Thomas, son of Thomas and Sarah Richins, was born some time in the year 1767. He came to Painswick with his parents and was married by license to Ann Wilkins. The allegation did not show who paid the bond, but it listed Thomas as a yeoman of Painswick, a bachelor, age 24. The allegation was dated May 7, 1791. It listed Ann Wilkins as a spinster, age 21. She was the daughter of William and Mary Wilkins. The legal age for people to be married without their parents being present to give their consent was 21 years of age. However, Ann’s christening record indicates she was 19 or 20 at most. She was christened at Trocester December 6, 1772. Perhaps it was easier to list the legal age than to have her parents come to Painswick to be present to give their consent. Her age at death agrees with the date of the christening.

Thomas and Ann were married May 9, 1791 by the Reverend Mosely. They had six children christened at Painswick. Their fist son was christened July 3, 1791 and named William after Ann’s father. Just a year later, another son was christened Thomas after his father July 4, 1792. This made three generations named Thomas. A daughter, Elizabeth, was christened January 24, 1794. She was followed by Mary Ann, who was christened July 20, 1796. John, their third son, was christened February 3, 1798. Harriet, the last child, was christened March 26, 1800.

The Vicar listed Thomas as an Overseer in 1799. An Overseer had to be mobile, as he might need to travel to oversee several estates held by the gentleman, move to another property to live and work or move with the family to various estates. Thomas’ many locations provide further indication that he was an Overseer. This would also explain the scattered deaths of the family:· Thomas’ wife, Ann, died at Cricklade, St. Samson, in the county of Wiltshire, age 47. Her body was returned to Painswick for burial February 10, 1819.· The youngest daughter died at Brimscombe, Gloucestershire, age 18 and she was buried at Painswick March 10, 1819. Thomas died at Churcham. This is many miles northwest of Painswick. His body was also returned to Painswick and buried October 28, 1835. His age at death was in error, as they reversed the numbers and had 76 instead of 67, which agrees with his age on his marriage license, while 76 does not. It also would make 11 years between Thomas and Henry instead of two years, which is more reasonable and fits other information.

The fact that Thomas could afford to bring the bodies back to Painswick to be buried indicates he was earning a higher than average wage.