They weare marryed two yeeres agon and shee was delivered of childe within thirtye weekes after."

Henry and Elizabeth were living at Lydeard St Lawrence when the alleged offence was committed, but when the hearing was held in 1609, they were living at Ash Priors. They were reprimanded and the case was dismissed.

On 20 March 1630, Elizabeth, Henry and sons Henry, Christopher and George set sail on the Mary and John from Plymouth, Devon to modern day Massachusetts. They arrived on 30 May 1630 at the modern day Nantaskat, Massachusetts. The ship’s captain refused to sail up the Charles River (the planned route) as there were no charts available and he feared wrecking the ship. The passengers disembarked here and had to transport 150,000 pounds of livestock, provisions and equipment the remaining 20 miles to their destination. They initially settled in Dorchester, Massachusetts, which became one of the first towns in Massachusetts. Approximately 6 years later, the family moved to Windsor, Connecticut, the first English settlement there.
Henry and Elizabeth were among 140 passengers, most of whom came from the West Country (Somerset, Dorset and Devon). They were Puritans, seeking a better life away from the persecution of Charles I. Henry has been described as "a resolute Puritan, a stout-hearted and God-fearing man". He soon became an important man, being part of the first General Assembly of Connecticut in Hartford 1637. He was also a member of the Connecticut House of Delegates from 1637-1643, and a member of the House of Magistrates from 1643-1655. Henry and Elizabeth’s children, Anna, Marih/Mary and Simon emigrated sometime between 1636-1640 to join their parents in Windsor.

Henry died 30 May 1655 at Windsor, aged 76/77. He was buried in the churchyard of the First Congregational Church in Windsor (see picture 3). Henry’s will was made 13 May 1655 at Windsor and proved 4 October 1655 at Hartford.
Elizabeth died 5 July 1655 at Windsor, aged 70/73 and was buried there 7 July (see picture 4) in the same tomb as her husband. (see pictures 5 and 6). Elizabeth’s will was made 5 July 1655 (the day she died) and was proved on 4 October 1655 at Hartford.

The wills of both Henry and Elizabeth are available, along with transcriptions, on my website
www.timeandplacegenealogy.co.uk

21/04/2025

The Lifestory of Thomas Saunders (c.1554-1609)

Thomas Saunders, my 11th great grandfather, was born c.1554 in Lydeard St Lawrence, Somerset. He married Ann Blake (born c.1552) on 3 August 1573 at Over Stowey, Somerset, where Ann was living at the time.
Following their marriage, Thomas and Ann returned to Lydeard St Lawrence to live. They had at least 9 children, all born at Lydeard St Lawrence [see picture 1].

1. Joan – baptised 23 May 1577; married Thomas Wrentmore (born c.1575) 3 October 1597 Lydeard St Lawrence [see picture 2].

2. Agnes – baptised 22 May 1579; had illegitimate child named Hugh, son of Hugh Treble, on 29 September 1601 Lydeard St Lawrence [see picture 3]. She married Richard Barber 28 January 1608 Cheddon Fitzpaine, Somerset; May 1609-Jun 1610: Agnes and child summoned before church authorities but records showing any penalties have been lost.

3. Lawrence – baptised 11 January 1580; died January and buried 24 January 1590.

4. Robert – baptised 10 September 1582.

5. John – born c.1583.

6. Elizabeth – baptised 20 December 1584; married Henry Wolcott (1578-1655) 29 January 1606 Lydeard St Lawrence and had at least 5 children, all born Lydeard St Lawrence [see picture 4]. Elizabeth emigrated to Massachusetts, USA 1630 on board ‘The Mary & John’ with Henry and sons Christopher and George. She died 5 July 1655 Windsor, Hartford, Connecticut, USA and was buried there 7 July.

7. Thomas – baptised 30 October 1586.

8. Christopher – my 10th great grandfather, baptised 24 January 1589; married Edith Pyle on 20 September 1613 Halse, Somerset. They had at least 1 child, Simon (born 1622) my 9th great grandfather, born 1622 Lydeard St Lawrence [see picture 5].

9. Nicholas – assume his birth is after 1573 when his parents married and before 1609 when his father died. He is mentioned in his father’s will Christopher died March 1624 Lydeard St Lawrence and was buried there 14 March 1624.

Thomas died 11 June 1609 at Lydeard St Lawrence and was buried there on 20 June 1609. His will was made 27 May 1609 and proved 2 September 1609.

The full will with a transcription will be available on my website in the next couple of weeks. Next week we will look at the life of Thomas’ daughter, Elizabeth, including her emigration to America and her family being amongst the original pioneers.

