Introduction
Thomas Genge, originally from Hardington, was closely tied to Newfoundland and Canada during his youth. In 1834, he married Elizabeth Ingram in Bristol. Although she was born in Newfoundland, her mother came from Hardington. After their marriage, the couple moved to Canada for at least two years before returning to Hardington, where Thomas became a farmer. Following Elizabeth’s death in 1879, he remarried the following year and lived until 1886. He had five sons from his first marriage, three of whom emigrated to Australia.
Birth
Thomas was born at Hardington around 1803. It is not clear who his parents were.
Inheritance
In 1830, Thomas inherited £200 from his uncle, Abraham Genge of Labrador.[1] This significant legacy played an important role in shaping Thomas’s life.
First marriage
On 4 March 1834, Thomas married Elizabeth Ingram at St Mary Redcliffe, Bristol. At the time, Thomas was about 31 years old, and Elizabeth was about 17. Both signed the marriage register, with witnesses Abraham Genge and Eliza Abbott present.
Elizabeth, the first child of William Ingram and Sarah Genge, was born in 1817 at Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, and she was probably Thomas’s cousin.
Canada
Thomas and Elizabeth spent the early years of their marriage in Canada, where their sons, Isaac and Jacob, were born.
Return to Hardington
By June 1841, Thomas had returned to Hardington with his family, settling at what later became known as Struckmead Farm in Barry Lane.
Farmer
The 1843 tithe survey recorded Thomas as the owner of eight acres. Despite renting additional land, his farm remained small. The 1851 census recorded him as a farmer of 35 acres employing one labourer. A decade later, his farm had expanded to 46 acres, and he employed two men. However, by April 1871, it had decreased to 24 acres, with only one boy employed.
Household
While actively farming, Thomas usually employed a young female house servant.
By April 1871, Thomas’s mother-in-law, Sarah Ingram, lived with him at the farm. She died in August 1874.
Parish offices
Thomas was an overseer in 1842 and a churchwarden in 1859.[2]
Retirement
In 1877, Thomas’s son, Thomas Jr., married Ann Studley and took over the farm, allowing Thomas and Elizabeth to retire to Hill End.
Wife’s death
Elizabeth died in June 1879 at the age of 66.
Second marriage
On 15 March 1880, Thomas married Rebecca Cox at Yeovil’s Congregational Church. At that time, Thomas was about 77 years old, while Rebecca was 35.
This marriage provided a home for Rebecca and her widowed mother, Ann, who was three years younger than Thomas.
Nonconformity
The choice of venue probably rested with Rebecca. However, Thomas and Rebecca probably shared a common religious nonconformity, as none of his children, including the three born there, were baptised at Hardington.
Death
Thomas died on 29 October 1886, at the age of 82, leaving an estate valued at £1,102 19s 11d. On 16 November 1886, Cross & Son conducted a sale of Thomas’s household furniture and effects.[3]
Rebecca’s later life
Following Thomas’s death, Rebecca was left alone as her mother had passed away in 1883. By April 1891, she was lodging with a grocer and his wife at 11 Kingston, Yeovil. Her mental health deteriorated, and within ten years, she became a patient at the Somerset and Bath Asylum in Cotford, Bishops Lydeard. She died there on March 11, 1907, from heart disease and pulmonary oedema at the age of 64.[4] She passed away intestate, with an estate valued at £110 9s 2d, which her niece, Mary Cox, administered.[5]
Children
Circa 1834-Isaac (a draper’s assistant in Yeovil by March 1851; married Elizabeth Hutchings Taylor at Crewkerne in 1856; resided at Bristol; died in 1910);
Circa 1834-Jacob (emigrated to New South Wales in 1854; died in 1897);
Circa 1845-Francis (emigrated to New South Wales after April 1861; died in 1923);
7 October 1848-Albert (emigrated to New South Wales in 1865; died in 1935)
Circa 182-Thomas (married Ann Studley in 1877; resided at Hardington until about 1900, when he moved to Ringwood; died near Fareham in 1919).
The will of Thomas Genge
Executors and trustees: Herbert Butler Batten of Yeovil, banker, and John Shepherd Cable, bank manager.
To my wife Rebecca: my household goods, £200 plus any money in the house when I die.
To my trustees: the residue of personal estate to convert to money to pay:
To my son, Isaac Genge, £250,
To my sons Jacob, Francis and Albert, the residue equally.
To my son, Thomas: my freehold house, orchard and lands for life and then to my three grandchildren, Thomas Genge, Mabel Genge and Samuel Genge, on reaching 21.
Wit: James Adams, Yeovil, accountant
John James Adams, Yeovil, solicitor’s clerk.[6]
Codicil
Legacy to wife increased to £270.
Wit: James Adams and John James Adams.[7]
References
[1] The will of Abraham Genge, dated 23 September 1830, proved in London on 17 December 1832.
[2] Hardington jury lists.
[3] Western Gazette, 12 November 1886, p.5.
[4] Death certificate of Rebecca Genge.
[5] National probate calendar.
[6] The will of Thomas Genge, dated 22 July 1881, proved at Taunton on 1 February 1887.
[7] Codicil to the will of Thomas Genge, dated 28 March 1884.
