Introduction

Harriet Farnham played a crucial role in introducing the Bible Christian movement to Hardington. She and her husband farmed in the parish for nearly fifty years before retiring and living off their savings. Harriet spent the last two years of her life at Manor Farm in Hardington, where she resided with her niece.

Birth

Harriet was born at Crewkerne in about 1803, the daughter of Matthew and Elizabeth Bartlett. Her family moved to Hardington shortly after her birth.

Marriage

On 28 November 1820, Harriet married Dennis Farnham at Hardington.

Occupation

Dennis and Harriet farmed in the village until 1869. They occupied Bridge Farm and later Prospect Farm.[1]

Inheritance

On her mother’s death in 1855. Harriet inherited one-sixth of her mother’s estate, excluding clothes, bed and bedding. As her total estate was valued at “under £200,” Harriet inherited about £30.[2]

Chapel

According to a pamphlet on the history of Hardington Chapel, Harriet walked to Seavington to attend quarterly meetings and held meetings and Sunday School classes at her home, Prospect Farm. Her niece, Miss Bartlett, also served as a Sunday School teacher.

Niece

By April 1861, Harriet’s niece. Harriet Farnham Bartlett lived with them as a housemaid. She shared their Bible Christian faith, and together, they played a prominent part in organising and fundraising for the new chapel in the High Street. Harriet Farnham Bartlett laid the foundation stone on 20 September 1865.[3]

In 1869, this niece married Abraham Genge, who then took over the running of the farm.

Husband’s death

When Dennis died on 30 May 1872, he left Harriet his property, valued at under £450.

Harriet’s later life

After Abraham Genge became the tenant of Manor Farm, Hardington, in 1880, Harriet moved there with him.

Death and will

Harriet died on 26 May 1881, aged 77, leaving an estate valued at £200. She bequeathed £5 to her brother, William, and £5 to her sister, Honor Delamont. She left her niece, Harriett Farnham Genge, £50 and the residue of her estate.^[4]

References

[1] At that time, Prospect Farm was known as Townsend Farm.

[2] The will of Elizabeth Bartlett, dated 13 March 1854, proved at Wells on 23 March 1855. Elizabeth left her clothes, bed and bedding to her daughter, Grace Purchase.

[3] Western Gazette 29 September 1865 p.6.

[4] The will of Harriet Farnham, dated 9 June 1879, proved at Taunton on 11 August 1881.