William GILES [7495]

  General Notes:

Be it remembered that William GILES son of John and Mary Giles of Southwick was baptized on new-years Day 1784 (it being also his Birth Day) - baptised in 'Mark' http://www.durtnall.org.uk/Mark/BAPTISMS.htm

William was of Frome, St Marys Church contains a window to his memory.

As soon as he was old enough, William was sent to the Grammar School of Bridgewater. "His parents wished him to be brought up for the Church, and his school fellows, hearing of this, called him Parson Giles! And set him against the whole scheme. He went home for his holidays to Southwick, where he found horses, guns and a pack of harriers, and determined to follow the paternal example by farming on the estate of Southwick House.

London Gazette
At the Court House in Taunton, Somerset
William Giles, late of Mark, Somersetshire, Retail Seller of Beer and Dealer in Horses.

At the baptism of his son William 1820 & Edward 23 Jul 1824, and other children William is described as a carrier, abode "Behind Town" or Frome. At the wedding of his son Charles 1848 and at the baptism's of other of his children, he is described as a gentleman.

Notice is hereby given that the partnership between William Giles and Thomas Hopper as Common Carriers at Frome Sellwood in the County of Somerset has this day been dissolved by mutual consent.
31 September 1841 - Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette

William was a Lieut in the Mendip Legion 1804.

May 21 1840
Dear Charles,
There is no person who can find time to write to you but myself. You will no doubt wish to know something about the funeral of our dear little Girl [Ellen, aged 11]. It was conducted in a very plain manner.
The Rev W Dusantoy - Mr Millie and Mr Slade walked before and William, Edward Joseph and myself followed her to the Grave - where I once more saw the coffin of dear Harriet [died 2 years before aged 20] as fresh as when placed there.
I wish I could tell you that your Mother was better but I cannot. She is suffering more pain that ever, and cannot come downstairs today. She gets very sore with lying and sitting so much.
Edward is gone back to Bath today. We look forward with pleasure to the time for your return. I am very anxious about poor Allen and am glad that he and Mr Storey and friends
All send their love
Believe me Dear Charles
Your father
W Giles.

William was on the Committee of Management of the Agricultural Protection Society, Frome and Shepton Mallet District.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 22 August 1844.

William is recorded on a list of donors, assisting the employees of Mr Newnham coachbuilder, when his factory in Grove Street was destroyed by fire.
Bath Chronicle and Weekly Gazette 15 November 1849

  Research Notes:

You record William Giles as buried at St Peter's Frome in 1853 - that is actually Frome St John the Baptist which was referred to as St Peters in the early C19 until Vicar Bennett around 1854 discovered the true original dedication to St John the Baptist, apparently through conversation with John Allen Giles regarding his researches.
Ref: Rev C Alsbury vicar of Frome 2023.

William married Sophie ALLEN [7496] [MRIN: 2500], daughter of James ALLEN of Burnham. [15315] and Sarah DODD [11665], on 2 Jan 1808 in Burnham on Sea, Somerset. (Sophie ALLEN [7496] was born on 9 Apr 1786 in Burnham SOM and died on 20 Sep 1841 in Frome SOM.)