Jesse Barrow, 1839-1918

Jesse Barrow was baptised on 20^th January 1839 at St Nicholas, Otham. His father John was a labourer, while his mother, from nearby Boughton Monchelsea, had the rather wonderful maiden name of Mercy Tree. Over the coming decades the family lived at various addresses in Otham Street, Otham. In 1841, Jesse was the second youngest of 8 children in the family home; by 1851 he had another brother, but otherwise it was just Jesse and one older sister who remained with their parents. Jesse was already working as an agricultural labourer at the age of 12.

I have failed to locate Jesse in the 1861 census, although his parents were still living in Otham Street. In 1871 he was back in the family home, at No 3 Madam Taylor’s Cottages, Otham Street. That property, dating from the mid- to late 16^th century is now Grade II listed, and a single dwelling; in 1871 it was still three separate cottages.

On 14^th February 1874, at St Nicholas’ church, Jesse married Ann Sell. Both were recorded as “of this parish”, although Ann had been born at Harrietsham. The 1881 census has them living at Street Cottage, Otham with one son and one daughter. By 1891 they have another son and another daughter, and are living at Anstens Cottage, Sutton Road, Otham. 10 years on, only their youngest child, Alice is still living at home, now at Primrose Cottages, Otham Street. In previous censuses Jesse had always been listed as agricultural labourer or farm labourer. The 1901 census is more specific, giving his occupation as “Pruner on farm and Ag L”. In 1911 – still living at Primrose Cottage – he’s listed as “Farm labourer – Hop and fruit”.

Marian Arkwright noted down two songs from him on 18^th May 1916, when he would have been 77 years old. He died at the age of 79, and was buried at St Nicholas, Otham on 14^th October 1918.

Songs

• The Golden Glove (Roud 141)
• Lord Lovel (Roud 48)