Introduction

Elizabeth Poole ran a shop and post office in the High Street with her husband, James, until his death in 1866. After his death, she ran the business alone for about ten years before retiring to live with her married daughter at Gillingham, Dorset. Throughout that time, she provided a home for her sister, Jane Swaffield, who was probably incapacitated in some way.

Elizabeth was descended from the Swaffield family that had farmed at Haselbury during the eighteenth century. Her siblings included John Swaffield and Ann Read.

Life at Hardington

Elizabeth was born on 12 August 1804, the daughter of John and Anne Swaffield.

As an adult, she always provided a home for her sister, Jane Swaffield, who lived until 1885.

On 9 September 1837, Elizabeth married James Poole at Hardington.

In June 1841, James was a farmer; in March 1851, a farmer of 12 acres; and in April 1861, a farmer of 15 acres and a sub-postmaster.

On 25 November 1841, Elizabeth witnessed the will of John Genge.[1]

When James died on 23 December 1866, aged 58, he left Elizabeth the income on his estate, which was valued at £300, for life or until her remarriage. This income probably amounted to about £15 per annum.

Following his death, Elizabeth took over running the post office.

Life at Gillingham

Elizabeth’s daughter, also named Elizabeth, married Robert Bartlett at Hardington on 20 April 1876. They moved to Bugley Farm, Gillingham, where Elizabeth and her sister, Jane, lived with them.

Elizabeth proved Jane’s will at Blandford on 2 March 1885.

Elizabeth died on 11 October 1896, aged 92.[2] Her funeral was at Gillingham on 14 October.

References

[1] The will of John Genge, dated 25 November 1841, proved at Wells, 11 March 1842.

[2] Western Gazette, 16 October 1896, p.8.