Introduction

Robert Bartlett married late in life and initially worked as a dairyman at Halstock before moving to Cary’s Farm, Hardington, in the early 1830s. Following the death of his wife in 1849, their youngest daughter was taken in by her mother’s brother, who lived in Hampshire. Tragically, Robert’s life was cut short by an accident. Five months later, his daughter Mary Ann married Thomas Paul, who then took over the farm.

Birth

Robert was born at West Chelborough around 1786 to James and Elizabeth Bartlett.

Marriage

On 13 April 1826, Robert married Fanny Holt at Halstock. At the time, Robert was about 40 years old and a bachelor of Halstock, while Fanny was about 31 and from East Coker. Fanny signed the marriage register, but Robert marked it with a cross.

Halstock

Robert and Sarah initially lived at Halstock, where he worked as a dairyman. While there, they had three children: Edward Thomas, Elizabeth and Mary Ann.

Hardington

Between 1832 and 1834, the family moved to Hardington, where Robert occupied Cary’s Farm.

He is listed as the renter of land above £50 per annum in the voters’ lists from 1835 to 1855.

The 1843 tithe survey recorded him as the occupier of a farm of 32 acres, one rod and 18 perches owned by George Hart and Edward Budge, including Cary’s farmhouse (plot 313).

After moving to Hardington, Robert and Emily had a son, Charles, and a daughter, Emily.

Wife’s death

Fanny died on 22 January 1847, at the age of 53 due to an “enfeebled constitution” and palsy.[1]

Robert’s later life

The 1851 census recorded Robert as a farmer of 40 acres employing two men. By this time, his oldest son and youngest daughter had left home; the latter was living with her mother’s brother and his wife in Twyford, Hampshire.

Death

Robert died on 1 October 1854 at the age of 68. An inquest concluded that he died from natural causes accelerated by being thrown from his cart.[2]

Children

Robert and Fanny had five children:

Circa 1827- Edward Thomas (left home after the death of their mother);[3]

Circa 1828- Elizabeth (left home after March 1851);

Circa 1832-Mary Ann (married Thomas Paul at Hardington on 20 February 1855; he died 20 March 1858; married Giles Hodges at St Marylebone on 31 January 1861; died 11 August 1868);

Circa 1836- Charles (left home after March 1851);

1839- Emily (moved to Twyford after the death of her mother; married James Dedman, a carpenter, in 1861; died in 1908).

References

[1] Death certificate of Frances Bartlett.

[2] Death certificate of Robert Bartlett.

[3] Edward Bartlett registered Frances Bartlett’s death.