Introduction
Joseph Henry Eastment spent almost his entire life in the South Wales coalfield, initially working as a coal miner and later as a quarryman. His only known move to Hardington occurred during the miners’ lockout of 1921, when he temporarily stayed with his father at Hardington Moor.
Early life
Joseph was born on 30 October 1898 at Llwynypia, the younger of two children born to George Eastment and his wife, Elizabeth (née Thomas).[1] His sister, Harriet Jane, was born in December 1894.[2] George had moved from Hardington Mandeville to the Rhondda to work as a coal miner before marrying the Swansea-born Elizabeth Thomas in 1893. The family lived at 18 Salem Terrace. In 1913, Joseph’s mother died at the age of thirty-seven.
Royal Navy service
On 10 May 1918, Joseph enlisted in the Royal Navy to serve for the duration of the war. His service record listed his occupation as collier and noted that he was five feet seven and a half inches tall with brown hair, blue eyes and sallow complexion. He served on Vivid I from 10 May 1918 until 7 October 1918, followed by service on Carnarvon from 8 October 1918 to 12 February 1919. His conduct assessments consistently recorded him as having “moderate” ability but “very good” character.
Return to South Wales and marriage
After the war, Joseph returned to civilian life, working as a coal miner for the Glamorgan Coal Company. On 1 April 1921, this company locked out its workers due to a pay dispute that lasted until early July. Joseph appears to have taken advantage of the enforced break to visit his father, who was then a farmer at Hardington Moor.
Once the lockout ended, Joseph returned to South Wales and married Leah Trump later that same year. Leah was the daughter of Edwin Trump, a coalminer, and his wife Elizabeth Ann. After losing her mother in 1914 and her father in 1917, Leah lived with her aunt at Llanelly.
Joseph and Leah had one child, Edwina Elizabeth, born in 1922. By 1925, the family was living at 24 Bodringallt Terrace, Ystrad. The year ended in personal tragedy. Leah died on 29 August from tuberculous peritonitis and toxaemia at the age of twenty-five, and Edwina died at about the same time.[3]
Later life
By 1932, Joseph was living with his sister Harriet and her husband, Frederick Arthur Farnham, at 17 Junction Road, Radyr.[4] Frederick worked as a railway signalman, while Joseph worked in a road stone quarry. Joseph remained at that address for the rest of his life. He died on 1 June 1961 at the age of sixty-two, leaving an estate valued at £1, 899 19s. Harriet proved his will at Winchester on 18 July 1961.[5]
Conclusion
Although Joseph established an independent life in South Wales, his family connections remained important to him. During the industrial crisis of 1921, his father’s home at Hardington Moor served as a place of refuge. After the devastating losses of his wife and daughter, he found support from his sister and her family.
References
[1] Civil registration birth index; 1939 Register; Royal Navy Registers of Seamen’s Services; Class: ADM 188; Piece:825; family reconstitution.
[2] Civil registration birth index; 1939 Register.
[3] Death certificate of Leah Eastment.
[4] Voters’ lists.
[5] National probate calendar.
