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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Worcestershire => Topic started by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 18:09 GMT (UK)

Title: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 18:09 GMT (UK)
Am looking for any information of Emily Ballinger b.1866 Alcester Worcestershire. Her parents are:
Benjamin and Ann Ballinger.
While putting together my husband's tree I have run into a few snags along the way.
Emily can be found on 1871 UK Census, 1881 UK Census (staying with sister Mary) and have also found her marriage to Benjamin Henry Cooke in 1890. Benjamin died 1894 leaving her a widow but after that I cannot find her anywhere. Would love to know where she disappeared to.
She had five children James David, John Thomas, Benjamin, and two daughters possibly a Emily, Eva(Dench) or a Nellie.
This is what I found so far in my searching is that both James David and John Thomas were illegitimate and sent to Canada in 1896.
Notes off reel--illegitimate, both in second standard, both resemble each other. Mother , widow, charged with neglecting her 5 children, received 1 month imprisonment. Parish help stopped because woman would not take a house. Children underfed. :'(
What I would like is to find out what happened to Emily and the other children. Am hoping someone will be so kind to give me leads as to where the other children disappeared too. It would be nice to find them.
Thanks,
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Thursday 14 November 13 18:18 GMT (UK)
Hi and welcome to Rootschat

Quote
She had five children James David, John Thomas, Benjamin, and two daughters possibly a Emily, Eva(Dench) or a Nellie.

Can you give details of when and where these children were born?

 
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 18:36 GMT (UK)
James David b.1884, John Thomas b.1886, Henry Benjamin b.1888. The girls I have no idea if they were older or younger. I presume that they may be younger as they were legitimate. All I am going by is the note of from the reel with the mention of a daughter Emily and from James David gr grandchild stating that the girls might be Eva or Nellie or Emily. :'(
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 18:37 GMT (UK)
Gosh sorry. Forgot to add that they were born in Kidderminster or at least James David, John Thomas and Henry Benjamin.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 18:48 GMT (UK)
Also, forgot to mention that these three boys are found in the 1891 England Census living with their grandmother Ann Ballinger. ;)
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: lizdb on Thursday 14 November 13 19:26 GMT (UK)
James David seems to be registered with surname Cook - so although born before marriage seems to belong to Mr Cook.? 

John Thomas registered as Ballenger Jul/Aug/Sep 1886

There is a Nelly Augusta Ballenger reg Jan/Feb/Mar 1877, who might be the Nellie?

Plenty of other Ballengers or similar registered in Kidderminster, but I cant see an Eva or an Emily
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: lizdb on Thursday 14 November 13 19:29 GMT (UK)
We can rule out that Nelly (and also 2 of the other births, Lily and Rose)
She is with her parents Edward and Hannah in 1881.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 19:46 GMT (UK)
Thank you Lizdb and CaroleW for your quick responses. It certainly is a mystery one that has over a century in the making. I don't suppose that it take overnight to solve...
I wasn't to sure with James David as I wasn't able to find him in the BMD. Will have to order his birth certificate.
Yes indeed too many Ballinger's in Kidderminster. It has made my head ache at times!
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Thursday 14 November 13 21:45 GMT (UK)
The 1871 shows Emily was b Feckenham - her birth was registered in the Alcester registration district which covers Feckenham

There is a a birth for a Nellie Bellenger December qtr 1889 Kidderminster

However - you say the girls were "legitimate" which means they were born between 1890-1894 and would have been registered as Cooke and there are no births that fit either of the names given for the girls
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 21:54 GMT (UK)
Hi, yes I have ordered Emily's birth certificate. Would it be possible or that easy if Nellie was down as Bellenger and not Cook? Hmmm, have some thinking to do!
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Thursday 14 November 13 21:54 GMT (UK)
Found them in 1891 indexed as Corke - names as per image

