In the period between the two World Wars, a family of master ploughmen of Ogbournes were wiping the board in Somerset and neighbouring areas in ploughing competitions.
We thank the Western Daily Press of Bristol for this account of this remarkable family of Somerset Ogbournes, written in February 1923. For a full account of the achievements of this family of ploughmen please see the attached copy of the newspaper article. It seems that Mr John & Mrs Susan Ogbourne of Winsford, Somerset sired no less than six sons, who became champion ploughmen, and their sons in turn sired sons who carried on the tradition.
In summary the ploughing champions were:
John Ogbourne, the head of the family,
John C Ogbourne, the eldest son won 32 first prizes for ploughing before he was 21 years of age and went on to become ploughing expert for Ransomes, Sims & Jefferies. One of Ransome's principal products was ploughshares. His son Leonard also excelled at ploughing, and chose his wife from the Matthews family of veteran ploughmen.
William Ogbourne, winner of 106 first prizes in ploughing competitions and beat the best for miles around. Two sons, Arthur and Charles also excelled as ploughmen.
Herbert Ogbourne living then at Corner Pool was the third son, and at the time of the report had taken 11 first prizes in succession for his ploughing. He too had a son called Leonard who also excelled in ploughing matches. Leonard’s younger brother Berty was also proficient in ploughing.
Alfred who also lived at Winsford did well in the same pursuit, but later felt he should leave ploughing to his brothers and follow other things.
The youngest son was Walter, who also took many prizes in ploughing matches.
We have no information of the whereabouts of descendants of this family, and whether they still excel in ploughing, but we should be very pleased to hear from any of them if they should read this account.
