Introduction

Joseph Purchase was born and raised at Haselbury. His wife, Marianne, originated from Swindon. After a brief period at North Perrott, he became the tenant of Bridge Close Farm, Hardington, where he lived until 1839, when the farm was sold. Joseph and his family then lived at North Cheriton for about nine years before emigrating to America.

Birth

Joseph Purchase was born at Haselbury in about 1796, the seventh of twelve children born to Richard and Elizabeth Purchase. His siblings included William, who was a schoolmaster at Haselbury, John and James.

Marriage

On 7 October 1830, Joseph married Marianne Honeybone at North Perrott by licence. His brother, John, was one of the witnesses.

Marianne, the daughter of Edward and Rebecca Honeybone, was born in Swindon in about 1803.

North Perrott

Joseph and Marianne’s first child, Edward Honeybone, was baptised at North Perrott on 17 April 1831. The baptism register recorded Joseph’s occupation as a labourer.

Hardington

By January 1833, Joseph and his family were living at Hardington.[1] The voters’ lists from 1834 to 1840 recorded Joseph as the occupier of land, including Bridge Close Farm.

While at Hardington, Joseph and Marianne had two children: Marianne and Joseph Jonas.

On 21 October 1839, George Templeman, an insolvent debtor, sold 69 acres of land at Hardington occupied by Joseph.[2] Joseph left the farm soon after this sale.

North Cheriton

By June 1841, Joseph and his family lived at North Cheriton. The 1846 voters’ list recorded him as the occupier of Manor Farm.

Joseph’s father-in-law, Edward Honeybone, lived with them for a time and died in 1842 at the age of 83.

While at North Cheriton, Joseph and Marianne had a son named Sydney Robert, born in 1845.

Emigration to the USA

In 1849, Joseph and his family emigrated to America.

Two years later, his brother, James, and his family attempted to join them but tragically drowned when their riverboat sank.

Death

Joseph died at Mayfield Farm, McCracken, Kentucky, on 19 August 1861, aged about 65.

Children

Joseph and Marianne had three sons and one daughter.

References

[1] Hardington baptism register; Hardington jury lists.

[2] Sherborne Mercury, 7 October 1839, p.2.