H B 29 b Kidderminster not sure about occ - could be plumber or printer??
Emily 26 b Bradby Green
Nellie 1 b Kidderminster
J Cranage 24 (male) visitor b Stone Staffs
RG12 Piece 2314 Folio 82 Page 47
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 14 November 13 23:19 GMT (UK)
Hi CaroleW,
Wow, thanks!! That is them as the grandfather's birth certificate named Emma Ballinger, carpet printer as his mother. Long ago asssumed that Emma was a nickname for Emily. Wow, again thank you!! Now to find the other sister and Benjamin and the mystery of where they went to!! :)
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Friday 15 November 13 03:55 GMT (UK)
Just had a aha moment!! It is Nellie that became a Dench not a Eva? So looked up on the marriage and found a Nellie Ballinger marrying a Jack Dench! So maybe there was a Eva or Emily or Eva Emily or Emily Eva??  :o
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 15 November 13 19:53 GMT (UK)
Hi

Henry Benjamin died March qtr 1894 Kidderminster

"Whatever her name"  ;D must have been born between 1891-1894 but there is no birth on freebmd under Cook/Cooke which resembles any variation of her name

However - if Emily had a "fling" after 1894 - she may have been born after HB's death but again - nothing under Cook/Cooke between 1895-1901

I have also dearched freebmd just using Eva Emily and again using Emily Eva - nothing under Cook/Cooke or Ballinger etc between 1891-1901

Quote
Notes off reel--illegitimate, both in second standard, both resemble each other. Mother , widow, charged with neglecting her 5 children, received 1 month imprisonment. Parish help stopped because woman would not take a house. Children underfed

I know the documents re: children show her as having 5 children - but where do the names Eva/Emily come from?  Are the children actually named in that document
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Friday 15 November 13 20:26 GMT (UK)
Hi Carole,
Just received this in the email from James David's Gr-Granddaughter. It is a letter written from a Edith, doesn't make much sense as I think that there are pages missing.

Except this other information from a lady from British Isles website:

From the application reels of the Middlemore Homes I have this:

Application reel A-2105, vol.246, case number 1541, dated Oct.19/1895
Ballenger-James David age 12 years as of Aug.26, 1895
Ballenger-John Thomas age 9 years as of Aug.?,1895
parent/guardian- Emily Cook of 17 Boulter Lane Kiddenminster
other children, 1 brother and 2 sisters (legitimate)
Notes off reel--illegitimate, both in second standard, both resemble each other. Mother , widow, charged with neglecting her 5 children, received 1 month imprisonment. Parish help stopped because woman would not take a house. Children underfed.

I can not say for sure that the Emily Cook is the mother but I am inclined to think so since one daughter was named Emily.
From Marion( Britsh Isles website)

So dare to think that maybe Edith is Emily who we have been looking for? I looked up Edith Cook and came up with two that were born in Kidderminster 1890 + 1892. Which one is it....
Ah, the mystery deepens.
I still want to find out where Benjamin has got to...I just feel like I have an empty hole in my heart without finding out where these three children have got to and where did Emily get to.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Friday 15 November 13 20:37 GMT (UK)
Hi Carole, I tried uploading the letter but the file is too large. There is an address at the top of the letter.
No. 35 St. Abbansly(sp?)
Copenhagen St
Worcester.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 15 November 13 20:43 GMT (UK)
I am sending you a pm with my email address

Re: Benjamin/Henry  - as he was the youngest of the 3 boys - I would have thought he was more vulnerable than his brothers.  Are you sure he wasn't sent to Canada as well?

His birth was registered as Ballinger not Cooke
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Friday 15 November 13 20:55 GMT (UK)
I have searched the UK Outward passenger lists for Benjamin but the closest I came to was one coming from South Africa as a pipe fitter.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Friday 15 November 13 21:21 GMT (UK)
Having seen the letter - there is no doubt that Edith is the recipients brother given the frequent references to "dear brother"

It was written in February 1925 and the best advice I can offer at this stage is to post a new request on the Worcestershire board asking for an Electoral Register lookup for Edith's address to see if we can get a surname at that time.

We can then look for her marriage etc

She mentions having 4 children - the eldest not yet 6yrs old - so that puts any marriage before 1919

Freebmd has an Edith E Cook marrying Arthur Rowley in December qtr 1917 Kidderminster

Possibility for her birth??

