Birth

Edward was born at Hardington in about 1795, the illegitimate son of Elizabeth Purchase.

Occupations

Edward was primarily a weaver until the 1850s. However, the 1841 census shows his occupation as a farmer.

Residence

The voters’ lists show him as the occupier of a leasehold house held by Isaiah Rendle of West Coker. This house was in Barry Lane (tithe map number 329).

Cohabitation

Edward lived with Harriet Chester for about twelve years without marrying and had eight children during that time.

It was unusual for a couple to live together without marrying, which raises the question of how they defied social norms with apparent impunity.

First marriage

Edward and Harriet married at Hardington on 24 December 1838. Harriet signed the register with a mark. Over the next six years, they had three more children.

First wife

Harriet, the daughter of Levi and Hannah Chester, was born at East Coker in about 1799. The 1851 census recorded her as a canvas weaver.

Death of first wife

Harriet died in February 1855, aged 55.

Second marriage

On 9 February 1857, Edward married Susan Bartlett, the widow since 1855, of Joseph Bartlett. She, too, was a canvas weaver.

Inheritance

In September 1859, Edward inherited £19 19s from William Galhampton.[1] William, who was born at Hardington in about 1774, may have been Edward’s father.

Pauper

Despite the legacy, in April 1861, Edward was a pauper lodging with Benjamin Chester in Barry Lane, while Susan lived at Hill End with her children Sidney, Thomas and Fanny.

Death

Edward died in the Union Workhouse on 2 March 1862, aged 66.

Susan’s later life

In April 1871, Susan lived at Hill End with her son, Thomas, and daughter, Fanny.

By April 1881, Susan had reverted to using the surname Bartlett. She was a charwoman living at Hill End with her daughter, Harriet.

Susan died in 1888, aged 77.

Children

Edward and Harriet had seven sons and four daughters:

1826 Virtue

circa 1826 Benjamin

circa 1828 William

circa 1830 Harriet

circa 1833 Emily

circa 1834 Edward

circa 1837 Levi

circa 1837 Eli

circa 1840 Emily (died in infancy

1841 George (died in infancy)

1844 George

References

[1] The will of William Bartlett, dated 8 January 1857, proved at Wells on 22 September 1859. The will refers to Edward Purchase of Hardington, son of the late Elizabeth Purchase of Hardington.