JAMES DELL 1817 - 1889

James was born in Greenham in 1817 & baptised on 29 June at St Mary’s. His parents were George & Elizabeth.

His first marriage was to Eliza Alder, a minor, on 10 February 1839 (Q1 Newbury 6 241) at St Mary’s, Speen.

In 1841 they were living in Speen with Eliza’s parents, Thomas, a Blacksmith, & Johanna. 13-year-old Harriett Alder was also with them.

In 1851 James & Eliza were in the Lamb & Castle Yard, Speen. James is a Shoemaker. They have 3 children: Clara,9; William, 4, & Rose, 9 months. Eliza’s parents are living next door.

Eliza dies Q4 1854 Newbury 2c 144.

1861 sees James in Jack of Newbury Street, Newbury. He is still a Shoemaker but recorded as married though a widower. A servant, Caroline Andrews, 26 & born in Icchingswell (Ecchinswell), is with him & his children:

William, 15 & a servant; Rosina Marina, 12; Alice, 7 & Anne Elizabeth, 1.

In 1871 they are in Shaw Road, Speen. Caroline is recorded as James’ wife though they didn’t marry until 1872 (Q2 Newbury 2c 440). Living with them are: Anne Elizabeth, 11; Amelia, 9; Mary Caroline, 7; George Edward, 6; Charles Henry, 4 & Alfred 9 months.

1881 sees them in Kennet Place, Speen. James, 64, continues as a Shoemaker & Caroline is 46. Mary Caroline is 18 with no occupation. George,16 & Charles, 14, are Shop boys. Alfred, 11, is a Scholar.

James dies in 1889 at London Road, Speen of heart disease & apoplexy, aged 72. His daughter Mary Caroline is present. James is described as a Master Shoemaker.

He was buried on 23 May 1889 at NRC.

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