Births June qtr 1893 
Edith Elizabeth Cook     Kidderminster  6c 253


Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Friday 15 November 13 21:36 GMT (UK)
I am open to any ideas Carole.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: Mabel Bagshawe on Friday 15 November 13 21:52 GMT (UK)
There's an Edith Cook b c1893 in 1901 in Stourport (Kidderminster district) with parents William and Elizabeth. think she's Edith Elizabeth
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Friday 15 November 13 22:04 GMT (UK)
Hello Mabel,
No that isn't my Edith as her mother's name is Emily. Benjamin would have been her father.
Thanks Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: Mabel Bagshawe on Friday 15 November 13 22:31 GMT (UK)
have just done a search on British Newspaper Archive for Emily Cook and Kidderminster and fuond two articles from the same date that may help with some info, if someone with a sub can have a look. The snippets in the results aren't helpful, but the details in the two add up to looking like they're our case, given the same date

“... CHILDREN AT KIDDERMINSTER At tbe Kidderminster Police Court, on Friday, bef.o-a Mr. T ankinsou (Mayor) and Messrs. S. Tovey, W. Coxon. ... ”

Saturday 02 March 1895 ,  Worcester Journal

also


SHOCKING NEGLECT
“... NEGLECT At Kidderminster, on Friday, George Bennett, an inmate of the workhouse, but until lately lodging at Kidderminster, was ... ”

Saturday 02 March 1895 ,  Leicester Chronicle
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Friday 15 November 13 23:58 GMT (UK)
have just done a search on British Newspaper Archive for Emily Cook and Kidderminster and fuond two articles from the same date that may help with some info, if someone with a sub can have a look. The snippets in the results aren't helpful, but the details in the two add up to looking like they're our case, given the same date

“... CHILDREN AT KIDDERMINSTER At tbe Kidderminster Police Court, on Friday, bef.o-a Mr. T ankinsou (Mayor) and Messrs. S. Tovey, W. Coxon. ... ”

Saturday 02 March 1895 ,  Worcester Journal

also


SHOCKING NEGLECT
“... NEGLECT At Kidderminster, on Friday, George Bennett, an inmate of the workhouse, but until lately lodging at Kidderminster, was ... ”

Saturday 02 March 1895 ,  Leicester Chronicle
Hi, the Ist report does not give much more information, other that she neglected her 5 children, she received 5s a week and 5 loafs from the parish, and has soon has she got the money she sent for drink, she was sentenced to  1 month hard labour,

The George Bennett one, is a report above Emily's one and  repeats the information of the 1st report

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 16 November 13 01:35 GMT (UK)
Oh my!! Where on earth did you find that? Am I able to look it up since I live in Canada? Does it say anymore? Wow...
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 16 November 13 01:41 GMT (UK)
I know the brothers experienced a hard life at the beginning here in Canada as the British Home Children were often used as labourers judging by what James David's gr granddaughter has to say. Such a sad story. I know my husband's grandfather John Thomas ended up moving from the province of New Brunswick, Canada to where he married in Prince Rupert, BC to apparently the most wonderful woman. I never had a chance to meet him and do wish he had a rewarding life after that and I guess we will never know. I am crying in my heart for him and his siblings...
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 16 November 13 09:50 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

Here is the link to the Newspapers

http://www.findmypast.co.uk/;jsessionid=DDCA60712276278C793B3768FC90A66E.jvm1

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 16 November 13 16:59 GMT (UK)
Thank you Margp! I thought I still had some credits left with FindMyPast but alas it seems I had to subscribe for more.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 16 November 13 22:30 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

Can you give me the passenger details of when James came to Canada, he must have been held somewhere, before he left for Canada, I wonder if Worcester Archives have any records of this.

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: Mabel Bagshawe on Saturday 16 November 13 23:20 GMT (UK)
Nellie and Jack Dench had a daughter Eva

this might be Nellie on 1911 in Warmstry Slip, Worcester
Elleen (Ellen) Ballinger age 24 b Kidderminster
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X7BM-Z8B

There's also an Edith May Cook (or as she turns up on the index Edith Maybook) aged 21 b Kidderminster in the same area
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X7BM-Z8Y


Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 16 November 13 23:58 GMT (UK)
Birth Record

Edith May Cooke

Oct Qtr 1890

Reg Dist Kidderminster Worcestershire

Vol
6c

Page
217

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Sunday 17 November 13 00:03 GMT (UK)
Nellie and Jack Dench had a daughter Eva

this might be Nellie on 1911 in Warmstry Slip, Worcester
Elleen (Ellen) Ballinger age 24 b Kidderminster
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X7BM-Z8B

