Almond, Henry Elston (1876-1929)

Henry Elston Almond – detail from CVA 371-3009 – Administration Board Greater Vancouver Water District

 

Henry Elston Almond was a successful real estate investor. He had a chain of drug stores, as well as a large dairy and ice cream operation.

He lived at 1836 Comox Street from 1909 to 1917.

Almond Park in Kitisilano is named after him.

 

Family Background

Henry Elston Almond was born on December 6, 1876, in Heckington, Lincolnshire, England.

His parents were Elston Almond (1849-1899) and Sarah Taylor (1850-1879).

Elston Almond married Sarah Taylor on July 18, 1872.

 

Lincoln, Rutland and Stamford Mercury, July 26, 1872, page 4, column 4.

 

Sarah died at Heckington on August 8, 1879.

 

Grantham Journal, August 16, 1879, page 4, column 1.

 

On June 2, 1881, Elston married Sarah Jane Sackston, who was the widow of George Sackston.

 

Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Principal Probate Registry. Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England. London, England © Crown copyright. Name: George Sackston; Death Date: 3 Dec 1879; Death Place: Lincolnshire, England; Probate Date: 20 Dec 1879; Probate Registry: Lincoln.

 

Lincoln, Rutland, and Stamford Mercury, June 10, 1881, page 1, column 1.

 

 

Elston Almond died on September 25, 1899.

 

Grantham Journal, September 30, 1899, page 6, column 5.

 

Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Principal Probate Registry. Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England. London, England © Crown copyright. Name: Elston Almond; Death Date: 25 Sep 1899; Death Place: Lincolnshire, Lincoln, England; Probate Date: 21 Nov 1899; Probate Registry: Lincoln, England.

 

Sarah Jane Almond died on February 21, 1922.

 

Ancestry.com. England & Wales, National Probate Calendar (Index of Wills and Administrations), 1858-1995 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Original data: Principal Probate Registry. Calendar of the Grants of Probate and Letters of Administration made in the Probate Registries of the High Court of Justice in England. London, England © Crown copyright. Name: Sarah Jane Almond; Death Date: 21 Feb 1922; Death Place: Lincolnshire, England; Probate Date: 2 Jun 1922; Probate Registry: London, England.

 

To Canada

Henry Elston Almond arrived in Canada on June 11, 1898.

 

Marriage to Jane Boyd

On April 4, 1904, in Vancouver, he married Jane Layfield Boyd. She was born on October 19, 1884, in Sudbury, Ontario. Her parents were George L. Boyd (1855-1925) and Isabel Brown (1850-1932).

 

Business Life

About 1907, he started the Almond Creamery Company, which was at the corner of Railway Avenue and Gore Avenue for some time.

 

For a time, Almond’s Ice Cream was available at English Bay.

 

[Almond’s Ice Cream] Store, English Bay – AM1535 – CVA 99-3097

In 1912, he bought an ALCO truck (made by the American Locomotive Company of Providence, Rhode Island); the truck cost $4,000, which was a vast sum at that time.

 

“Tracking the city’s first ice cream truck,” by Len Amiel, Vancouver Sun, March 31, 2000, page D3.

 

In 1916, joy riders broke into the garage at 1936 Comox Street and stole Mr. Almond’s five-passenger Ford car. The car later appeared in the 300 block of Pender Street.

 

Politics

He was an alderman in the Vancouver City council in 1923.

He was an unsuccessful candidate for the Liberal Party in the British Columbia provincial election in 1928.

 

Death in Texas

Henry was chairman of the Vancouver City Council’s finance committee in 1928. He went to Ottawa with the Vancouver delegation which was applying for a federal government contribution toward the cost of the Burrard Street Bridge.

After the visit to Ottawa, he was on a tour of the United States. While he was on the train from New Orleans, he became ill, and he was taken to Hermann Hospital in Houston, Texas. He died in Houston on January 8, 1929.

He left a net estate of over $250,000.

 

Vancouver Sun, April 22, 1929, page 3, columns 1-2.

 

Jane died in Vancouver on August 5, 1929. She was buried in Ocean View Burial Park in Burnaby, British Columbia.

 

Chilliwack Progress, August 8, 1929, page 5, column 4.

 

Vancouver Province, November 27, 1929, page 15, column 3.

 

Henry and Jane had the following children.

 

Blanche Almond

Blanche Almond was born on March 24, 1906, in Vancouver.

