Birth

David, the seventh child of John and Elizabeth Brake, was born at Ryme Intrinseca on 9 May 1789.

Marriage

On 14 November 1814, David married Hannah Dodge at Closworth by banns. The witnesses were David’s brother, Henry, and Hannah’s brother, Bernard.

Hannah was the daughter of Richard and Sarah Dodge and the sister of Mark and Charles Dodge.

Occupation

David was the tenant of Cowcroft Farm from about 1815 to 1829.

Inheritance

David’s financial situation was significantly improved when his mother died in March 1827. He and his nine siblings inherited an equal share in the residue of his father’s estate.[1] He also inherited a legacy of £20 from his mother.[2]

Parish offices

David was a Hardington churchwarden in 1827.

Shapwick

By 27 January 1830, David and his family lived at Shapwick.

Chedzoy

By June 1841, David and his family lived at Chedzoy.

In March 1851, David farmed 155 acres and employed eight labourers. In April 1861, he farmed 150 acres and employed five labourers.

A thwarted theft

On 19 January 1860, two thieves took advantage of the flooded lowlands to run a boat in close to David’s farm and break into his potato house. Fortunately, David happened to go out that night  to check his stock and he noticed the door open. He went to get his man, and the two men returned to challenge the intruders. After an initial tussle, David’s man went to fetch help, and one of the thieves ran off, leaving David in a fierce wrestling match with the thief that remained. David prevailed, holding fast to the man until the police arrived.[3] This was a commendable display of strength and courage by a man who was seventy.

Hannah’s death

Hannah died in July 1865, aged 73.

Poverty

After his wife’s death, David fell into poverty and had to claim parish relief. On 11 February 1869, the Bridgwater Guardians summoned four of David’s sons (Emmanuel, David, James and Mathias) for neglecting to support their father. Only James and David attended court. They expressed their willingness to contribute but said that Emmanuel should, too. They accepted that Matthias was not in a position to contribute. The magistrates were highly critical of the men’s conduct and ordered Emmanuel, David and James to contribute 2s a week each.[4]

Death

David died in December 1869, aged 80. His body was interred at Bawdrip with his wife.

References

[1] The will of John Brake, dated 2 October 1811, proved in London on 22 July 1812.

[2] The will of Elizabeth Brake, dated 28 July 1825, proved in London on 3 April 1827.

[3] Langport and Somerton Herald, 21 January 1860, p.4.

[4] Western Gazette, 12 February 1869, p.4. David’s fifth son, Charles, emigrated to New Zealand in the 1860s.