In March 1901, Aaron Dufty, aged 56, was a railway signalman at Hardington Marsh.

Childhood in Devon

Aaron was born at Black Torrington in 1844, the son of John and Mary Dufty. His father was a farmer who, in March 1851, occupied 120 acres at West Forda. By April 1861, he had moved to a farm at Sheepwash, where he occupied 95 acres.

Railway Career

Semley

By April 1871, Aaron was a railway porter at Semley, lodging at Bounmarsh Common with another railway porter.

Tisbury

By 1874, Aaron was a railway signalman. On 23 December 1874, Aaron married Anna Furnell at Tisbury. She was the daughter of James and Elizabeth Furnell. Her father was a coal carrier; her mother died when she was thirteen.

Aaron and Anna’s first child was born at Tisbury in March 1876.

Devonport

By 1880, they had moved to Devonport. In April 1881, they lived at 7 Rutger Place, Stoke Damerel.

Offwell

By February 1888, they lived at the Railway Cottage, Offwell.

Hardington

By 1899, they had moved to Hardington and probably remained there until 1901. The 1901 census recorded them living in a four-room house at Hardington Marsh

Retirement

In about 1905, Aaron retired and bought 14 Fair View Terrace, Pinhoe, Exeter, borrowing £20 from his daughter to help pay for it.[1]

On 16 January 1906, he made his will, appointing his wife as his sole executor. He left £20 to his son, James (because he did not have a trade), and his house and other property to his wife for life or until her remarriage. If she remarried, he instructed her to sell the house and divide the proceeds and effects equally between herself and their three children. Otherwise, when she died, the house was to be sold, and the proceeds and effects divided equally between their three children.[2]

Death

Aaron died at 14 Fair View Terrace on 21 February 1908, aged 63. He was laid to rest in Pinhoe churchyard.3] He left effects valued at £407-14s gross and £257 14s 0d net.[4]

Widow’s later life

Aaron’s widow, Anna, moved to Rockwell, Wellington, Somerset, where her daughter, Elizabeth Mary, was a schoolteacher. She died on 16 March 1930, aged 82 and left effects valued at £368-19s-4d.[5]

Children

Aaron and Anna had two sons and one daughter. Their oldest son, John, was killed in a tragic accident at Sidmouth Junction in 1910.[6]

References

[1] The will of Aaron Dufty, dated 16 January 1906, proved at Exeter on 5 March 1908.

[2] The will of Aaron Dufty, dated 16 January 1906, proved at Exeter on 5 March 1908. His will permitted Anna to sell 14 Fair View Terrace so long as all three of their children consented.

[3] Exeter and Plymouth Gazette, 6 March 1908, p.11.

[4] The will of Aaron Dufty, dated 16 January 1906, proved at Exeter on 5 March 1908.

[5] National Probate Calendar,

[6] Western Gazette, 28 January 1910, p.9.