On August 15, 1931, in Vancouver, she married Hector Gordon Munro. He was born in London England on September 27, 1905. His parents were Alexander Finlay Munro and Elizabeth Lutz.

Hector died in Vancouver on December 2, 1957.

Blanche later married Charles Frederick Bailey.

Blanche died in Vancouver on December 12, 1979.

Charles died in Vancouver on May 21, 1981.

 

Irene Almond

Irene Almond was born on December 19, 1907. She worked for banks and for Boeing Aircraft Canada.

She died on March 8, 1999, in North Vancouver.

 

Henry Elston Almond

Henry Elston Almond was born in Vancouver on December 17, 1908.

He worked as a pharmacist.

On October 31, 1931, in New Westminster, British Columbia, he married Mabel Margaret Walker. She was born in Rural Municipality of Cypress, Manitoba on June 9, 1909. Her parents were Edwin Walker and Mary Elizabeth Kilgore.

Mabel died in Vancouver on June 9, 1982.

Henry later married Edith Benson. She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on April 28, 1913. Her parents were Lawrence Benson and Clara Peele. Edith died in Vancouver on June 26, 1994.

Henry died on March 14, 1998.

 

Dorothy Isabel Almond

Dorothy Isabel Almond was born in Vancouver on December 22, 1911 (or October 19, 1911).

She married Jack Andrew Chapman. He was born in Ontario on December 6, 1914. His parents were Andrew Chapman and Florence Louise Cleaver.

Jack died in Vancouver on November 26, 1960.

Dorothy died in Vancouver on Feb 1, 1984.

 

Sources

Henry Elston Almond (father of Henry Elston Almond of Vancouver)

“England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-1920,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2N75-4N3 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1848.

“England and Wales Census, 1851,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/SG1D-46X : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1851.

“England and Wales Census, 1861,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/M712-QZP : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1861.

“England and Wales Census, 1871,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/VRFM-QFR : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Elston Almond in entry for Henry E Almond, 1871.

“England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2DLV-XLW : 13 December 2014), Elston Almond, 1872; from “England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1872, quarter 3, vol. 7A, p. 628, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.

“British Newspaper Archive, Family Notices,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QPCK-27GG : 18 April 2019), Mr R Taylor in entry for Mr H E Almond, Stamford, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom; records extracted FamilySearch and images digitized by FindMyPast; citing Stamford, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom, 26 Jul 1872, The British Newspaper Archive, Ireland; FHL microfilm .

“England and Wales Census, 1881,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X3YN-B2H : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1881.

“England and Wales, Marriage Registration Index, 1837-1920,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2DTM-NMS : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1881.

“England and Wales Census, 1891,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/WTM8-ZT2 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1891.

“England and Wales, Death Registration Index 1837-1920,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2J5Q-9XR : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Elston Almond, 1899.

 

Sarah Taylor (wife of Elston Almond)

“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2VMQ-3WP : 31 December 2014), Sarah Almond, 1879; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.

“BillionGraves Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:7YB4-336Z : 30 April 2019), Sarah Taylor Almond, died 1879; citing BillionGraves (http://www.billiongraves.com : 2012), Burial at Heckington (Saint Andrew) Churchyard, Heckington, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom.

“Find A Grave Index,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:W3V8-S8T2 : 6 June 2019), Almond, ; Burial, Heckington, North Kesteven District, Lincolnshire, England, St. Andrew’s Churchyard; citing record ID 181471469, Find a Grave, https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/181471469: “Sarah Taylor Almond; Birth: 1850, Heckington, North Kesteven District, Lincolnshire, England; Death: 8 Aug 1879 (aged 28–29); Burial: St. Andrew’s Churchyard, Heckington, North Kesteven District, Lincolnshire, England; Memorial ID: 181471469.

 

Sarah Jane Wise (wife of Elston Almond)

“England Marriages, 1538–1973 ,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NF7W-9RX : 10 February 2018), George Sackston and Sarah Jane Wise, 1879; citing St. Marks, Lincoln, Lincoln, England, reference 2:3BTWBQC, index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1,542,053.

“England Marriages, 1538–1973 ,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:NKQ8-MH9 : 10 February 2018), George Sackston and Sarah Jane Wise, 30 Nov 1879; citing Lincoln, Lincoln, England, reference , index based upon data collected by the Genealogical Society of Utah, Salt Lake City; FHL microfilm 1542053 IT 2.

