Joseph Simpkin [b.1828 - d. 14/12/1910, aged 82] was christened on 10 August 1828 in Braybrooke. He married Sarah Meadows Q4, 1851 at Market Harborough? (She was born in Titchmarsh, Northants) [b. 1 Jan 1828 - d. 6/8/1902 in Market Harborough] aged 75. He served with the 16th Dragoons between 1839 and 1843 (WO 97/121/46) (http://www.northants1841.fsnet.co.uk) and http://www.familyhistorynorthants.co.uk/northants%20soldiers.html . In the 1841 Census he was living with his parents. In the 1851 Census he was a lodger and his occupation was Wagonner; in 1871 a Farm Labourer; in 1881 an agricultural labourer. The 1901 Census has them living in Arthingworth Road, Braybrooke and was a labourer (even though he was 72). He is listed in Kelly's 1890 Directory as Sexton of Braybrooke. He was interred with his wife Sarah and two of his children who had died in infancy, Priscilla and Hannah (see photo of tombstone). Samuel, his son was said to have been born on a ship (to be checked). Joseph's funeral details are published in the Market Harborough News. He was a conspicuous figure in life of Braybrooke as Parish Clerk and Sexton for many years. His father was Sexton before him and the office had been in the family for several generations. He was a Sunday School teacher of longstanding and highly respected. Four male children carried on the Simpkin name. His photo appears in the book Braybrooke 2000, a photographic history.
