Helping the Family

Thomas, the oldest son, was likely not living at home. He had become an apprentice to a local tradesman, a carpenter. As an apprentice, Thomas did not earn any money, but he learned a skill and received a basic education in reading, writing and arithmetic.

London Town had a schoolmaster, but the Holland Pierpoint family was unable to pay for their children's education or training for a trade. By working as an apprentice, Thomas could secure a better future for himself.

 

James, on at least one occasion, went to work for a local farmer in the tobacco fields during planting and harvesting time. The income he earned was helpful to the family. While at home, James may have frequently helped Larkin with his responsibilities at the ordinary. He would have fetched firewood, stocked the fireplace, and weeded the garden.