Introduction

Fanny Bartlett was the daughter of Henry Bartlett, a farm labourer who played a significant role in the village club for many years. She was an assistant teacher at Hardington School from 1875 until 1882. In 1883, she married Mark Samways, a carpenter with ambitions to enter the pub trade. Although these plans soon faltered, he did run his own building business at Preston Plucknett later in life.

Early life

Fanny was born at Hardington on 18 February 1859.[1] Her father, Henry, was a farm labourer, while her mother, Ann, was the illegitimate daughter of Mary Park and William Lugg, a rope manufacturer.

Fanny was an assistant teacher at the village school from 1875 until 1882.  When she left in April or May 1882, she was presented with a handsomely bound album “in recognition of her efficient services during the past seven years.”[2]

Married life

On 7 May 1883, Fanny married Mark Samways, a carpenter from Brympton. He wanted to steer a new direction and took on the licence of the New George Inn at Beckington near Frome. However, this venture lasted only a year, probably because they realised running an inn and raising a family would be difficult.[3]

Their first son, Henry Bruce, was born at Hardington in August or September 1884, shortly after they had left the inn. Their second son, Mortimer William, was born there on 10 January 1886.[4]

The family moved to Preston Plucknett between 1886 and 1888. Their third son, Victor, was born there in late 1887 or early 1888. Their fourth son, Alfred George, was born there on 13 August 1889.[5]

The 1901 census recorded Mark as an employee, but by 1911, he had established his own building business.

In April 1912, their son, Victor, emigrated to Canada.[6]

In June 1919, Mark sold his stock in trade and effects and returned to working as an employee.[7] That same month, he was elected honorary secretary of the parish cricket club.[8] By June 1921, he worked for Yeovil Borough Council Housing Scheme as a carpenter.

Fanny died on 30 June 1927, aged 68, and Mark died on 28 May 1932, aged 71. They were laid to at Preston Plucknett.

References

[1] Civil Registration Birth Index; family tree on ancestry.com.

[2] Western Gazette, 5 May 1882, p. 6.

[3] Western Gazette, 30 March 1883, p.6; 22 August 1884, p.7.

[4] 1939 register.

[5] 1939 census.

[6] Outward Passenger Lists, 1890-1960.

[7] Western Chronicle, 20 June 1919, p.2.

[8] Western Chronicle, 13 June 1919, p.3.