Introduction

In April 1881, Elizabeth, aged 18, was a dairymaid at Townsend, Hardington, in the household of Samuel Ewins. Two years later, she married the older brother of her co-worker. During her long life, she lived in at least eight places in Somerset and Dorset.

Birth at Cattistock

Frances Elizabeth Emily Strode was born at Cattistock on 8 August 1862, the first child of Robert and Amelia Strode. She was always known as Elizabeth. Her father, Robert, was a farm labourer.

Halstock

Between 1864 and 1868, Robert and his family moved from Cattistock to Halstock. In April 1871, they lived at Bridge Cottage, Halstock. In February 1880, Elizabeth’s mother, Amelia, died at the age of 40.

Hardington

In April 1881, Frances was a dairymaid at Townsend in the household of Samuel Ewens. Eli Goff of Halstock was also a servant there.

Marriage

On 21 October 1883, Elizabeth married Eli Goff’s older brother, Samuel, at Halstock. Elizabeth’s younger sister, Susan, married Eli Goff five months later. Both Samuel and Eli were farm labourers.

Mudford

Samuel and Elizabeth’s first child, Samuel, was born at Mudford in 1885.

Sutton Bingham

By June 1887, Samuel and his family lived at Sutton Bingham. In April 1891, they lived at 1 Higher Cottages, Sutton Bingham.

Halstock

Between 1893 and 1895, they returned to Halstock.

Melbury Bubb

By March 1901, they lived at Melbury Bubb. In April 1911, they lived at Woolcombe, near Melbury Bubb.

Powerstock

In June 1921, they lived at Powerstock. They resided at Bridge Cottage, and Samuel worked as a carter for Dan Elliott Wrixon of Manor Farm.

Husband’s death

Samuel probably died in the Dorchester area in 1935, aged 75.

Maiden Newton

In September 1939, Elizabeth lived at 3 Waterloo Cottages, Maiden Newton.

Death

In her later years, Elizabeth lived with her daughter, Rose Mary Paulley, at Lower Atrim Farm, Broadoak, near Bridport. She died there on 5 December 1953, aged 91. She died intestate, with an estate valued at £110-19s-9d, which her daughter, Rose Mary, administered.[1]

Children

Samuel and Elizabeth had two sons and six daughters;

1885 Samuel

1887 Mabel Maud

1889 Lydia

1891 Emma

1893 Rose Mary

1895 Alice

1899 Reginald George

1901 Hilda May

References

[1] National probate calendar.