In April 1861, James Poole was a sub-postmaster at Hardington.

Life at Hardington

James married Elizabeth Swaffield at Hardington on 9 September 1837. The marriage record describes him as “a sojourner of this parish,”, but later census returns give his place of birth as Hardington. In June 1841, he was a farmer; in March 1851, he was a farmer of 12 acres; and in April 1861, he was a farmer of 15 acres and a sub-postmaster.

Death and will

When he died on 23 December 1866, aged 58, he left effects valued at under £300. He instructed his trustees to sell his property and invest the proceeds, paying his wife the income for life or until her marriage. After her death, his children inherited as tenants in common. He also bequeathed to his wife the use of his furniture for life and an absolute interest in the residue of his estate.

Children

James and Elizabeth had two sons and one daughter. One son died in infancy; the other became an accountant and later a lime merchant in London.