2.4.3 Mary Barnett

[Last amended: February 15, 2003]

Mary Barnett was the third child of George Barnett and Mary Brangwin. She was born on August 25, 1812 and baptised on September 12, 1812 at Pheasant's Hill Independent Chapel, Hambleden, Bucks.

Mary married Joseph Hobbs by licence on January 23, 1833 at St Margaret’s, Harpsden, Oxon with the consent of her mother, Mary. Joseph was given as a bachelor of Cookham, Berks, Mary as a spinster of the parish. Witnesses were Emma Hobbs [probably Joseph's sister] and Henry Barnett [Mary's brother].

The marriage licence was issued on January 17, 1833 (Oxford Diocesan Marriage Bonds). The abode for Joseph was given as Cookham, Berks, age 21 and upwards while Mary was a minor of Harpsden marrying with the consent of her mother, Mary Barnett.

According to the 1851 census, Mary and Joseph were living at Moor Hall, Cookham, Berks. Joseph’s age was given as 42, he was a farmer of 400 acres employing 43 labourers and his place of birth was Medmenham, Bucks.

Parish church, Cookham, Berkshire

Photo: Lorraine Wuth, September 1998

Mary died on August 26, 1880 at the age of 68.

From the headstone on Mary and Joseph's grave in the Cookham Church Yard:

In memory of Joseph Hobbs of Moor Hall and Abney House who died September 17th 1859 aged 50 years "Him who cometh to me I will in no wise cast out" also Mary, wife of the above who died August 26th 1880 aged 68 years

Headstone at the back of the church

Joseph's Will, dated September 14, 1859 and proved at Oxford on November 15, 1859, was a very long document, extending to 6 sheets with a codicil. It set up a trust for his children, making provision for them to receive benefits. The full extent of the trust came to them (subject to age restrictions) on the death or remarriage of Joseph's widow, Mary. The trustee arrangements originally set up Joseph's wife, Mary, and son Henry as trustees. Provisions within the will allowed for the replacement, retirement, removal and addition of trustees.

Properties mentioned in the will included Abney House and the adjoining brewery.

At the time of probate, the value of the effect did not exceed £8,000. Both Mary and Henry are listed as being of Abney House.

Joseph is listed in the 1852-53 Slater's Directory for Berkshire under Maidenhead in the Miscellaneous section as a cattle dealer of Cookham.

Address given as Langton Farm in the Cookham Parish Register against the baptism entry for son Henry in 1834.

Mary wrote a long letter to her brother James in late 1861 which contains a wealth of information about her circumstances and various family members.

Children of Mary Barnett and Joseph Hobbs: