Thomas SUMNER of Epperstone & Oxton

[Alexander.]

I am currently trying to research my ancestor Thomas SUMNER. This is what I know: In 1804, he married Hannah Thoraman (or Thurman) at Oxton, Notts. He and his wife had (at least) three children, shown on the IGI as being baptised at various Wesleyan churches, though I think all three children were born at Oxton:
- Ann, bap. 30 Dec 1804 at Wesleyan Church, Nottingham
- Mary, bap. 19 Feb 1811 at Balderton Gate Wesleyan Church, Newark, Notts.
- John, bap. 29 Aug 1816 at Wesleyan Methodist Church, Mansfield, Notts.

The 1841 census shows him and his wife living in Oxton with their grandson Thomas Richardson and a number of farm servants. By 1851, Thomas was a widow, still living in Oxton. I think that Hannah died in 1842 and Thomas in 1856, but any burial info on either would be great.

What I'm really having trouble with is finding Thomas's parents. The 1851 census shows his birthplace being Epperstone, Notts., about 1777. I'm not sure if he was already a Wesleyan by this time which might explain his absence from the parish registers, but it is quite clear that his wife Hannah was not. I'm not sure whether any nonconformist registers would exist for his baptism but I'll keep my fingers crossed!

Thanks,
Alexander

[suzard]

1851 census gives his age as 78 - giving a birthyear c 1773

1841 gives his age as 70 -which if the rounding down rule was applied gives him an age of 70-75



Suz

[Alexander.]

You are correct, Suz - my mistake. A birth year of c. 1773 is much more likely. 

Alexander

[sunflower]

Hi Alexander

Here are the burials

Oxton St Peters & St Pauls

Hannah Sumner 15.9. 1842 aged 69
Thomas Sumner 25.11.1856 aged 79

Carol

[Alexander.]

Thanks Carol, it helps having those ages. From that burial date for Thomas it does actually give a birth date more like 1777. Anyway, I've now solved my own query; Thomas was baptised 6 Apr 1777 at Hawksworth, Notts. to Edward Sumner & Ann Seals. He had five younger siblings baptised at Epperstone which would be why he listed his birthplace as this in the 1851 census. Though they were all baptised in the Anglican church, I've read somewhere that Thomas's parents were the first in the village to become Methodists, and it seems that most of their children did too. Two sons, John (1790) and Edward (1792) became notable Wesleyan preachers elsewhere in England, being converted just after the turn of the century.

Alexander

[sunflower]

Hi Alexander

Here is Edward's burial.  I can't see anything for Ann

Edward Sumner 7.5.1834 aged 80 at Epperstone

I also found the following information incase you haven't already got it.

John Somner bapt 18.12.1785
John Sumner bapt 15.8. 1790
Edward Sumner 2.12. 1792
Peter Sumner 16.11.1795

All baptised to Edward & Ann at Epperstone

Edward Sumner married Ann Seels 27.5.1776 at Epperstone

Carol

[Alexander.]

Thanks for that, Carol, I didn't have the burial details.