Person:James Almond (4)

James Almond's origins are unknown. His first confirmed sighting is in 1809, when he had a daughter with a woman named Elizabeth Mardell. The baby's baptism on 16th July 1809 at St Mary's Church in Luton describes her as "Sarah, daughter of James Allman and Elizabeth Mardell, a Bastard". Just under a year later, on 12th July 1810, "James Allmen of the Parish of Luton in the County of Bedford, Batchelor and Elizabeth Mardell, Spinster" were married in the same church. A son, Amos, followed in 1812.

James has yet to be traced after Amos's baptism. Elizabeth appears in the 1841 census living at Park Street in Luton with various people called Almond whose connection to her has yet to be established. She appears again in the 1851 census, described as a widow, suggesting that James died some time between 1812 and 1851, and probably before 1841. When Elizabeth died in 1861 she was described as "Widow of James Almond, Laborer" - the only record of his occupation found so far. There was a James Almond or Allmond listed in the Luton Manorial Court Books as constable for the hamlet of East Hyde from 1812 to 1816, which may also be him.^[1]

1. ↑ Manor of Luton Court Books (1787-1903) X312/2 Bedfordshire and Luton Archives and Records Service.