How far back can you go in your family tree research? We can help break down those brick walls by finding and transcribing documents from hundreds of years ago. Have a look at our website for examples of the work we can do, and/or message with any queries at www.timeandplacegenealogy.co.uk

07/04/2025

Have you ever wondered where you came from? Who were your ancestors, where did they live and what jobs did they do? We may be able help find that elusive ancestor or find out more about your family history. Maybe there was a celebrity in your family tree or a tragedy or major event long forgotten.

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31/03/2025

Can you imagine living in 3 different centuries? This was achieved by Constance Lavinia Broadbent, my 3rd cousin 3xremoved. Constance was born 17 October 1899 at Glen Innes, New South Wales, Australia, the 3rd of 7 children born to William Henry Charles (1875-1957) and Ethel Lavinia Broadbent, nee Sloman (1881-1974). Her mother, Ethel, had previously had another child, Ivy M Sloman, who was born July 1897 at Glen Innes, and died there aged 8 months, on 13 March 1898. She may or may not have been the illegitimate child of William Broadbent, but I have found no proof either way.

Constance Lavinia’s other siblings were Claude Eric (1901-1986), Horace William (1904-1982), Gordon Stuart (1907-1986), Jean Mildred (1913-1997), Elsie Doreen (1917-1982) and Mervyn Roy (1920-2014).

In 1920 Constance married Victor Everard Chapman (1886-1972) in Glen Innes. Victor was born 2 August 1886 at Uralla, New South Wales. He enlisted in the 1st Machine Gun Company, Australian Imperial Force on 28 December 1915 at Liverpool, New South Wales, service number 236. Victor was discharged on 10 August 1917 due to debility after being hospitalised with nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys).

The couple had their first child, Allen Richard (1920-2003), on 10 May 1920 at Armidale, New South Wales. He was soon followed by Bessie Lavinia (1922-2013) on 23 June 1922 at Glen Innes. Their youngest child, Nellie Ethel (1924-1994), was born 23 September 1924 at Glen Innes.

Between 1930-1932, Constance, Victor and their children were living at Breeza, Quirindi, Gwydir, New South Wales. Victor worked as a fettler (someone who repairs and maintains railway tracks) and Constance was responsible for home duties.

They were living at Ylangothlin, New England, New South Wales between 1934-1935, and Yarraford, Glen Innes between 1936-1943. By 1949 the family had moved to 195 Lambeth Street, Glen Innes, where they remained until Victor’s death in 1972. Constance stayed there until 1977, but had moved to 49 Heron Street, Glen Innes, by 1980.

Victor died 29 October 1972 at Glen Innes, aged 86. Constance died 21 February 2003 at Glen Innes, aged 103. They were buried together at Glen Innes General Cemetery.

17/03/2025

The Lifestory of James Sloman

James Sloman, my 3rd great uncle, was born 10 October 1845 and baptised 9 November at Milverton, Somerset. James was the 3rd of 9 children born to James Foster Sloman, a labourer according to James’ baptism record, (1817-1894) and Mary Upham (1818-1901). James’ siblings were John (1842-1921), William, my 3rd great grandfather (1844-1900), Charlotte Jane (1847-1932), Charles (1848-1906), Emma (1850-1930), Elizabeth (1852-1900), Samuel (1853-1928) and Mary Ann (1858-1932). The family were living in Preston Bowyer in 1851 with James Foster was working as an agricultural labourer. By 1861 15-year-old James was living at Croford, near Wiveliscombe, an agricultural servant, working for Robert Wyatt, a farmer of 140 acres.

James married Jane Dyte (1849-1933) on 27 February 1871 at the Parish Church at Milverton. Their son Tom (1871-1953) was born 2 days later on 1 March 1871. The family were living as lodgers on High Street, Milverton when the 1871 census was taken, with James’ uncle John and his family, James was working as an agricultural labourer. The family moved several times and had 8 more children in the next decade: Emma (born 10 April 1872 Milverton),Charles (born 1873 Milverton), James (born 1875 Bedminster, Somerset), Samuel (born 1877 Walmley, Warwickshire), Louisa Jane (born 1878 Walmley), Mary Ann (born 4 March 1879 Heathfield, Suss*x) and 2 sons, one unnamed and one named John (both born 29 March 1880 Hallsham, Ess*x), who sadly both died soon after birth. They were living at Number 25 Hut, on New Railway Works, East Grinstead, Suss*x by 1881. James is recorded as being a railway labourer, suggesting the reason they had moved around so much could be James’ occupation. Tom, Emma, Charles and James were all scholars.

