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Arborfield
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DEATH OF MR J H ROWE – A Well-Known Farmer. We regret to record the death of Mr James Hellier Rowe, which occurred
at Targett’s Farm The deceased was a well-known farmer, and previous to going to Arborfield was at Great Lea Farm, Three-Mile-Cross for many years. He was a member of the Shinfield Parish Council, and was formerly one of the Guardians of the Wokingham Union. A keen exhibitor of Shorthorns at the various shows, he was a promoter and secretary of the Shinfield Cottage Gardeners’ Show, one of the founders and vice-president of the Reading Devon and Cornwall Association, and one of the stewards of the Wokingham and District Agricultural Show. He was a member of the Reading branch of the National Farmers’ Union, and was a popular figure at the Reading market. The funeral took place on Thursday, when the body was interred in the family grave at Shinfield. Many neighbouring farmers and others attended to pay a last tribute of respect to one who was much esteemed by all. [There followed a long list of mourners]. 'James Hillier Rowe' was listed in the 1920 Electoral register for the parish of Newland as resident at Targett’s Farm. Back in 1913, it was in the hands of Frederick John Bosley. The first mention of James Rowe, in the 1851 Census, was as an 8-month-old son of William and Ellen Rowe, of Ottery St. Mary in south-east Devon. He was the fourth child, and his 11-year-old his eldest brother John was already described as an 'Agricultural labourer', just like his father. The family had a lodger, 76-year-old widow Mary Hellier, who was described as a 'Pauper'. By 1861, James was a 'scholar', still living at West Hill, Ottery St. Mary. This time, Mary Hellier was listed as a 'visitor', aged '88'. People's ages often get mis-quoted for various reasons, and by 1871, James had matured to '25'; he was by now a 'Farm Servant' at Rushett Farm, Malden, Surrey, with 28-year-old wife Ellen (originally from Sidmouth), and 11-month-old son John, born in Exeter. Perhaps James wanted to disguise the age difference between himself and his wife. By 1881, James had progressed to being a 'Farm Bailiff',
living at Great Lea Farm, and the The 1891 Census revealed that James was now a farmer in his own right, aged 42 while Minnie was 48. They continued to enjoy the help of a domestic servant. By 1901, James' rejuvenation was complete; he was now only 50. Their daughter Minnie was now married, and had two young sons Herman Adams, aged 2 and Leonard Adams, aged 1, both born in Bracknell; there was no sign of Mr. Adams in this Census. In the late 1800's there was a shortage of tenant farmers in Berkshire, and many came from Devon and Cornwall to make up the shortfall. Some of those who farmed in Arborfield were known to have come from Devon, and one day we shall know the full story of the Reading Devon and Cornwall Association. If you have any information, please contact us. Following James' funeral, there were two Auction sales: In the 'Reading Mercury' for May 13th and May 20th, Classified advertisements appeared for Targett’s Farm and for its contents. Here is the wording from the edition of May 20th: TARGETT’S FARM SALES BY AUCTION ON SATURDAY NEXT To be offered for Sale by Auction, by - - - TARGETT’S FARM
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Arborfield, on Saturday last, at the age of 73. 
Berkshire air must have rejuvenated him; he was only 33. James and Emma had a
7-year-old daughter Minnie, born in Leatherhead, and a domestic servant.
The photo of Emma, John and Minnie was probably taken around 1877.
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