John’s early life
Birth
John, the son of William and Joan Slade, was born at Beaminster on 17 February 1764.
First marriage
On 10 February 1789, John married Elizabeth Bartlett at Hardington. John made a mark in the register and Elizabeth signed her name.
Over the following eight years, they had three sons and one daughter. Elizabeth died in November 1798.
Second marriage
On 18 June 1799, John married Elizabeth Baker at Hardington. They both made a mark in the register.
Elizabeth died in May 1819, aged 58.
John and Betsy’s marriage
On 24 September 1821, at Hardington, John married Elizabeth Bartlett of Halstock. They both made a mark in the register.
The marriage register refers to Elizabeth as “Elizabeth”, but later documents often refer to her as “Betty” or “Betsy.”
The 1841 census
The 1841 census shows them living at Hardington Marsh: John, a labourer, aged 80; and Betty, with no recorded occupation, aged 60. Their actual ages were 77 and about 63.
Living with them were Ann Rendell, who was a weaver aged 40, and her illegitimate daughter, Matilda, aged 6.
Paupers
On 7 June 1844, James Poole, Hardington’s overseer, summoned Robert to appear at the Yeovil Petty Sessions for refusing to contribute to his father’s support. Despite his plea that he could no longer afford to do so, the Magistrates ordered him to pay 1s a week.[1]
By March 1851, John and “Betsy” lived in the High Street. They were both paupers, and Roger Purchase, also a pauper, lived with them.
Roger Purchase died in January 1855, aged 80.
John’s death
John died in April 1853, aged about 91.
Betsy’s later life
Betsy remained a pauper for the rest of her life, living to a great age despite her poverty.
By April 1861, Betsy lodged with Thomas Matthews, a butcher who lived in the High Street.
By April 1871, she and another pauper, James Abbott, lodged with Susan Whebby, a laundress who lived in the High Street.
Betsy’s death
Betsy died on 6 January 1876, aged 98.[2]
Children
John and his first wife had four children:
1790 Edward
1792 John
1794 Robert
1797 Anne
References
[1] Sherborne Mercury, 8 June 1844, p.3.
[2 Western Gazette, 14 January 1876, p.8.
