Introduction

Elizabeth belonged to the class of substantial tenant farmers. Her first husband, Robert Bartlett, was probably the tenant of Manor Farm, Hardington. After his death in 1835, Elizabeth married his nephew, Horatio Nelson Leach. Following Horatio’s death in 1851, Elizabeth remained a widow until her own death in 1868.

Early life

Elizabeth was born at Hardington on 2 October 1792, the daughter of Roger and Edith Eastment.[1] Her father died in 1811, and her mother died in 1820.

In 1818, Elizabeth inherited £10 from her uncle, Dennis Eastment.

First marriage

On 14 March 1816, Elizabeth married a farmer named Robert Bartlett at Hardington. The following year, they had one daughter who died in infancy. After that, Elizabeth had no more children.

Robert died on 3 February 1835, aged 51.[2]

Second marriage

On 2 February 1837, at Crewkerne Parish Church, Elizabeth married Horatio Nelson Leach, her late husband’s nephew, who took on the tenancy of Manor Farm.

Widowhood

Nelson died on 11 June 1851 from a disease of the throat and stomach, aged 47.[3] After his death, Elizabeth left the farmhouse and moved into a cottage near the New Inn.

Death

Elizabeth died in September 1868, aged 75.[4]

References

[1] Hardington baptism register.

[2] Bristol Mirror, 7 February 1835, p.3. This newspaper notice gives his age as 50, but the Hardington burial register recorded it as 51.

[3] Death certificate.

[4] The Civil Registration Death Index and the Hardington burial register recorded her age as 78.