Eight more children were born before the next census: Susan (born 1881 East Grinstead), Norah (born 9 January 1883 East Grinstead), Rose Ellen (born 14 March 1884 Husborne, Hampshire), John (born 16 May 1885 Husborne), William George (born 1886 Lymington, Hampshire), Elizabeth (born 1887 Lymington), an unnamed son who was born and died soon after in 1888 Watford, Hertfordshire and Minnie Matilda (born 2 September 1890 Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire). Unfortunately, their son, William George, died 1887 Lymington, and their daughter, Elizabeth, died 1890 Aylesbury. The family were living at 6 California, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. James was working as a plate labourer on the railways, as were his sons, Charles and James. James and Jane had one more child, Walter, born 25 June 1892 at Aylesbury. The next few years were not good for James. His father, James Foster, died 26 January 1894 at Wellington, Somerset, followed by his daughter, Louisa Jane, on 5 April 1899 at Hunslet, Yorkshire. James’ brother William died 16 November 1900 at Picts Cottages, Milverton and his mother, Mary died early in 1901. At the time of the 1901 census, James was living at 153 Graham Gardens, Hanwell, Brentford, Middles*x. James was working as a ‘navvy labourer’ (a manual labourer who performed the physical work of building and maintaining railways), as were sons Samuel and John. James’ son James worked as a carpenter, while daughter Mary Ann was a laundry washer.

James’ son Charles died 1905 at St George Hanover Square, London, followed a year later by his brother Charles, on 8 February 1906 at Taunton. By 1911 James was living at 13 Clarence Road, Ponders End, Middles*x. The 1911 census shows he had been married to Jane for 40 years and had 18 children (sadly 7 had died by 1911). He worked as a general labourer in public works, as were sons Samuel, John and Walter. Daughter Norah was working at a flashing electric light works and Minnie worked at a exhauster electric light works.

James died in 1914 at Poplar, London, age 68. Jane died in 1933 at Edmonton, Middles*x. The couple had 18 children throughout their marriage, the most children by one couple in my family tree…so far!

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10/03/2025

The Lifestory of Kathleen Kershaw nee Vickery

Kathleen Mary Vickery (my 1st cousin 3 x removed) was born 13 June 1912 at 33 Holyoake Street, Wellington, Somerset, and baptised 11 July 1912 at Wellington Parish Church. Kathleen was the eldest child of Walter William Vickery (1881-1969), a miller, and Theodosia Kate Vickery (1880-1953) nee Homer.

Kathleen’s younger brother, Percy, was born in 1919, also in Wellington. The family were still living at 33 Holyoake Street in 1921. As you can see, Walter was 40 years 3 months old and worked as a fuller in woollen manufacturing for the Fox Brothers at Tonedale, Wellington. Theodosia was 41 years old and was undertaking home duties. Kathleen was 9 years old and in education full time while younger brother Percy was 2 years 1 month old. Also living with the family was a boarder, Elizabeth Stephens, a single woman aged 34 years 10 months, who was born in Bradford on Tone. Elizabeth worked as an assistant teacher for Somerset County Education Committee, at Courtland Road Council School in Wellington.

Kathleen began training as a nurse, becoming qualified on 24 November 1933 at London. This was achieved at the Queen’s Hospital for Children, London, by examination where she studied from 1930-1933, and is seen in the 1934 Register of Nurses. She passed her final examination in 1936, as seen in the article from the Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier. Kathleen was living at Middles*x Hospital, 2-8 Mortimer Street, Westminster in 1936.

Kathleen travelled to Sydney, Australia soon after, presumably in a nursing role, and returned to Southampton on 18 January 1940 on board the Strathallan, age 27, travelling 1st class as a nursing sister.
Kathleen was working for the Royal Navy as a reserve nursing sister on her return. She was stationed at Royal Hospital, Plymouth, Devon on 29 January 1940, RN Auxiliary Hospital, Barrow Gurney, Somerset on 1 October 1940 and RN Sick Quarters, Cunningham Camp, Little Switzerland, Douglas, Isle of Man on 24 February 1942. This can be seen in the UK, Navy Lists, 1888-1970.

Kathleen married Edward Roy Kershaw (1910-1968) in 1943 at Maidenhead, Berkshire. Edward was a pilot with a chequered history, while his naval career was successful, his personal life was not. He was previously married to Edith Mary Lord (1913-2006), marrying 29 July 1939 at Bagslate, Rochdale, Lancashire. Their son was born in 1940. Edward was charged with desertion on 15 August 1942 at Rochdale, and a decree nisi was granted on 22 March 1943.

By 1944 Kathleen had achieved the rank of Second Officer in the Air Transport Auxiliary. She was killed on 3 April 1944 when her air ambulance was hit by severe weather over the sea. They were travelling from White Waltham to Prestwick to collect a seriously ill patient. Kathleen is commemorated on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey. This was reported in several newspapers, including the Birmingham Evening Mail and the Somerset County Herald and Taunton Courier.

