Introduction

Frederick Spearing was the great-grandson of Emanuel and Ann Slade of Kingswood Farm. After initially working as a groom, he changed to agriculture, working as a cowman before becoming a farmer in his mid-thirties. He remained at Rydon Farm until his death in 1959.

Childhood

Frederick was born in Hardington on 3 November 1873, the tenth of twelve children born to Henry and Harriett Spearing.[1] His father was a farm labourer and later a farmer.

In 1891, Frederick Spearing, aged 17, was a “Groom Domestic” living with his parents at 370 Hill End.

Marriage

On 10 November 1900, at Aller, Frederick married Lucy Glover, the daughter of Edward Glover, a farm labourer.

Married life at Hardington

In March 1901, Frederick and Lucy lived at Hill End, and he worked as a cattleman on a farm.

In about 1907, Frederick and his family moved to the High Street Farm, later known as Rydon Farm.[2]

In 1920, Frederick occupied 43 acres. In that year’s estate sale, he bought lot 28, which comprised a house and 18 acres.

Lucy’s death

Lucy died intestate on 7 December 1944, aged 61, leaving an estate valued at £162-12s.[3]

Frederick’ death

Frederick died on 9 September 1959, aged 85. His estate was valued at £6,212-6s-9d gross and £6,164 13s 11d net.[4]

Children

Frederick and Lucy had five children: Elsie Lily May, Ernest Leslie, Henry Frederick, Mildred Lucy and Joyce Vera.

The will of Frederick Spearing (summary)

Executors: my wife, Lucy, and my eldest son, Ernest Leslie Spearing.

To my wife: the whole including farm, stock, and furniture for her use during her life.

“At my decease it is my wish that one of my sons stay at home- and help to manage the farm- to keep the home going and the upbringing of the other children.”

If neither son wishes to do this, I should wish that my wife and children stay on in the house and let the land, my wife to have the power to sell the livestock and implements.

At the death of my wife, it is my further wish that the farm and what is left be divided as follows:

My son who stays home to help the management: 1/4

The other four children: 3/4 in equal shares.

If no son stays home to help my wife, then the whole shall be equally divided between my five children.

Wit: Edward James Beaumont, East Chinnock

Sara A Beaumont, East Chinnock.

Frederick personally wrote the will on a last will and testament form.

References

[1] Civil Registration Birth Index; 1939 register.

[2] Hardington voters’ lists; 1911 census.

[3] National Probate Calendar.

[4] The will of Frederick Spearing, dated 10 October 1927, proved at Bristol on 11 December 1959.