John GUMBLETON

In 1841, the family were living in the Poor Houses, St James Street, Shaftesbury. John’s father was an agricultural labourer. In 1851, he was still living at home with his parents, now in Olive Yard, Shaftesbury, and his father, aged 65, was now a pauper.

In 1856, John married Mary Gray in Shaftesbury. They went on to have eleven children.

In the 1861 census, John and Mary were living in St James Street, Shaftesbury, in the household of Mary’s widowed sister, who was a glover. Mary herself was working as a glover and John as an agricultural labourer.

By 1871 they had their own house in St James Street, and by this stage, had six children living at home. John was working as a mason’s labourer. The 1881 census gives there address as 61 St James St and, by then, they shared the house with ten children.

In 1900, their son, Fred, now living in Portsmouth, was summoned to the Petty Sessions by the Shaftesbury Board of Guardians for not supporting his father. Fred had been called upon by the Board to pay 1s a week towards his father's support and it was noted that one other son contributed to the father's support, but two others were not in a position to do so.

In the 1901 census, John and Mary were living at 92 St James St, Shaftesbury. He was aged 71 but still described as a labourer and gardener.

In 1907, Mary died and was buried at Shaftesbury.

By 1911, John’s son Charles was head of the household at 92 St James St. John was still living with him, aged 78.

John died in 1912 and was buried at St James’ Church.