Person:John Pratt (77)

John Pratt's origins have yet to be established. His first confirmed sighting is on Christmas Eve 1798 when he married Elizabeth Copps at Willian in Hertfordshire. At the time of their marriage John was described as a labourer of the parish of South Mimms in Middlesex, some 20 miles to the south, although both South Mimms and Willian are on or near the Great North Road. They were married by a licence, which John obtained on the same day they were married.

After their marriage, John and Elizabeth settled in Willian, where they had eleven children baptised between 1801 and 1821, although four of these died young, including twins who were born and died in 1803. Some of the children's baptisms describe John as a labourer.

John lived to see his eldest son, James, marry in 1824, and John's first grandchild, Sarah, was born the following year. However, she would be the only grandchild John lived to see. John was buried at Willian on 29th September 1826, when he was said to be 56 years old. Elizabeth was left with their surviving children to look after, the youngest of whom was only five years old. Elizabeth went on to remarry in 1834, nearly eight years after John's death. She died in 1839.

1. ↑ ^1.0 1.1 Burials register, in Church of England. Willian Parish Registers.

   No. 49
   Name: John Pratt
   When buried: 29 Sep 1826
   Abode: Willian
   Age: 56 [1769/70]