Introduction

Henry Thomas Abbott was a village lad who left his work in the fields to serve for Queen and Country. Tragically, after returning home, he contracted a fatal disease that claimed his life at the age of 35.

Childhood

Henry was born at Hardington Marsh in 1863, the fourth of twelve children born to Daniel and Susan Abbott.[1] His father was a farm labourer. According to the 1891 census, the family lived at 379 Hill End.

Military service

Initially, Henry became a farm labourer, like his father. However, in the 1880s, he probably enlisted in the army, serving six years with the regular army before moving to a reserve role. By April 1891, he was with the Army Reserve.

Court witness

On 4 March 1897, Henry and John Chester testified at Yeovil County Court in the case of Arthur Reynolds v Lord Ilchester and J E Tory. They confirmed that they saw the deal transacted between Reynolds and Shearsmith at the New Inn, Hardington on 14 January 1897.[2]

Fatal illness

Around the same time as his court appearance, Henry began to show symptoms of tuberculosis. He ultimately succumbed to the disease on 7 March 1899, at the age of 35.[3]

References

[1] Henry’s birth was registered under the name “Henry Thomas”; the Hardington baptism register and his death certificate recorded his name as “Henry Tom.”

[2] Pulman’s Weekly News and Advertiser, 9 March 1907, p.6. The case concerned Shearsmith’s attempt to sell livestock, equipment and stone to Reynolds before they were seized by Lord Ilchester’s agent to settle outstanding rent.

[3] Henry Thomas Abbott’s death certificate.