Introduction

William Matthews spent over twenty years as a turnpike gatekeeper. In his late sixties or early seventies, he retired to Hardington to live with his brother, Thomas. William’s wife was dead, and he had no children. After Thomas died in the Yeovil Workhouse from old age on 4 May 1880, William lived alone for a time. However, he, too, died in the workhouse three years later.

Childhood

William was born at Stockland, Devon, in about 1806, the second of nine children born to Richard and Mary. In the 1820s, the family moved to Pendomer, where Richard died in January 1831 at the age of about 52. After Richard’s death, the family moved to Hardington.

Marriage

By June 1841, William had left home. On 30 September 1841, he married Jane Coombes at Wincanton. At the time, William was about 35 years old, while Jane was about 31. William signed the marriage register, while Jane made a mark.

Gatekeeper

After marrying, William became a turnpike gatekeeper. By March 1851, he was a gatekeeper at Thornford Road Turnpike Gate, Sherborne. By April 1861, he was a gatekeeper at Kingstone Gate, Dowlish Wake. By April 1871, William was a toll collector living at Edgarley Road, Glastonbury.

William and Jane had no children, but in March 1851, Jane’s four-year-old niece, Jane Coombs, lived with them.

Wife’s death

Jane died between April 1861 and April 1871.

Retirement

By April 1881, he had moved to Hardington to live with his brother, Thomas. After Thomas died on 4 May 1880, William lived alone.[1] In April 1881, he was an annuitant residing in High Street.

Over the next couple of years, his health declined, and he was admitted to the Yeovil Workhouse. He suffered from bronchitis, which led to a coma, and he died on 16 May 1886 at the age of about 77.[2]

References

[1] Death certificate of Thomas Matthews.

[2] Death certificate of William Matthews (age recorded as 67).