Thomas Chester

     Thomas was born before 16 March 1824 in the Village of East Torrington, Lincolnshire, England. On 16 March 1824, he was christened in Lincolnshire, England, at St. Michael's Church in the Village of East Torrington.¹ The 1841 English Census listed Thomas residing in the home of his brother on Jupholme, Market Rasen Middle Rasen, Lincolnshire, England. Enumerated in this household were Enoch Chester [26 Lincolnshire], his wife: Sarah [22 Lincolnshire], Thomas Chester [17 Lincolnshire], William Brown [26 Lincolnshire]. Enoch is listed as a farmer. The family lived in Middle Rasen where Thomas was a tailor. Thomas married Ann Husbands on 17 August 1846 in West Rasen, Lincolnshire, England.² Thomas and his wife, Ann, were listed on the 1851 English census in North Willingham, Lincolnshire, England, visiting family or friends. Enumerated in this household were Francis Thompson [32 Brigg], his wife: Sarah Thompson [33 Linwood], and their 4 children along with visitors: Thomas Chester [28 Torrington - tailor], his wife: Ann Chester [29 Middle Rasen], Sarah Chester [4 Middle Rasen], Edwin [2 Middle Rasen] & Elizabeth [4 mos. Middle Rasen]. Thomas is a tailor. Francis & his family are living at the stables of Joseph Cade's farm of 383 acres where Francis works as a laborer.³ Thomas and his wife, Ann, were listed on the 1861 English census living in Market Rasen, Middle Rasen, Lincolnshire, England. Enumerated in this household were Thomas Chester [37 East Torrington], his wife: Ann [38 Middle Rasen], children: Edwin [12 Middle Rasen], Eliza [9 Middle Rasen], Fredrick [7 Middle Rasen], Louesa [4 Middle Rasen] & Emely [1 Middle Rasen].⁴ Thomas and his wife, Ann, were listed on the 1871 English census living in Middle Raisen, Lincolnshire, England. Enumerated in this household were Thomas Chester [48 Torrington], his wife: Ann [49 Middle Rasen], children: Louisa [13 Middle Rasen], Joseph [8 Middle Rasen] & Thomas [5 Middle Rasen].⁵ Thomas and his wife, Ann, were listed on the 1881 English census living in Middle Raisen. Enumerated in this household were Thomas Chester [37 East Torrington], his wife: Ann [38 Middle Rasen], children: Edwin [12 Middle Rasen], Eliza [9 Middle Rasen], Fredrick [7 Middle Rasen], Louesa [4 Middle Rasen] & Emely [1 Middle Rasen].⁶