Introduction

Sarah was born into a prominent farming family. After losing her husband when she was about 54, she lived for another 31 years as a widow. During this time, she lived with her unmarried daughter, Susan, in Rectory Lane, where she ran a grocery shop well into her eighties.

Birth

Sarah was born at Hardington around 1778, the second of ten children born to Joseph and Mary Apsey. Her father, Joseph, was a farmer. Her siblings included Susannah, who married William Guppy, Mary, who married John Whebby, and brothers Edward and Joseph.

Marriage

Sarah married Roger Baker at Hardington on 11 May 1809. At the time of their marriage, Roger was about 39, and Sarah was about 31. Both signed the marriage register.

The couple had one daughter, Susan, who was born around 1809. Susan never married and lived with her mother until Sarah’s death.

Husband’s death

Roger died in June 1832 at the age of 62.

Sarah’s later life

The 1841 census described Sarah as an independent. Her married sister, Rebecca Lucas, was staying with her during a holiday from her usual residence in Southampton.

In 1843, Sarah was the owner-occupier of a house in Rectory Lane (number 21 on the tithe map) and the occupier of an allotment in Cold Harbour (number 465).

By April 1861, Sarah was a grocer.[1] Joseph Genge, who lived next door, was also a grocer.

In about June 1863, Susan had an illegitimate son who unfortunately died at the age of eleven months.

Death

Sarah died on 25 July 1863 at the age of 85.[2]

Her daughter, Susan, died on 19 May 1878, aged 68, leaving a personal estate valued at “under £200.”[3]

References

[1] Census and trade directory.

[2] Western Gazette, 8 August 1863, p.7.

[3] The will of Suan Baker, dated 30 October 1873, proved at Taunton on 21 June 1878.