Contact us with any genealogical queries and/or see our website for more details.
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28/02/2025

Exciting news.... I've been published!

Many of you will remember my story on the Oake poisonings of the Maunder family in 1900. It has now been published in the March 2025 Issue of The Greenwood Tree, the journal of the Somerset and Dorset Family History Society.

Contact us with any genealogical queries and/or see our website for more details.
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24/02/2025

William Sloman, my great, great, great grandfather, was born January 1844 at Hillfarrance, Somerset, and baptised 14 January at Oake.
He was the 2nd of 9 children born to James Foster (1817-1894) and Mary (1818-1901) Sloman, nee Upham. William’s siblings were: John (1842-1921), James (1845-1914), Charlotte Jane (1847-1932), Charles (1848-1906), Emma (1850-1930), Elizabeth (1852-1920), Samuel (1853-1928) and Mary Ann (1858-1932).

The family lived at Preston Bowyer, a small hamlet between Milverton and Oake, in 1851, where his father James was an agricultural labourer.

By 1861 the family had moved to Swifts Cottages, Milverton. James, John and William were agricultural labourers, and Emma, Elizabeth, Samuel and Charles were scholars.

William married Ann Smith 1 February 1870 at Milverton.

Their eldest child, Emma (1870-1952), was born 28 December 1870 at Milverton. They were living at Houndsmoor, Milverton in 1871, where William worked as an agricultural labourer.

5 more children were born in the next decade: John, also known as Jack born 15 May 1872, Bessie (1874-1960) born 28 April 1874, Francis, or Frank (1876-1962) born 2 May 1876, William, or Bill (1879-1949) born 15 January 1879 and Sarah Ann, or Annie (1880-1972) born 23 December 1880. By 1881 the family lived at Picts Cottages, Milverton. William was an agricultural labourer and Emma, John and Bessie were scholars.

The couple were to have 4 more children: Louisa Mary (1882-1966) born 5 March 1882, Mary Elizabeth, also known as Polly (1885-1980) born 17 January 1885, Charlie (1887-1972) born 2 April 1887 and Charlotte Ellen, or Nelly (1888-1975) born 20 October 1888. The family were living at Picts Cottages, Stone Hill, Milverton. William and sons Francis and William all worked as agricultural labourers.

William was killed in a tragic accident with a bull, on 16 November 1900.

William was buried 21 November 1900 at Milverton, aged 57.

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17/02/2025

Last week we looked at the Lifestory of Ellen Leigh nee Chamberlain, my great, great grandmother. This week we’re looking at the lifestory of her husband, John Leigh, my great, great grandfather. John was born 28 June 1866 at Loxbeare, Devon, and baptised there on 12 August. He was the 4th of 13 children of Thomas (1820-1901) and Ellen Emma (1841-1914) Leigh, nee Langham. The remaining 12 children were: Susan Ellen (1860-1948), William (1863-1915), James (1864-1865), Elizabeth Mary (1868-1875), George (1869-1875), Tom (1871-1875), Annie (1873-1897), Harry (1876-1939), Frank (1877-1878), Emma Ada (1879-1961), Albert Edward (1881-1956) and Charles Arthur (1885-1965).

The family lived in Leigh Town, Loxbeare in 1871, Thomas was an agricultural labourer, Susan Ellen, William and John were scholars. Also living with the family was William Langham, Thomas’ widowed, pauper father-in-law.

By 1881 John had moved to Thorne, Rackenford, where he was an indoor farm servant, meaning he worked and lived on the farm but was not a family member.

As we saw last week, John married Ellen Chamberlain on 4 March 1888 at Stoodleigh, Devon. The previous post covers their lives together. Ellen died 9 October 1916. In the 1921 census John can be found at Daws Cottage, Loxbeare, aged 53 years and 11 months and a widower. He lived with his children Emma, Charles and Beatrice and worked as a farm labourer for Frederick Haywood, a farmer in Loxbeare Barton. Daughter Emma undertook home duties while son Charles was a blacksmith working for Godfrey and Alford, wheelwright and carpenter, at Pantycridge, Loxbeare. Visiting was daughter Beatrice, who worked as a domestic servant for Miss Kelland, farmer, at Church Town, West Anstey, Somerset.

By the 29 September 1939 when the 1939 Register was collected, John was living with his daughter Beatrice and her husband and daughter in Bickley Cottages, Milverton, Somerset. John was working as a farm labourer, as was son in law William John Gardener (1903-1996), Beatrice was undertaking unpaid domestic duties, and her daughter, Lilian Ada, my grandmother (1929-2019), was at school.

John died 15 October 1947 at Whites Cottage, Milverton, aged 81.

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