Introduction

Angelina Guppy’s life is a remarkable story of continuity. A native of West Coker, she lived at Hardington Moor for fifty years, pursued a career in dressmaking throughout that time, and raised a family of twelve children. Her husband’s family had lived in the village for many generations. Furthermore, her husband was a first cousin of Sir Herbert Henry Bartlett, the self-made construction magnate, and he may have assisted her.

Her story also exemplifies fortitude and resourcefulness, especially after the death or departure of her husband.

Childhood at West Coker

Angelina was born at West Coker in 1839, the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Pitcher. Her father was a weaver who died between 1841 and 1851.[1]

n March 1851, Angelina was a glover living in East Street, West Coker, with her widowed mother and three sisters.

Marriage

On 5 February 1861, Angelina married Edwin George Guppy, a stone mason, at West Coker.

Two of her sisters also married men connected to the local building trade. Jane married Samuel Guppy, and Mary Ann married Daniel Hallett, both of whom were local carpenters and builders.

Residence

Angelina and her husband initially lived in Hardington Village until Edwin’s father died in 1870, after which they moved to Rose Cottage, Hardington Moor. From 1903, Rose Cottage was owned by Herbert Henry Bartlett, suggesting he may have bought it to help the family.[1]

In 1870, Angelina inherited £3 from her father-in-law, George Guppy.[2]

Occupation

Angelina worked as a dressmaker for most of her life. The 1861 census also listed her as a milliner. While the earlier census returns do not provide information about employment status, the later ones show that she was employed in 1891 and in business on her own account in 1901 and 1911.

Husband’s death or departure

Angelina’s husband, Edwin, is recorded on the 1881 census as living at home. He also presumably fathered Angelina’s youngest child, born on 18 August 1884. However, what happened to him after that is unknown. His death or departure left Angelina solely responsible for caring for their twelve children.[5]

Death

Angelina died intestate on 23 April 1911, at the age of 71, leaving effects valued at £31-5s.[4]

All  her children attended her funeral, except her son in Toronto. Rev C G MacCarthy officiated, assisted by Rev W J Smeeth of Crewkerne. The presence of Smeeth and Charles Milton attested to her allegiance to the chapel. Her bearers were F Purchase, W White, J Hawkins, G Marsh, J Rendell and W. Purchase. Her grave was lined with moss and bunches of cowslips and primroses, and there were many floral tributes, including from J S Partridge and Mr Voizey.[6]

Children

According to the 1911 census, Angelina and Edwin had produced thirteen children, of whom two had died. Twelve children have been identified, including one who may have died young. The missing thirteenth child probably died in infancy. Notably, Susan Elizabeth and Walter Charles were twins.

1861-George James (disappears from records after 1871; dead by April 1911);

1863- Eva Angelina (married Henry John Pomeroy at St Peter Port in 1885; he died in 1890; married Wallington Filer at Knowle in 1893; he died 1893; married James Palmer at Brislington in 1898; mental nurse at Brislington in 1911; died in 1927);

1865- Samuel Herbert (married Ada Blanche Evelyn Smith at Swansea in 1897; emigrated to Toronto, leaving his wife and children at Bristol);

1867- William Henry (joined the Royal Navy and later became a butler in London; never married; died after 1939);

1869- Susan Elizabeth (married William John Powell in 1910 or 1911-per 1911 census; lived at Salisbury, Newton Abbot and Torquay; died in 1953);

1869- Walter Charles (became a stonemason; married Annie Higgins in 1899; resided in Hardington; died in 1944);

1871- John (became a stonemason at Swansea; married Elizabeth Adeline Venners at Warwick in 1891; died in 1952); 

1873- Albert Edwin (became a jobbing joiner and builder at Swansea; married Lily M. Tucker in 1897; died in about 1953);

Circa 1875- Edith Jane (became a domestic servant in London; died in 1938);

Circa 1877- Rose Agnes (became a domestic servant at Weston-super-mare; died in 1959);

1879- Arthur Charles (became a bricklayer; married Rosa Ann Hyde in 1949; died in Crewkerne in 1940);

1884- Florence Ann (married Walter James Ash in 1905; lived at Salisbury, Hardington and Westbury; died in 1961).

References

[1] A record of his death has not been found.

[2] Guardian valuations.

[3] The will of George Guppy, dated 6 April 1870, proved at Taunton on 25 July 1870.

[4] Or eleven children if George James died before his father died or left home.

[5] National probate calendar.

[6] Western Gazette 5 May 1911 p.3. Although the account states ten children attended the funeral, one daughter, Susan Elizabeth, is not mentioned by name.