Introduction

William Bird and his sister, Ruth, were both born at Wraxall, Dorset, in the 1780s. They farmed together at Hardington Marsh from the early 1840s until William’s death in 1848, when Ruth continued alone until about 1859. Following her time at Hardington, Ruth lived at Halstock and later Beaminster.

Early lives

William was born at Wraxall, Dorset, around 1781, and Ruth was born four years later.

Their father, William, died in May 1787 and their mother, Hannah, in 1818.

In June 1841, Ruth worked alongside her brother, George, at Urless Farm in Corscombe, while William’s whereabouts at that time remain unknown.

Hardington

The Hardington tithe survey recorded William occupying a farm of 81.5 acres owned by Sophia Mina Legg and later known as Grove Farm.

William died on 18 April 1848 at the age of 67 and was buried at Corscombe four days later. He bequeathed his entire estate, including his “stock in husbandry”, to his sister, Ruth.[1]

The 1851 census shows Ruth farming 60 acres at Hardington Marsh and employing three labourers. Her household included three servants: Robert Wareham, 47; Ruth’s sister, Joan Coombes, 73; and Ann Russell, 17. Joan Coombes died at Hardington Marsh in June 1853 and was buried at Corscombe on 25 June.

Ruth left Hardington in about 1859.[2]

Halstock

By April 1861, Ruth was farming 24 acres at Halstock. Her household included her bailiff, Robert Wareham, and a nineteen-year-old dairymaid.

Beaminster

By June 1867, Ruth was residing at Beaminster.[3] She died on 19 August 1869 at the age of 84 and was buried at Corscombe six days later.

Ruth’s estate was valued at “under £100.”

The will of Ruth Bird of Beaminster, spinster

I appoint my nephew, John Bird of Maiden Newton, Dairyman, sole executor.

I direct my executor at his discretion to divide my wearing apparel equally between my nieces, Elizabeth Walden and Jane, the wife of William Taylor, and my late servant, Emily Ford.

To my nephew, John Bird: all my messuages, tenements, lands and hereditaments and the remainder of my personal estate.

Signed with her mark.

Wit: Rob Leigh, Eli Elliott.[4]

References

[1] The will of William Bird, dated 13 February 1847, proved at London on 18 May 1848.

[2] Hardington Church Rates Book.

[3] The will of Ruth Bird, dated 14 June 1867, proved at the Principal Registry on 28 October 1869.

[4] The will of Ruth Bird, dated 14 June 1867, proved at the Principal Registry on 28 October 1869.