Introduction

George Edward Sibley achieved remarkable upward social mobility, rising from web weaver to the position of Assistant Superintendent with the Prudential Assurance Company. He also played a leadership role in running Hardington’s Bible Christian Chapel. In retirement, he engaged enthusiastically in political, religious and leisure activities. In many ways, he embodied a full and fulfilling life. However, his life was marred by a moment of madness in June 1914.

Childhood at Crewkerne

George was born at Crewkerne in 1868, the second child of Eli and Ellen. His father had come to Crewkerne from Bridport in his youth to work in the weaving industry. In 1865, he married Ellen Perry, an inhabitant of the town. They established their home in South Street, where they raised a family of seven sons and one daughter, Ellen, who was born six months after her father died in 1881.

The seven sons probably vied with one another in their careers. James, the eldest, became a tailor in South Wales and later in London; George and Fred became employees of the Prudential Assurance Company; Charles joined the army, and Percy moved to Plymouth, where he became a newsagent. Only Frank and Nellie remained in Crewkerne as textile workers. Sadly, Henry, the sixth son, died aged only 14.[1]

Early life as a farm worker and weaver

Initially, George found a job as an indoor farm servant at Misterton, working for Robert Lawrence, a miller and farmer.[2] However, within a few years, he followed in his parents’ footsteps and took up weaving. He was a weaver living in Hermitage Street when he married Elizabeth Prince at Crewkerne on 2 October 1887. By April 1891, they lived in West Street. George was employed as a web weaver and Elizabeth as a machinist.

Elizabeth had experienced a difficult childhood. Her mother died in 1870 when Elizabeth was four, and she was later raised by her stepmother after her father married in 1873.[3]

New career

George and his younger brother Fred became agents of the Prudential Assurance company at about the same time. By March 1901, Fred was an agent in Crewkerne, while George lived at Hardington. George may have taken over as agent from Arthur Reynolds.

George and his family moved to Hardington between 25 January 1898 and 3 April 1900. The 1901 census shows George, Elizabeth and their seven children living in a house in Barry Lane. Three of their children were born at Hardington: Beatrice Alice on 3 April 1900, Victor Frederick on 16 October 1902, and Sidney George on 23 April 1904.

George excelled in his new position. In April 1902, while at Hardington, senior Prudential managers presented him with a silver-plated teapot for achieving second place in their Crewkerne district.[4]

Hardington Chapel

George and his family were active members of the village chapel. He chaired public meetings and kept and presented the accounts. He and his wife ran the Sunday School and hosted Christmas parties at their house. They also sang at chapel concerts, as did some of their children. At one concert, George played a flute duet with another man.[5]

Castle Cary

George continued to make strides in his career, and by early 1906, he had become an Assistant Superintendent, residing at Rydon House, Castle Cary.[6]

George and Elizabeth’s last child, Dorothy Gertrude Nelly, was born at Castle Cary in late 1905 or early 1906 but died two years later.

A shameful offence

When he was 46 years old, George committed an offence that compels a revaluation of his character. On 9 June 1914, he indecently exposed himself to an eleven-year-old girl in Foddington Road, Babcary. George was arrested and tried at Somerton police Court four days later, where he pleaded guilty. His solicitor, Arthur Mawer of Wells, asked the magistrates not to impose a prison sentence, citing George’s family responsibilities and previous good character. Richard Drewett, a solicitor’s managing clerk of Castle Cary, testified that he had known George for eight or nine years and always found him to be straightforward. Henry Atwood, the local Police Superintendent, also attested to George’s good character. Mawer’s appeal for leniency succeeded, and the magistrates decided against a prison sentence, imposing instead a fine of £5, including costs.[7]

Clevedon

Following this incident, George’s employers promptly transferred him to Clevedon. According to his obituary, he was there before the First World War.[8]

By June 1921, George his wife, and two sons lived at Guildown, Marson Road, Clevedon, a four-bedroom semi-detached villa.

During his time at Clevedon, George was politically active on behalf of the Liberal Party, addressing meetings and serving as secretary of the Clevedon Liberal Club for several years. He attempted to obtain a seat on the Clevedon Urban District Council but failed to gather enough support. He was also active in the local Methodist Church, serving as a caretaker and singing in the choir. He was a keen bowler, serving as captain of the Prince’s Road Bowling Green, and an enthusiastic angler who enjoyed fishing from the pier.[9]

Death

Elizabeth died on 10 February 1937, aged 70, leaving an estate valued at £114-19s-7d.[10]

George died on 7 February 1943, aged 76, after a prolonged illness. His funeral service was held at the Methodist Church, and he was laid to rest in the parish churchyard.

George left an estate valued at £894-3s-11d.[11] His executors sold his home by auction on 19 January 1944.[12]

Children

George and Elizabeth had seven sons and three daughters. Their son, Harold, was killed in Flanders on 25 May 1918.

References

[1] Western Gazette, 29 April 1892, p.8.

[2] 1881 census.

[3] Interestingly, Elizabeth’s father, John Prince, was born in Grenada in the West Indies.

[4] Western Chronicle, 25 April 1902 p.7.

[5] Western Chronicle 30 May 1902 p. 5; Western Chronicle 3 January 1902 p. 5; Western Chronicle 4 April 1902 p. 8; Western Chronicle 6 September 1901 p. 5; Western Chronicle 13 February 1903 p.5; Western Chronicle 17 July 1903 p. 8; Western Chronicle 25 December 1903 p. 7; Western Chronicle 22 July 1904 p. 6; Western Chronicle 14 July 1905 p. 6.

[6] Western Chronicle,13 March 1908, p.4; Civil Registration Birth Index: birth of Dorothy Gertrude Nelly Sibley Q1 1906 (mother’s maiden name Prince).

[7] Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 17 June 1914, p.5. The account appears under the heading “Insurance Agent Heavily Fined.” The girl, Elsie May Millard, was a farmer’s daughter, born on 11 November 1902. She died, unmarried, in 1979.

[8] Clevedon Mercury, 11 December 1943, p.3.

[9] Clevedon Mercury, 11 December 1943, p.3.

[10] National Probate Calendar.

[11] National Probate Calendar.

[12] Clevedon Mercury, 15 January 1944, p.2.