Executors of the Estate of Samuel Bull

George Brassington

George Brassington [1] was enumerated in the 1841 England Census [2] living in Cropper, with an occupation of “Farmer” [Figure 1], and in the 1851 England Census [3] enumerated as a “Farmer of 6 acres” [Figure 2]. In 1841, a child named Samuel Bull is also enumerated with the Brassington household, however it has not yet been possible to identify what relationship this child had with Samuel, if any.

Thomas Harper

Thomas Harper [4] is enumerated in the 1841 England Census [5] living in Cropper, with an occupation of “Drainer Waterer” [Figure 3], and in the 1851 England Census [6] with the occupation “Farmer, Agricultural Labourer and Drainer” [Figure 4].

On 7^th April 1822, Thomas Harper married Sarah Bull, also of the Parish of Sutton-on-the-Hill [7]. The marriage was witnessed by John Draycott and Hannah Bull [Figure 5].

Possible relationship to Samuel Bull

In Census returns between 1851 and 1871, and in her death and burial registrations, Sarah’s birth year is reported as varying between 1795 and 1798. Her birthplace is also variable, including Thurvaston, Sutton-on-the-Hill and Osliston (this is not unusual for this region).

Samuel’s sister Sarah Bull was baptised at St Michael’s Church in Sutton-on-the-Hill on 25^th December 1799 [Figure 6], and therefore most likely born between 1798 and 1799.

It is possible to hypothesise then, that Thomas Harper was the brother-in-law of Samuel Bull.

As there is a difference in birth year, and no other conclusive proof of this theory, further research was undertaken to identify any other Sarah Bull that could match. Three possible people were found:

1. Samuel’s sister, Sarah Bull [8], daughter of William & Hannah Bull, baptised 24^th December 1799.
2. Sarah Bull [9], daughter of John & Mary Bull, baptised 28^th February 1797.
3. Sarah Bull [10], daughter of Sarah Bull, baptised 25^th December 1794.

All three were born in the correct area, and within a one-year tolerance of the range of birth years found for Sarah.

The only other clue available is that a Hannah Bull witnessed the marriage of Thomas Harper & Sarah Bull. Looking at the possibilities again:

1. Sarah Bull (b. 1799) had a sister named Hannah Bull, and her mother was also Hannah Bull.
2. Sarah Bull (b. 1797) had no known immediate family named Hannah Bull, however her father’s parents have not yet been identified so it is possible she had an aunt or other family member named Hannah.
3. Sarah Bull (b. 1794) also had no known immediate family named Hannah Bull, however her mother’s parents and siblings have also yet to be identified.

Conclusion

There is not sufficient information to determine whether Thomas Harper was the brother-in-law of Samuel Bull. Simply taking the closest birth date would conclude that he was not, as Sarah Bull (b. 1797) would be the best match.

Adding the weight of the witness to the marriage of Thomas Harper & Sarah Bull, and the friendship between Samuel and Thomas Harper may lead us to believe there was a family relationship. And there is certainly nothing to rule this out. However, without further evidence is it not possible to say this conclusively.