Introduction

George Walter White was born in Hardington in 1873 and lived in the village his entire life. He worked for his father as a carpenter, eventually taking over the family business late in life. After marrying Ellen Partridge in 1901, they lived on Rectory Lane and later moved to Barry Lane before settling at Moor Cross around 1914. George passed away in 1948, and Ellen in 1969.

Birth

George was born at Hardington Mandeville on 18 June 1873.[1] He was the oldest child and only son of George White, a carpenter, and his wife, Jane (née Partridge).

Occupation

For many years, George worked as a carpenter for his father. By June 1921, his two sons, William and Sidney, had also joined the family business. George did not take over the business until the 1920s or 1930s when his father was quite elderly.

Marriage

On 30 July 1901, George married his first cousin, Ellen Florence Leach Partridge, the daughter of Abraham Partridge, his mother’s brother.

Residences

From 1903 to 1908, George and Ellen lived in Rectory Lane. From 1908 to 1912, they lived at Barry Lane in a house that belonged to George Shire. By 1914, they had moved to Hardington Moor. George’s father may have moved to Ivy Cottage, Hill End, allowing George Walter and his family to reside in Moor Cottage.

Parish Council work

George Walter was an assistant overseer from at least 1906 to 1927. He was the clerk to the parish council in 1935 and 1939 and probably over a longer period.

Death of a son

In the late autumn of 1922, George and Ellen’s oldest son, William, fell ill with scarlet fever. Despite the loving care of his family and the skilled treatment provided by Dr Charles Ambrose Palmer of Yeovil, complications arose, and he died on 4 December 1922, at the age of 21.

Items for sale

George used the pages of the local newspapers to advertise various items for sale: a large panelled old oak chest in June 1912, white Wyandotte eggs at 4s a dozen in January 1927, a caravan in July 1931, 11 acres of grass keep and a rick of hay in November 1931. red deal field gates, at 20s each, in June 1935, and six acres of grass keep in July 1936.[2]

Death

George Walter died intestate on 5 April 1948, aged 74. His estate was valued at £1,239-2s-4d.[3]

Ellen died on 15 January 1969, aged 87. She did not leave a will either; her estate was valued at £3,014.[4]

Children

George and Ellen had six children: William George (who died aged 21), Sidney Walter, Nora Evelyn, Gwendoline Maud, Ronald and Jack (who died in infancy)

References

[1] Civil Registration Birth Index; 1939 Register.

[2] Western Gazette, 7 June 1912, p.7; 28 January 1927, p.9; 17 July 1931, p.9; 27 November 1931, p.8; 21 June 1935, p.9; Taunton Courier and Western Advertiser, 4 July 1936, p.3.

[3] National probate register. On 1 January 1970, following Ellen’s death, a second grant of administration was issued for George’s estate, which was valued at £500.

[4] National probate register.