North Road Farm was part of the Wimpole Estate in 1840, one of 8 estate farms. The farm had been here since at least the 17th century.
Jablez Ablett married Elizabeth Strickland in 1860 at Little Eversden church. In 1851 he had been living with his family at Back Lane, Chesterton. According to Ablett family history, it is likely that Jablez was already living at North Road Farm at the time of his marriage as his address is known to have been in Whaddon. Jabez farmed there for 44 years and there are records of a Jabez, farmer of Whaddon, in 1869, 1892 and 1896.
1871
Jabez Ablett, 37, farmer of 182 acres employing 5 men and 2 boys, b Cottenham
Elizabeth, 39, b Little Eversden
Frank, 8, b Whaddon
Jabez, 7, b Whaddon
Mary Elizabeth, 5, b Whaddon
Arthur, 2, b Whaddon
Eleanor Ann, 1, b Whaddon
Mary Strickland, mother in law, 81, annuitant, b Steeple Morden
Susan Jane Baker, 27, dairy maid, b Chishill
Eleanor Page, 20, servant, b Sheldreth
1881
Jabez, farmer of 182 acres
Elizabeth
Jabez, 17,
Mary Elizabeth, 15,
Arthur Finkell, 12,
Eleanor, 11,
Frederick William, 7, b Whaddon
Jane M Selby, 25, governess, b Cambridge
Sarah Jacklin, 17, servant, b Kingston
Charlie Miller, 37, shepherd, b Arrington
1891
Jabez Ablett
Elizabeth
Frank, 28
Jabez, 27
Mary Elizabeth, 25
Eleanor Ann, 21
Selina Murfin, visitor, 34, b Ripton Abbotts
Ellen Miller, 16, servant, b Arrington
Selena Murfin and the younger Jabez married in 1892. By 1895 the family had moved to Thornberry Hill Farm, also on the Wimpole Estate.
In 1894 J Ablett was churchwarden at the time of the restoration of the church tower.
1901
Jabez Ablett, 67, farmer
Elizabeth
Frank, 36
Mary E, 30
Eleanor Ann, 27
Elizabeth R Stalyburn, 19, servant, b Meldreth
1903
The contents of the farm were auctioned in December. Included were 5 cart horses, a pony, 2 cows, 9 pigs, 70 chickens, pony traps, wooden ploughs, cultivators, hen coops, 14 acres worth of straw, 40 tons of mangelwurzels and 1 acres of swedes.
1904
Jabez Ablett filed for bankruptcy in January and died two months later.
Herts & Cambs Reporter & Royston Crow 18/4/1904:
“Whaddon. Death of Mr Jabez Ablett. Death has again removed a familiar figure from our midst. As a farmer of the old type, Mr Jabez Ablett was well known in the district and at the various markets in the neighbourhood, although of late years failing health has prevented him from going far from home. Also many in Royston will have come in contact with him on occasions when skating parties have visited the Basin in Wimpole Park, and Mr Ablett has kindly placed his stables and barns at their disposal. The deceased who was native of Cottenham came to the North Road Farm 44 years ago where he has resided to the time of his death. After a long and painful illness he passed away on Saturday last at the age of 71 years. The deceased leaves a widow, four sons and two daughters. The funeral took place on Wednesday last at Whaddon Churchyard. The Rev JG Eames officiated. Mr JF Beaumont played the organ. The hymn Rock of Ages was sung and the Dead March in Saul played. The following were among the mourners: Mr Frank Ablett and Miss Ablett; Mr & Mrs Jabez Ablett; Mr Fred Ablett and Mr F Ablett (sons); Mr WS Judd and Mr F Strickland (nephews); Mrs Judd and Master E Ablett and Miss S Ablett (grandchildren. Wreaths included one from his loving wife and family.”
In 1911 Elizabeth was living with her daughter Mary Elizabeth and son Finkell at 9 Richmond Road, Cambridge. She died in October 1911.
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