Birth

Thomas Paul, the fourth child of Daniel and Rachel Paul, was born at Seavington St Mary in about 1831. His father, Daniel, was a labourer.

Hardington

Within a year or two of Thomas’s birth, his parents moved to Moor Farm, Hardington.

When Thomas was about 12, his father died, and his mother took over the farm.

In 1849, Thomas’s older brother, James, emigrated to America.

Marriage

On 20 February 1855, Thomas married Mary Ann Bartlett, the daughter of Robert and Fanny Bartlett, at Hardington.

Mary had an illegitimate son named Edward, who was two years old. He was raised as part of Thomas’s family and later became a wealthy greengrocer in London.

Children

Mary and Thomas had three children: Fanny Elizabeth, who died aged 2; Rachel Emily, who died 3 months; and Giles Hodges, who became a farrier in London.

Summoned

On 3 December 1856, Thomas was summoned for rescuing some geese from the village pound. The magistrates ordered him to pay the expenses but did not impose a fine.[1]

Residence

The 1858 voters’ list shows Thomas as the occupier of “Paul’s Farm.”

Death

Thomas died on 8 April 1858, aged 27. His death certificate attributes his death to inflammatory fever and congestion of the lungs.

His brother, Giles Hodges Paul, died two years earlier, aged 21. Their early deaths suggest some form of congenital disease or bodily weakness.

Mary Ann’s later life

On 3 January 1861, Mary Ann married Giles Hodges, her late husband’s cousin, at St Marylebone parish church.

Mary Ann and Giles had five children.

Mary Ann died on 14 August 1868, aged 36, after a complicated and exhuasting labour.

References

[1] Sherborne Mercury, 9 December 1856, p.2.