Abingdon Parish Records Lookup

[bigben]

I have been trying to trace the birth of James Powell c. 1804.  Possibly the son of James & Ann Powell who allegedly lived in Abingdon - (St Helens parish I believe)  If anyone out there has access to the parish records, I would more than appreciate any help you might be able to offer.

[colinsorigins]

There is no baptism for James Powell in your time frame around 1800 in St. Helens Abingdon.

However there is a James Powell born 1772 with parents James and Catherine - the father was an innkeeper.

There is also a marriage between James Powell and Ann Dowling in 1795.   It is tempting to believe this is the father of your James

[behindthefrogs]

Don't neglect the fact that there is also St Nicholas parish in Abingdon

[colinsorigins]

Worth a look, but there are no Powell baptisms for St. Nicholas.

[bigben]

Many thanks for your help. You're right, Thomas Powell and Ann Dowling do look to be strong contenders.  I shall now start to search other local parishes with those names as parents.
Thanks again to all,
bigben

[DebbieG]

Hi

James & Ann Powell were still in Abingdon in 1841

James Powell 70 Carpenter Y
Ann Powell 65 Y

but I could not find any burials for them 

I think they were both, however members of the non-conformist church - they are mentioned in an early list of members of Abingdon Congrgational Church - it notes
James Powell of Abingdon (dismissed)
Ann Powell of Abingdon (dec)

but unfortunatly does not give any dates - there are no baptisms for any children of theirs mentioned - they may not have had them baptised at all - some chapel goers didn't, leaving it until the child was old enough for an adult entry into the church

Dont' know if any of this helps or makes it worse 

Debbie

[bigben]

Debbie,
Thanks for the info.  Yes things are getting a bit confusing, but you can never have too much information I always say.   It is beginning to appear, among other family members too, that James was not of Abingdon. However, thanks to you all for your help.
Bigben.

[behindthefrogs]

Congregational Churches did carry out child baptisms it was the Baptists who didn't.  It was this which distingushed them from each other. From 1742 if there was a baptism it might be recorded at Dr Williams Library.  In which case I think there are copies at the Family Record Centre at Myddleton Street.

David

[bigben]

Thanks ALL, looks like the old bus passes will get a lot of use this year.
BigBen.