When the end came it was peaceful. Thomas got up early with the intention of sitting with his wife who was ill. He was found dead in his usual chair at 8.30 a.m.
Aldbourne by Kate Tryon published courtesy of Swindon Museum and Art Gallery
Thomas was born in Aldbourne in about 1834, although finding him there has proved difficult. At the age of 17 he apparently upped and left Aldbourne for London, some adventure for a young Dabchick. Did he go alone or was there a flock of them?
It was here he met Ann Hill and on October 16, 1858 they married at Trinity Church, Paddington. In 1861 they were living at 52 Alfred Road, a multi occupancy property in Paddington, where Thomas worked as a porter.
By 1871 the family were living at Wootton Ville, Gloucester. Thomas was working as a railway guard. He had a large family to support – six children aged 10 and under. Another son was born before they left Gloucester. By 1881 they were in Swindon living at 27 Princes Street, 4 more children and their family was complete. Where did they all sleep – those houses weren’t very big.
Thomas & Ann raised 10 of their 11 children – set them up in good jobs, their youngest became a school teacher. Not bad for a Dabchick, Thomas would no doubt reflect.
And at the end there was sadness, but isn’t there always? At his funeral the hymn “Now the labourer’s task is o’er” was sung.
Died in his Chair
Swindon Railway Veteran Passes Away
The remains of the late Mr Thomas Sawyer, who was one of the oldest inhabitants of Swindon and a railway veteran, were laid to rest in the Cemetery on Monday afternoon. The funeral was largely attended by railwaymen, amongst whom were many “old hands” and intimate friends of the deceased. From the residence, 48, Princes Street, the cortege proceeded to the Sanford Street Congregational Chapel, where a service was conducted by the Rev. J.H. Gavin, who also officiated at the graveside. At the chapel service the well known hymn, “Now the labourer’s task is o’er” was feelingly sung, and the organist subsequently played the Dead March in “Saul.” Six railway employes, in uniform, acted as pall-bearers.
Mrs Sawyer and family wish to thank all kind friends for their kindness and sympathy in their sad bereavement.
The deceased, who was in his 79th year, was a native of Aldbourne. He entered the service of the GWR Company at the age of 17 years, when he joined the Goods Shed staff at Paddington. After serving there for some time he was transferred to Gloucester, and later to Swindon, where he worked himself up to the position of Chief Goods Inspector. He retired from the Company’s service 13 years ago. While at Paddington he was married, and his golden wedding was celebrated three years ago. There were several children of the marriage. Mr. Sawyer never had a serious illness, but the illness of his wife and the death of one of his daughters, which took place in October last, affected his health. He got up as usual at an early hour on Friday, when he expressed his intention of going to sit with his wife, who was dangerously ill. This he did, but at 8.30 a.m. he was found dead in his chair. Deep sympathy is felt for the family in their bereavement.
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. Smith & Son, of Gordon Road.
Extracts from the North Wilts Herald, Friday, June 6, 1913.
Princes Street changed little between 1913 and 1965. Image published courtesy of Local Studies, Swindon Central Library.
Thomas Sawyer died aged 79 years at his home, 48 Princes Street. He was buried on June 2, 1913 in grave plot E7309. Ann died a month later. She was buried with her husband on July 12, 1913.
Radnor Street Cemetery 