In March 1851, Thomas Bodley Dawe was a retired farmer, aged 69, living at Hardington Marsh. He and his wife were living with their youngest son, Francis, who was the tenant of Marsh Farm.

Thomas was born at Corscombe in about 1782, the son of Thomas and Grace Dawe. On 21 April 1808, he married Mary Priddle at Melbury Osmond. She was the daughter of Aaron Priddle, a yeoman.

Thomas and Grace lived at Melbury Osmond until at least 1838. In June 1841, Thomas was a yeoman at Batcombe.

Mary died in January 1852, aged 69. Thomas died in August 1858, aged 77.

Thomas and Mary had six sons and four daughters.