Birth

Joseph, the seventh child of Richard and Elizabeth Purchase, was born at Haselbury in about 1796.

Marriage

On 7 October 1830, he married Marianne Honeybone at North Perrott by licence. His brother, John, was one of the witnesses.

Marianne, the daughter of Edward and Rebecca Honeybone, was born in Swindon in about 1803.

North Perrott

Joseph and Marianne’s first child, Edward Honeybone, was baptised at North Perrott on 17 April 1831. The register recorded Joseph’s occupation as a labourer.

Hardington

By January 1833, Joseph and his family lived at Hardington.[1] The voters’ lists from 1834-1840 show Joseph as the occupier of land, including Bridge Close Farm.

On 21 October 1839, George Templeman, an insolvent debtor, sold 69 acres of land at Hardington occupied by Joseph.[2] Joseph left the farm soon afterwards.

North Cheriton

By June 1841, Joseph and his family lived at North Cheriton. The 1846 voters’ list shows him as the occupier of Manor Farm.

Joseph’s father-in-law, Edward Honeybone, lived with them. He died in 1842, aged 83.

Emigration to the USA

In 1849, Joseph and his family emigrated to America.

Two years later, his brother, James, and his family attempted to join them but tragically drowned when a riverboat sank.

Death

Joseph died at Mayfield Farm, McCracken, Kentucky, on 19 August 1861, aged about 65.

Children

Joseph and Marianne had three sons and one daughter.

References

[1] Hardington baptism register; Hardington jury lists.

[2] Sherborne Mercury, 7 October 1839, p.2.