Birth

Abraham, the fourth child of Abraham and Joan Partridge, was born at Hardington in about 1811. His father was a lime burner who lived in Lyatts Lane

Marriage

On 11 June 1833, Abraham married Susan Parsons, the daughter of Joseph and Jemina Parsons, at West Coker. 

Cottage

In 1843, Abraham and Susan lived in Lyatts Lane (plot 82 on the tithe map).

Occupations

Initially, Abraham and Susan worked as weavers, but by March 1851, Abraham had become a farm worker and Susan a glover.

By 1864, Abraham occupied 18 acres at Hardington Moor. In April 1871, he was a farmer of 24 acres, and he remained a farmer for the rest of his life.

The guardian valuations show him occupying 18 acres, 2 roods and 25 perches owned by Lord Portman from 1864 to 1880. In 1891, he occupied 36 acres, 3 roods and 11 perches.

Death

Susan died in 1887, aged 75, while Abraham died in 1895, aged 85.

Children

Abraham and Susan had four sons and four daughters. The five children who attained adulthood led remarkable lives, with three making significant contributions to the village’s commerce and culture.

Circa 1834 Charlotte (died in infancy)

Circa 1835 Elizabeth (married Francis William Bartlett and emigrated to Australia);

1839 Joseph (married Louisa Saint and became the publican of the Royal Oak);

1844 Abraham (married Julia Taylor Leach and established a bakery in the village);

1847 Charles (died in infancy)

1849 Charlotte (married John Bartlett, a bombardier in the Royal Marines Artillery);

1851 John (died in infancy)

1854 Jane (married George White, the carpenter and builder).