This one being James Balls b1820 at St Leonards, Shoreditch, London to Benjamin & Elizabeth. His family, parents & six siblings show in the 1841 census (without him), living in Back Hill, St Andrew, Holborn. Think we have him, also in 1841 census, with other Butchers & apprentices (there is a question there for another forum) at Marchment St. St. Pancras. Next we see of him is being married in 1849 at Scots Church, Melbourne, Oz to Janet Cuthbert. Tried Passenger Lists in PROV, NSW State Archives, TROVE, State Recorsds of SA, Ships List & convict Records, all to no avail. Anyone have any other thoughts as to finding out where he was between 1841 - 1849 and/or his travel details? Thanks in anticipation
The only one close is James Ball on the Samuel Boddington arriving January 1842. He is close to the correct age at 21, but states he is from Wales. Which is a bother.
From downsfolk.wdfrils.com. Wedderburn people of the area. “The Express of May 25th 1900 gives a permanent record of all men still alive who where considered to be pioneers of the Wedderburn area” Then goes on to list those still alive but following is James Balls obituary. Mr James Ball Mr Ball was born in the Parish of St Luke, London in 1819 and was dedicated to the trade of butchering at an early age. He acquired all the knowledge that a man could acquire of his business and came out to Victoria in 1848, married and came to Wedderburn in 1857, where he immediately established a business in his trade. Mr Ball individually and in connection with Mr J R Gray, expended a considerable amount of money in mining prospecting. He was a leading man amongst the local theatrical amateurs, having a penchant for the stage in early life. He was a great imitation of leading actors on the London stage. Mr Ball was ever ready to assist with his talents in a worthwhile cause. James Ball was tragically drowned on 7th October 1877 leaving a family of eight sons and two daughters. (Extracted from the Inglewood Advertiser 15/10/1877. If you can find that newspaper, I can’t but it does give a hint as to when he may have arrived ie 1848.
Code: http://downsfolk.wdfiles.com/local--files/wedderburn/Ch12-People.pdf It's all here. Scroll down a bit.
I found a report on Trove in the Bendigo Advertiser of the 12th October 1877 entitled 'Sad Suicide', but it doesn't give any more information as to when he arrived in Australia, other than it was in 1848.
In a local history publication 'Shire of Korong, Heritage and Conservation Study' Wedderburn. Page 15. James Ball set up a general store in 1855 and a butchers shop in 1857.
No, but we have a copy here, written by one of the cousins. After his sad passing, there was an obituary which did give us a bit of information about him working for other Butchers in Flemington and how long he had been in Wedderburn but still didn't help us to tie down any closer dates. Tried to find some records of Butchers but no luck so far.
The drowning was, unfortunately, a suicide following some hard times and difficulties with bureaucracy. James was the Progenitor of this family branch in Australia so hence the attempt to "set the records straight" and fill in the gaps. Yes, have seen the Grant of Administration to Jessie. Do appreciate the thoughts, thanks.
