Introduction

Robert Slade farmed on a small scale at Hardington. His wife, Elizabeth, originally came from Seaton. After her death in 1859, Robert left the parish to work in a mill in South Petherton before eventually returning to Hardington.

Birth at Hardington

Robert was born at Hardington on 5 October 1794, the third of four children born to John and Elizabeth Slade. His mother, Elizabeth, died when he was four years old.

First marriage

On 13 March 821, Robert married Elizabeth Hooper at St. John’s Church in Yeovil. At the time, Robert was 26 years old at the time, and Elizabeth was about the same age. Robert signed the marriage register, while Elizabeth made a mark.

Although Elizabeth was residing in Yeovil at the time of their marriage, she was originally born in Seaton around 1795. Her parents, John and Martha, married there in 1789.

Early occupations

In the 1820s, Robert worked as a labourer. By June 1841, he had become a farmer, and ten years later, he was farming 21 acres and employing one labourer.             

Residences

In 1843, Robert probably lived in a house owned by William White, situated where the later Broadstone cottages were built. Census records indicate that Robert lived in or near that house until the late 1850s.

1843 tithe survey

According to the 1843 tithe survey, Robert occupied a three-acre field owned by Richard Dodge, a one-acre field owned by Charles Groves, an allotment owned by Lord Ilchester, and 17 acres owned by William White.

Support of his father

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 Robert’s plea that he could no longer afford to do so, the magistrates ordered him to pay 1s a week.[1]

Parish offices

Robert served as an overseer in 1842, 1845 and 1847.[2]

Elizabeth’s death

Elizabeth died in May 1859 at the age of 65.

Miller’s servant and farm labourer

Following his wife’s death, Robert faced a challenging situation.  However, he demonstrated remarkable resilience by moving nine miles northwest to Joyler’s Mill, South Petherton, where he worked as a general servant for Jasper Patten, a miller. The 1861 census recorded him as aged 61 when he was actually about six years older. After a brief period at the mill, Robert returned to Hardington in 1861, where he earned a living as a farm labourer.

Second marriage

On 12 November 1861, Robert married Lucy Purchase, the widow of George Purchase, who had died in October 1860.[3]

Lucy’s death

Lucy died in November or December 1877 at the age of 79.

Final years and death

After Lucy’s death, Robert lived alone in Church Lane. He died on 9 October 1881, at the age of 88.[4]

Children

Robert and Elizabeth had three children:

Circa 1821-Caroline (who has not been found after June1841);

Circa 1822-Susannah (who died in infancy);

Circa 1826-William (who became a farmer, parish clerk, post master and shopkeeper).

References

[1] Sherborne Mercury, 8 June 1844, p.3.

[2] Hardington jury lists.

[3] Sherborne Mercury, 19 November 1861, p.5.

[4] Western Gazette 28 October 1881, p.1.