Alfred Cox was a “cordwainer” at Cold Harbour in 1851.

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 was a cordwainer living at home with his parents.

In April 1861, Alfred was a cordwainer living in the Borough of Montacute. The census shows him as the household head living in the same house as an elderly gardener (a household head) and his wife.

Life at West Coker

In 1869, in the Yeovil registration district, Alfred married Ann Swaffield Hansford of Shipton Gorge, the daughter of a stone mason. Henry was about 36, and Ann was three years younger.

They set up a home at Coker Hill, West Coker and spent the rest of their lives there. They did not have any children.

Henry was a boot and shoemaker throughout his life. He was in business on his own account for much of that time. A 1906 trade directory lists him as a shopkeeper at Coker Hill.

 Ann died in July 1911, aged 75. Alfred died on 19 December 1913, aged 80 (although the burial register and civil registration records both give his age as 85). He left effects 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.

He left £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.[1]

References

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