2.1.2 Thomas Barnett - the fourth generation

[Last amended: November 13, 2005]

Thomas Barnett was the second child born to Thomas Barnett and Caroline Bassigny. He was their first son and first surviving child. He was baptised at Shiplake on April 1, 1815.

This is the fourth Thomas being Thomas the son of Thomas (born 1871), the son of Thomas (born 1759), the son of Thomas (our starting point).

The 1841 census records Thomas as living at Bromsden Farm in the parish of Bix, Oxfordshire. His age is given as 25 and he was a farmer. Also at this address were his siblings John, Emily and Harriet.

Thomas married Frances Arnold on July 17, 1848 at St Pancras old Church, St Pancras, Middlesex. The witnesses were Joseph Arnold and Sarah Lovelock. At the time of his marriage, Thomas was living at Grange Road and he was a butcher. Frances was the daughter of William and Mary Arnold. Her father was a baker. She had been born at Eaton Socon, Bedfordshire and baptised there on March 23, 1829.

The 1851 census recorded Thomas living at 13 Grange Rd, St Pancras. His occupation was given as butcher and he employed 1 man. Also in the householder was his wife, Frances, two young daughters (Caroline aged 1 and Frances 2 months, both born in St Pancras), John Arnold the 21 year old brother of Frances and two servants.

The years between 1851 and 1861 were mixed ones for Thomas and Fanny, as Frances appears to have been known. Wile a further 5 children were born their first two daughters died. The cause of death is still to be found however both deaths were recorded in the September quarter of 1855 so it is possible that the girls were victims of the dreaded fever.

At the time of the 1861 census, Thomas and Frances were living at 29 Harley Road, Kentish Town. Thomas was a butcher employing one boy. Also in the household were their five children:

• Thomas, 8
• Ellen Alice, 6
• Francis, 4
• Kate, 2; and
• Elizabeth A, 6 months.

In late 1861, Thomas had visited his cousin Mary Hobbs. Mary, in writing to her brother James in November 1861 said:

I have seen Tom Barnett lately. He found me out now where I am living. I had not seen him for more than twenty years. He lives Camden Town, I believe where he did when you left England. He is an odd fish, but poor fellow not a bad hearted one. He lost two of his children a short time ago with fever and it had very much shaken his nerves. He says he is getting a livehood, but still says he should like to leave where he is. I advised him by all means to let well enough and remain, for he is not cultivated to contend with the co… of the world as it must now a days.

Thomas died on May 19, 1867 as the probate index atests: "3 July 1867 The Will of Thomas Barnett late of 73 Weedington-road Kentish Town in the county of Middlesex Butcher deceased who died at the Middlesex Hospital Goodge-street Tottenham-Court-road in the county aforesaid was proved at the Principal Registry by the oath of Frances Barnett Widow the Relict the sole Executrix". His effects were under £300.

In 1871 the family was living at 8 Hargrave Rd, Islington, that famous London district. Frances (42) was a widow and working as a dressmaker. Ellen (16) was also a dressmaker. Francis (14) was a butcher. Kate (12), Elizabeth (10), Fanny (8) and Ada (6) were all listed as scholars.

Frances continued to work as a dressmaker as did her daughters as can be seen from the 1881 census when the family was living at 3 Hargrave Rd, Islington. Frances (53), Kate (22), Fanny M (18) and Ada (16) were all dressmakers. Also in the household was Ethel Burn (1), her granddaughter, and Albert F Thornhill the curate at St John's U(pper) Holloway, a lodger.

Frances was living at 48 St John's Villa Upper Holloway in Islington in 1891. Her occupation was listed as landlady. Her household included her daughters Ada and Fanny.

Frances was still alive in 1901. She had supported the family as a dressmaker and by taking in lodgers. Daughters Fanny and Ada were still living with their mother.

Children of Thomas Barnett and Frances Arnold: