Introduction

Frances White was born into a farming family and married John Henry Hawkins, a stone mason, in 1882. The couple settled at Hardington and had eight children, including Frederick Reginald, who was killed in France on 27 September 1915.

Early life at Hardington Marsh

Frances was born at Hardington in 1854, the third child of William and Emma White.

In April 1871, Frances was a dairymaid at Hardington Marsh, where her father was the dairyman. A decade later, the 1891 census recorded her as a farmer’s daughter, still working on her parents’ farm.

Marriage

In 1882, Frances married John Henry Hawkins, a stone mason from West Coker.

Early married life at Hardington Marsh

After their marriage, Frances and John established their home at Hardington Marsh where they lived until around 1890.

Married life at Hardington Moor

They then moved to Moor Cottage, a property that John eventually bought in the 1920 estate sale, having previously lived there on a monthly tenancy.

Death of son

Their son, Frederick Reginald, was killed in France on 27 September 1915 while serving with the Grenadier Guards.

Death

John died on 18 December 1922, aged 66, leaving an estate valued at £202-15s. He bequeathed Frances all his household effects for life and his house for five years.

Frances died on 4 December 1935, aged 81.

Children

John and Frances had six sons and two daughters.