Introduction

Alfred Cox was a boot and shoemaker for over sixty years. After marrying Ann Swaffield Hansford in 1869, they set up their home at Coker Hill, where Alfred worked as a shopkeeper and shoemaker until he died in 1913. His estate at death indicates the amount a rural craftsman without children could save during his life.

Childhood at Hardington

Alfred was born at Hardington in about 1833. He was the oldest son of Thomas Gill Cox, a farm labourer, and his wife, Joanna. In March 1851, he lived in his parents’ home in Cold Harbour and worked as a “cordwainer” (shoemaker).

Montacute

By April 1861, Alfred was a cordwainer living in the Borough of Montacute. The census lists him as the head of his household, where he lived with an elderly gardener and his wife.

Marriage

In 1869, Alfred married Ann Swaffield Hansford of Shipton Gorge in the Yeovil registration district. Ann was the daughter of William Hansford, a stonemason. At the time of their marriage, Alfred was about 36 years old, while Ann was three years younger.

Coker Hill

Alfred and Ann settled at Coker Hill, West Coker, where they spent the rest of their lives. They did not have any children.

Henry was a boot and shoemaker throughout his life and ran his own business for much of that time.[1] A 1906 trade directory lists him as a shopkeeper at Coker Hill. His will indicates that he owned his own house.

 Ann died in July 1911 at the age of 75. Alfred died on 19 December 1913 at the age of 80 (although both the burial register and civil registration records state his age as 85). He left an estate valued at £455-17s-8d.

The will of Alfred Cox

Alfred appointed the Rev Laurence R Cotter, the Rector of West Coker, as his executor.

He left £100 to Mrs Lucy Hawkins of West Coker and £100 to his cousin, Mary Matravers of North Perrott.

He left Amelia Swaffield of Bothenhampton, Bridport, his house on Coker Hill, £100, his furniture and household effects, and the residue of his estate.[2]

NB Lucy Ann Hawkins predeceased Alfred, passing away in November or December 1912.

References

[1] The 1891 census indicates that he was neither an employer nor employed.

[2] The will of Alfred Cox, dated 3 November 1911, proved in London on 8 January 1914.