“England and Wales Marriage Registration Index, 1837-2005,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:2DT3-ZJY : 13 December 2014), Sarah Jane Sackston, 1881; from “England & Wales Marriages, 1837-2005,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing 1881, quarter 2, vol. 7A, p. 771, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.

“England and Wales Census, 1891,” database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:WTM8-D2M : 5 May 2019), Sarah J Almond in household of Elston Almond, Heckington, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1891 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 12, Lincolnshire county, subdistrict, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.

“England and Wales Census, 1901,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XSDS-X62 : 21 May 2019), Sarah J Almond, Heckington, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1901 England, Scotland and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing Sleaford subdistrict, PRO RG 13, The National Archives, Kew, Surrey.

“England and Wales Census, 1911,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:X7YH-HMY : 15 July 2019), Mrs Sarah Jane Almond, Heckington, Lincolnshire, England, United Kingdom; from “1911 England and Wales census,” database and images, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : n.d.); citing PRO RG 14, The National Archives of the UK, Kew, Surrey.

“England and Wales Death Registration Index 1837-2007,” database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:QVHS-B437 : 4 September 2014), Sarah J Almond, 1922; from “England & Wales Deaths, 1837-2006,” database, findmypast (http://www.findmypast.com : 2012); citing Death, Sleaford, Lincolnshire, England, General Register Office, Southport, England.

 

Henry Elston Almond of Vancouver

“England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-1920,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2XD2-HV6 : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry Elston Almond, 1876.

“England and Wales Census, 1881,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X3YN-B2Z : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry Elston Almond in entry for Elston Almond, 1881.

1901 Census of Canada, District: BC,  BURRARD (#1), Subdistrict: Vancouver (City/Cité), D-13, Page 5 Census, family 52, lines 4-5; http://automatedgenealogy.com/census/View.jsp?id=59934&highlight=4&desc=1901+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Henry+Almond.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD81-3L6 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hay Elsterd Almond and Jane Hayfeld Boyd, 1904.

“New York, Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JXXM-MP1 : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry E. Almond, 25 Jan 1907; citing Arabic, United States National Archives, Washington, D.C.

1911 Census of Canada, British Columbia, Vancouver, 2 Vancouver City, page 28, family 277, lines 22-27: http://automatedgenealogy.com/census11/View.jsp?id=63719&highlight=22&desc=1911+Census+of+Canada+page+containing+Henry+Elston+Almond.

“Tracking the city’s first ice cream truck,” Vancouver Sun, March 31, 2000, page D3.

An Alco Racing Car in Los Angeles, http://theoldmotor.com/?tag=alco-truck

Alco Trucks and the First Transcontinental Delivery, http://www.vanderbiltcupraces.com/index.php/blog/article/tuesday_may_25_2010_the_alco_trucks.

Local brevities, Vancouver Province, November 23, 1916, page 28: “A five-passenger Ford car taken from Mr. H.E. Elmond’s garage at 1836 Comox street last night was later found on Pender street in the 300-block, where it had been left by joy riders, who had temporarily appropriated it.”

“Almond Seriously Ill in U.S. City,” Vancouver Province, January 2, 1929, page 1.

“Ex-Alderman H.E. Almond Operated On: Taken Ill in Houston, Texas; Condition Reported Serious,” Vancouver Sun, January 2, 1929, page 4; http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=Xy1lAAAAIBAJ&sjid=wogNAAAAIBAJ&pg=1333%2C20318.

“‘Ex-Ald. Almond in No Immediate Danger,” Says Houston Bullet,” Vancouver Province, January 4, 1929, page 1.

“H.E. Almond’s Condition is Reported Improved,” Vancouver Province, January 7, 1929, page 16.

“Texas, Deaths, 1890-1976,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/K3QP-SM3 : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry E Almond, 08 Jan 1929; citing certificate number 3749, State Registrar Office, Austin; FHL microfilm 2114665.

“H.E. Almond, Former Alderman, Dies in Houston: Prominent Citizen of Vancouver Taken Ill While on Tour: Was Immigrant Boy Who Made Progress in Canada,” Vancouver Province, January 8, 1929, pages 1, 17.

“Almond Funeral to be Held Here: Family Leaves Texas for Vancouver; City Hall Mourns,” Vancouver Province, January 9, 1929, page 3.

Henry Elston Almond, death notice, Vancouver Province, January 14, 1929, page 13.

“H.E. Almond Laid at Rest: City Pays Tribute to Former Alderman at Funeral Services,” Vancouver Province, January 15, 1929, page 4.

