Introduction

Sarah Bartlett lived in a house on Pig Hill. When her husband died in 1839, he left her a life interest in the property. With this house and the help of her son Joseph, she was able to maintain her independence into her seventies.

Birth

Sarah (nee Baker) was born around 1768. Her parentage is unclear, but she may be the Sarah Baker, daughter of Richard and Ann Baker, who was baptised at West Coker on 3 May 1767.

Marriage

On 4 September 1798, she married Edward Bartlett at Hardington. At the time, Edward was about 43 years old, and Sarah was about 30. Edward signed the marriage register, whereas Sarah made a mark.

Husband’s death

Edward died on 25 March 1839, at the age of 84, leaving an estate valued at “under £100.” This estate included a house and the adjoining Tobey’s Plot. He bequeathed the property to Sarah for her lifetime and then to his sons, Edward and Joseph. However, his codicil dated 9 January 1836 denied his wife the right to sell or mortgage the property.[1]

1841 census

The 1841 census recorded Sarah as an independent, living at Pig Hill with her son, Joseph, who worked as a weaver. Her other son, Edward, may have been living at East Coker at that time.

Death

Sarah died in September 1842, at the age of 74.

Children

Edward and Sarah had three children:

1800-Edward (never married; resided at Hardington, where he worked as a farm labourer; died in 1878);

1802-Joseph (never married; resided at Hardington, where he worked as a weaver and later as a farm labourer; died in 1873);

Circa 1806- Edith (married George Purchase, a stone mason, in 1829; died in the Yeovil Workhouse from rheumatism on 12 February 1843).[2]

References

[1] The will of Edward Bartlett, dated 19 December 1835, with codicil dated 9 January 1836, proved at Wells on 16 August 1839.

[2] Death certificate of Edith Purchase.