Birth at Hardington

Robert, the third child of John and Elizabeth Slade, was born at Hardington on 5 October 1794. His mother, Elizabeth, died when he was four.

First marriage

On 13 March 1821, at St John’s, Yeovil, Robert married Elizabeth Hooper, the daughter of John and Martha Hooper of Seaton. Elizabeth signed the register with a mark.

Early occupations

Robert was a labourer in the 1820s. By June 1841, he was a farmer. Ten years later, he was a farmer of 21 acres, employing one labourer.

Residences

In 1843, Robert probably lived in a house owned by William White on the site of the later Broadstone cottages.

The census returns suggest that, until the late 1850s, Robert always lived in or close to that house.

1843 tithe survey

Robert occupied a three-acre field owned by Richard Dodge, a one-acre field owned by Charles Groves, an allotment owned by Lord Ilchester and 17 acres owned by William White.

Support of his father

On 7 June 1844, James Poole, Hardington’s overseer, summoned Robert to appear at the Yeovil Petty Sessions for refusing to contribute to his father’s support. Despite his plea that he could no longer afford to do so, the Magistrates ordered him to pay 1s a week.[1]

Parish offices

Robert was an overseer in 1842, 1845 and 1847.[2]

Elizabeth’s death

Elizabeth died in May 1859, aged 65.

Miller’s servant and farm labourer

His wife’s death left Robert in a precarious position. However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience by moving nine miles northwest to Joyler’s Mill, South Petherton, where he worked as a general servant for Jasper Patten, a miller. The 1861 recorded him as aged 61 when he was actually about six years older. After a brief period at the mill, Robert returned to Hardington in 1861, where he earned a living as a farm labourer.

Second marriage

On 12 November 1861, Robert married Lucy Purchase, the widow of George Purchase, who died in October 1860.[3]

Lucy’s death

Lucy died in November or December 1877, aged 79.

Final years and death

After Lucy’s, Robert lived alone in Church Lane. He died on 9 October 1881, aged 88.[4]

Children

Robert and Elizabeth had three children:

Circa 1821-Caroline (on 1841 census only)

Circa 1822-Susannah (died in infancy)

Circa 1826-William

References

[1] Sherborne Mercury, 8 June 1844, p.3.

[2] Hardington jury lists.

[3] Sherborne Mercury, 19 November 1861, p.5.

[4] Western Gazette 28 October 1881, p.1.