Alma’s father David was born about 1836 in Shere, Surrey to agricultural labourer William, born about 1804 in Shere and Mary, born about 1809 in Pulborough, Sussex. David was baptised on 12th June 1836 at St James’ church, Shere. At the time of the baptism, the family lived in Shere and William was working as a labourer. David married Jane Marshall on 20th January 1862 in Shere. Jane was born about 1840 in Ash, Surrey. David and Jane had four children: Margaret J. born about 1864 in Shere, Surrey; James born about 1867; Rosina E. born about 1869 and David W. born about 1872 in Wotton, Surrey.
At the time of the 1871 Census, the family lived at King George’s Hill & The Camp, Wotton. David was working as a labourer and Jane was looking after their children: Margaret, James and Rosina.
Jane Harris died in the 1st quarter of 1872 in Dorking.
The widowed David Harris married Ellen Ansell in the 1st quarter of 1874 in Dorking.
Alma’s mother Ellen Ansell was born about 1849 in Ewhurst, Surrey to labourer David, born about 1797 in Ewhurst and Mary Anne, born about 1812 in Chelsea. Ellen was baptised on 18th August 1849 at St Peter & St Paul’s church, Ewhurst. At the time of the baptism the family lived Ewhurst and David was working as a bricklayer and labourer.
Ellen Harris had a son prior to her marriage to David. According to the Births Transcription, Amos Harry H. Ansell was born in the 4th quarter of 1873 in the Registration District of Dorking, Surrey. Amos was baptised on 5th April 1874 at St John the Evangelist’s church in Wotton. David Harris is stated as Amos’ father. At the time of the baptism the family lived in Wotton.
Amos married Lily Grantham on 16th April 1900.
Alma Harris had four known blood siblings: Frank Christopher Oakes; Lily Jane; Annie Violet and Mayblossom Harris.
Frank Christopher Oakes Harris was born on 2nd of June 1876 in Wotton. He was baptised on 30th July 1876 at St John the Evangelist’s church in Wotton, where the family were living.
Lily Jane Harris was born on 24th November 1878 in Wotton. She was baptised on 9th February 1879 at St James’ Church in Abinger, Surrey. She attended Ockham School.
Annie Violet Harris was born on 25th June 1883 in Albury, Surrey. She was baptised on 3rd of December 1883 at St Martin’s Church, Dorking, Surrey. The family had, by this time moved to Dorking and were living at Mole Side. David was still working as a labourer.
Mayblossom Harris was born either on 14th or 23rd September 1889 in Dorking. She was baptised on 16th April 1890 at St Martin’s church in Dorking. The family were still living in Dorking, but had moved to 8 Leslie Road.
At the time of the 1881 Census, the family lived at Golding’s Cottages, Abinger. David was working as a road labourer and Ellen was at home looking after their children. The household further comprised of Ellen’s son Amos and David’s children from his previous marriage: domestic servant Margaret, road labourer James, Rosina and David.
At the time of the 1911 Census, Alma’s father, pensioner, David Harris lived at 1 Lavinia Cottage, Little Roke, Kenley. The household further comprised of David’s wife Ellen and their daughter Lily. Ellen stated that she had given birth to six children. The accommodation had 3 rooms.
The 1911, 1913 and 1914 National School Admission Registers read that Alma’s parents and siblings lived at 44 Surrey Street in Croydon.
