In the 1851 census, Rachel Paul described herself as “formerly farmer’s wife”. However, she was a farmer in her own right.

Rachel was born at Seavington in about 1795, the daughter of Giles and Mary Hodges.

On 6 February 1824, she married Daniel Paul at Seavington St Mary. They lived at Seavington St Mary until about 1833 when they moved to Hardington. They probably lived at Moor Farm.

Daniel died on 21 February 1843, aged 51. He left his widow a life interest in his property, including a house at Towns End, Seavington St Mary.[1]

After her husband’s death, Rachel showed remarkable character strength, remaining at the farm and running it with her sons, James, Thomas and Giles. However, this support dwindled over time. James emigrated to America in 1849, Giles died in 1856, and Thomas died in 1858. Her youngest son, Daniel, trained as a tailor and moved to London in his late twenties or early thirties.

In 1858, Rachel was an overseer, a role that involved overseeing the collection of poor rates.[2]

In 1860, her charge to church rates dropped from over 40s to a mere 3s 17d, suggesting she gave up a substantial amount of land, probably because of her age and the loss of her sons.

In April 1861, Rachel was a farmer of 13 acres at Hardington Moor. She died on 19 March 1869, aged 73.

Daniel and Rachel had four sons and three daughters, but two of their daughters died in infancy.

References

[1] The will of Daniel Paul, dated 9 January 1841, proved at Wells on 8 May 1843.

[2] Jury list.