Thomas Ballard

c1817-1902

Thomas was baptised on the 8^th June 1817 in Oare, Berkshire, the son of Thomas and Hannah Ballard (nee Tidbury) who were married on the 25^th December 1816, at St Andrew, Bradfield, Berkshire.

His father Thomas was baptised on the 2^nd August 1795, Leckhampstead/Chieveley, Berkshire, the son of William and Charlotte Ballard (nee Brooker) who were married on the 7^th November 1782, in Leckhampstead/Chieveley.

His mother Hannah was born on the 15^th August 1792, in Thatcham, Berkshire. She was baptised on the 26^th August, 1792, in Thatcham, the daughter of Jacob and Hannah Tidbury (nee Jayes) who were married on the 25^th November 1791, in Thatcham. Hannah died aged 69, she was buried on the 21^st June 1863, at St Bartholomew, Oare

Thomas and Hannah also had the following children:

James, baptised 29^th August 1819, in Oare/Chieveley

Sarah, baptised 24^th June 1821, in Oare/Chieveley

Henry, baptized 22^nd December 1823, in Chieveley

Charlotte, baptised 7^th May 1826, in Oare/Chieveley

George, baptised 18^th August 1828, in Oare/Chieveley

David, baptised 1^st May 1831, in Oare/Chieveley

Charles, baptised 11^th August 1833, in Oare (died aged 7, buried 30^th Nov. 1840, at St Mary the Virgin, Chieveley)

Joseph, born c1837 (no baptism found)

William, born c1838 (no baptism found)

Harriet, baptised 1^st January 1843, in Oare

In 1838 Thomas joined the Army (70^th regiment of foot). He left the Army in 1859 and married the following year.

Marriage details:

Place: St Nicolas Church Newbury

Date: 13^th March 1860

Groom: Thomas Ballard, full age, bachelor, Labourer, abode, Chieveley

Bride: Ann Geater, full age, spinster, abode, Newbury

Fathers:  Lawrence Geater and Thomas Ballard, both Labourers

Witnesses: Charles Pocock and Rose Ballard

(Ann was born in Newbury, Berkshire. She was baptised on the 19^th April 1818, at S Nicolas Church, Newbury, the daughter of Lawrence and Mary Geater, (surname spelt Gater) nee Blackman) who were married on the 29^th July 1811, in East Woodhay, Hampshire (both were from Newbury).

The 1861 census records Thomas (43), a General Labourer and Ann (43), a Straw Bonnet Cleaner, living in Dredge’s Yard, Northbrook Street, Newbury.

In 1871 Thomas (53), an Agricultural Labourer and Ann (53), were living at 9 Staple’s Yard, Newbury.

The 1881 census records Ann (63) and Thomas (64) still living in Northbrook Place. Thomas working as a Gardener.

In 1891 Thomas (73), a General Labourer and Ann (73), were living at 2 Northbrook Place, Newbury.

Ann died aged 73 in 1892, she was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 24^th February.

The 1901 census records Thomas (82), as an inmate in the Newbury Workhouse. He was recorded as a General Labourer and Army Pensioner.

Thomas died aged 84, on the 10^th April 1902, in the Newbury Workhouse. He was laid to rest in the Newtown Road Cemetery on the 15^th April.

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