Introduction

Edward Genge resided at Hardington his entire life, working primarily as a labourer. However, the Hardington baptism register recorded his occupation as a farmer in February 1823, either by mistake or because he briefly rented a few acres.

Birth

Edward Genge was born in about 1782.[1]

Marriage

On 14 August 1811, Edward married Susannah Eastment at Hardington by banns. Both Edward and Hester signed the register with a mark. The witnesses were Michael Mudford and Joseph Purchase.

Residence

Edward lived at Hardington throughout his life.

The 1843 tithe survey shows him as the owner-occupier of a house at Hardington March (number 705) and the occupier of an allotment at Coldharbour. His son, John, was the owner-occupier of an adjacent house (number 706).

Occupation

Edward was a farm labourer for most of his life. However, the baptism entry for his daughter, Mary, on 4 February 1823, gives his occupation as a farmer.

Death

Edward died in November 1846, aged 64.

Susannah’s later life

On 12 July 1852, Susannah married William Gill, a widower and sawyer, at Hardington Mandeville. She has not been traced after that date.

Children

Edward and Susannah had four sons and four daughters.

Circa 1814-John (married Elizabeth Barrett; resided at Hardington where he was a labourer and weaver; died in 1846);

Circa 1817-Ann (married John Samways, a carpenter; died at Cattistock in 1876);

Circa 1819-Sarah (probably died young);

Circa 1823-Mary (probably died young);

Circa 1824-Harriett (lived at Hardington in 1841; later whereabouts unknown);

Circa 1827-Edward (married Ann Hutchings in 1852; resided at West Coker, where he worked as a farm labourer; died in 1885);

Circa 1830-George (died in December 1846, aged 16);

Circa 1834-Henry (served a six-month prison sentence for assaulting a gamekeeper, a parish constable and a local farmer when they arrested him for poaching in July 1860; married Rabinet Spurdle at Misterton in 1867; resided at Misterton where he worked as a sawyer; died of tuberculosis in 1878).[2]

References

[1] The Pendomer baptism register records the birth of Edward, the son of Ann Genge, on 26 August 1780. If this is the correct entry, Edward was illegitimate.

[2]  Sherborne Mercury 31 July 1860, p. 5; Bridgwater Mercury, 15 August 1860, p. 6; Western Daily Press, 11 August 1860, p. 2; death certificate.