Introduction

The 1881 census recorded Mary Ann Strode as an annuitant living at Kingwood Farm, Hardington. She was probably staying there with relatives because it was convenient for winding up her late husband’s estate. Prior to this, she and her husband had lived at Bluntsmoor Farm, Mosterton, for over twelve years.

Birth

Mary was born in about 1813 at West Chinnock, the daughter of Andrew and Sarah Adams. Her father was a blacksmith.

Marriage

On 16 October 1838, Mary married Thomas Strode at St Mary Magdalene, Taunton. At the time, Thomas was a labourer, and they both lived in East Street, Taunton.

Thomas was the son of William Strode, who farmed at Kingwood Farm, Hardington, in the 1820s. After the death of Thomas’s mother, Jane, in 1832, he inherited a one-ninth share in his father’s estate.[1]

Residences

In June 1841, Thomas and Mary lived at East Chinnock, where Thomas was a butcher. By March 1851, they lived at Middle Chinnock. The 1851 census recorded Thomas as a “Farmer of 10 acres & Newsman,” while the 1861 census recorded him as a dairyman.

By June 1867, Thomas and Mary had moved to Bluntsmoor Farm, Mosterton, where Thomas continued to work as a dairyman.[2]

Executor

In 1875, Mary was the executor of her father’s will. He left effects worth less than £100.[3]

Thomas died at Bluntsmoor Farm on 10 December 1879, at the age of 65.[4] The farm sale was held on 2 November 1880.[5]

Mary’s later life

In April 1881, Mary was living as an annuitant at Kingswood Farm in the household of her late husband’s nephew, William John Strode.

Death

Mary died in the Shepton Mallet registration area in the fourth quarter of 1884, at the age of 71. She probably died at Highcroft Farm, Ashwick, the home of her married daughter, Mary Ann Cosh.

Children

Thomas and Mary had two sons and two daughters.

References

[1] The will of William Strode, dated 8 November 1824, proved in London on 12 March 1825.

[2] East Somerset Telegraph and General Advertiser, 22 June 1867, p.8.

[3] Probate calendars.

[4] Western Gazette, 26 December 1879, p.8. The Civil Registration Death Index incorrectly recorded his age as 62.

[5] Bridport News, 29 October 1880, p.2