Henry Elston Almond, probate record, Supreme Court of British Columbia, P-14107.

 

Jane Layfield Boyd (wife of Henry Elston Almond)

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLGD-P8D : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Jane Layfield Almond, 1929.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1929-09-415176, Jane Layfield Almond.

“Funeral of Mrs. Almond to be Held Wednesday,” Vancouver Province, August 6, 1929, page 19.

“Mrs. Almond’s Rites Will be Wednesday,” Vancouver Sun, August 6, 1929, page 10;

Jane Layfield Almond, death notice, Vancouver Province, August 6, 1929, page 15; Vancouver Sun, August 6, 1929, page 14.

 

Blanche Almond (daughter of Henry Elston Almond)

“England and Wales, Birth Registration Index, 1837-1920,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2FXR-9D5 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector Gordon E Munro, 1905.

“New York, Passenger Arrival Lists (Ellis Island), 1892-1924,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JXXM-M59 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Blanche Almond, 25 Jan 1907; citing Arabic, United States National Archives, Washington, D.C.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JDDS-YLX : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector Gordon Munro and Blanche Almond, 1931.

“California, San Francisco Passenger Lists, 1893-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KXH3-CDM : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector Gordon Munro, 1933.

“California, San Francisco Passenger Lists, 1893-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KXH3-CD9 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Blanche Munro, 1933.

“United States Border Crossings from Canada to United States, 1895-1956,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/XP9Q-ZMW : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Blanche Munro, 1940.

“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2H3C-G3Z : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector Gordon Munro, 1945.

“California, San Francisco Passenger Lists, 1893-1953,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/KXHC-QXG : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector Gordon Munro, 1948.

“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2H6Z-M91 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector G Munro, 1957.

“New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1909, 1925-1957,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/2H6Z-MSM : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Blanche Munro, 1957.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLPD-JPR : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Hector Gordon Munro, 1957.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL1H-PJJ : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Blanche Bailey, 1979.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1979-09-018603, Blanche Bailey, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=fe430f16-7468-4cc6-8861-d0930b9a36c4.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL1P-64Q : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Charles Frederick Bailey, 1981.

British Columbia Death Registrations, Registration Number: 1981-09-008047, http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Genealogy/DisplayGenealogyImage?k=0f0ce877-f733-46c8-a768-484bc30216b2.

 

Irene Almond (daughter of Henry Elston Almond)

Irene Almond, death notice, Vancouver Sun, March 11, 1999, page B6.

 

Henry Elston Almond (son of Henry Elston Almond)

Manitoba Birth Registrations, Registration Number: 1909-009004, Mabel Margaret Walker, born June 9, 1909, Rural Municipality of North Cypress; mother: Mary Kilgour.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD8D-PYS : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry Elston Almond and Mabel Margaret Walker, 1931.

“British Columbia Marriage Registrations, 1859-1932,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/JD8D-PY3 : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry Elston Almond in entry for Henry Elston Almond and Mabel Margaret Walker, 1931.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL16-59H : accessed 06 Mar 2014), Henry Elston Almond in entry for Mabel Margaret Almond, 1982.

Henry Elston Almond, death notice, Vancouver Sun, March 17, 1998, page B6.

 

Edith Benson (wife of Henry Elston Almond)

British Columbia Death Registrations; Registration Number: 1994-09-012570; Edith Almond; date of death: June 26, 1994; place of death: Vancouver; age at death: 81; http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/ddc6fcb0-6cab-4bb0-82ce-3b55c0d85ee0; medical certificate of death: http://search-collections.royalbcmuseum.bc.ca/Image/Genealogy/25210a82-2b61-478c-9240-b91625fbe949

 

Dorothy Isabel Almond (daughter of Henry Elston Almond)

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/278Q-CDT : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Andrew Chapman and Florence Louise Cleaver, 1914.

“Ontario Marriages, 1869-1927,” index, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/278Q-CDB : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Andrew Chapman and Florence Louise Cleaver, 1914.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLYN-PR1 : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Andrew Chapman, 1970.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLTK-K5N : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Florence Louise Chapman, 1964.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FLTM-TDG : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Jack Andrew Chapman, 1960.

“British Columbia Death Registrations, 1872-1986,” index and images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/FL1L-D5M : accessed 07 Mar 2014), Dorothy Isobelle Chapman, 1984.