Introduction
Susan Hawker’s life provides an example of mutual support among elderly relatives. Born and raised at Hardington, she married a farm labourer from Evershot. Together, they lived at Pendomer and Brympton. After his death in 1860, she returned to Pendomer to live with her half-sister, Jane Abbott, and Jane’s husband, James. Following Jane’s death in 1861, Susan and James Abbott became paupers at Hardington.
Birth
Susan was born at Hardington in about 1799, the illegitimate daughter of a widow named Grace Delamont (nee Sibley), whose husband, Levi Delamont, died in 1793.
Marriage
On 28 June 1821, Susan married James Hawker at Hardington. James was about 29 years old, while Susan was about 22. Both signed the marriage with a cross. Originally from Evershot, James worked as a farm labourer.
Pendomer
After their marriage, James and Susan may have established their home at Pendomer. Their only child, David, was born there in about 1825, and they are recorded in the 1841 census as living at Pendomer.
Houndstone
By March 1851, the family had moved to Houndstone, Brympton.
James’s death
James died in 1860 at the age of 68.
Widowhood at Pendomer
After James’s death, Susan returned to Pendomer, where she boarded with her half-sister Jane Abbott and Jane’s husband, James. Jane Abbott died in 1861.
Hardington
By April 1871, Susan Hawker and her brother-in-law, James Abbott, lived in the High Street, Hardington, although they resided in separate households. James was a lodger with Susan Whebby, while Susan was a lodger with John and Susan Abbott. James and Susan were both paupers.
Death
At Yeovil County Petty Sessions on 1 July 1874, Susan was charged with being drunk and riotous at Hardington. In giving his evidence, PC Cox said that she was so tipsy she had to be carried home on a hurdle. The magistrates let her off with a caution. During the hearing, it was disclosed that Susan was receiving parish relief.[1]
Susan died ten days later, at the age of 75.[2] Her death certificate states that the symptoms of her final illness began on about 27 June. This suggests that her intoxication was a response to her declining health.
Susan’s brother-in-law, James Abbott, died in the Yeovil Workhouse the following year, on 5 March.
References
[1] Western Gazette, 3 July 1874, p.5.
[2] Death certificate of Susan Hawker. The local newspaper incorrectly reported that Susan died on 16 July (Western Gazette, 24 July 1874, p.5). Her death was registered by her neighbour, Harriet Gilham, who was present at the time.