There's also an Edith May Cook (or as she turns up on the index Edith Maybook) aged 21 b Kidderminster in the same area
https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.1.1/X7BM-Z8Y
It is transcribed correctly on Ancestry, as Edith May Cook
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Sunday 17 November 13 00:06 GMT (UK)
Edith & Ellen were in the same household in the last census.  If Edith May Cook was Emily's daughter - where is she in 1891 when she would only have been a few months old

Nellie was registered as Nellie - not Ellen but it's too coincidental they are in the same household

Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Sunday 17 November 13 00:12 GMT (UK)
I agree Carol
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Sunday 17 November 13 00:16 GMT (UK)
I have spent most of this evening searching for Henry Benjamin, with not luck, check the Military, Passenger Lists, Census, BMD'S no luck, I think he may have been taken in by someone, and has taken there name
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Sunday 17 November 13 00:22 GMT (UK)
Jack Dench died in WW1 - Eva was the only daughter of that marriage

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1609690/DENCH,%20JACK

And just look at Nellies address - we have found the letter writer but there is no later marriage for Nellie to account for the young children she mentions

Nellie died as Dench in 1950 in Worcester


Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Sunday 17 November 13 00:30 GMT (UK)
Jack Dench died in WW1 - Eva was the only daughter of that marriage

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1609690/DENCH,%20JACK

And just look at Nellies address - we have found the letter writer but there is no later marriage for Nellie to account for the young children she mentions

Nellie died as Dench in 1950 in Worcester
Good find Carol
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 00:49 GMT (UK)
Wow ladies!
Let me get a cup of tea and read all of this. Firstly, shall try to copy passenger list of JT Ballinger and JD Ballinger UK Outward Passenger list June 1896.

http://mediasvc.ancestry.com/image/a2484e74-f34f-46c7-98e2-7b00eea0020d.jpg?Client=Trees&NamespaceID=1093

The boys were sent from Middlemore organization. They were there in Aug 1895. I am currently working with the Library Archives of Canada hoping they will release any material pertaining to the two boys and hoping to glean information about Emily and the rest of the siblings, but like I say am going to have a cuppa and peruse all the material you ladies have dug up!!
Shelley :)
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 01:42 GMT (UK)
Really can't believe how Nellie, Jack and Eva fell into place. Amazing.

I wonder if this is Emily:

England and Wales Free BmD Death index
About Jan Qtr 1911

Age 46
Worcester
Worcestershire
6c
158


If I were to get the certificate would it tell me much?
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 02:02 GMT (UK)
Wait a minute isn't that Edith's address in her letter to James?
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 03:09 GMT (UK)
I also found:

Nellie May Cooke

Oct 1889

Kidderminster

Worcestershire

6c

231


I know I don't want to jinx anything you ladies have found for me but I guess I am just worried as things fell into place so neatly.

Shelley

Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Sunday 17 November 13 09:15 GMT (UK)
I also found:

Nellie May Cooke

Oct 1889

Kidderminster

Worcestershire

6c

231


I know I don't want to jinx anything you ladies have found for me but I guess I am just worried as things fell into place so neatly.

Shelley
I think that she is the daughter of Arthur James Cook who is the brother of Henry Benjamin Cook b 1861
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 16:35 GMT (UK)
Good Morning/Afternoon Marg,
Morning for me anyways. I never thought that Arthur would name his daughter the same. Boy, it can get so confusing.
What I found so confusing is that I couldn't find the girls in the 1901 Census. Why is that? Does the England Census only go as far as 1911? I was looking and all I found was Electoral Registers but none with Nellie and Edith.
Also, how can I find out if Benjamin was adopted. The thought of him being adopted never crossed my mind as I would've thought that he would've been to old.
Just more questions, sorry.
Shelley :-X
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: jan57 on Sunday 17 November 13 20:12 GMT (UK)
[quote Does the England Census only go as far as 1911? I was looking and all I found was Electoral Registers but none with Nellie and Edith.
][/quote]

 Yes  the   last  UK census   which  is   available to  view  online  or  otherwise is  1911,    due to the 100 year   privacy ruling ,    sounds  odd I  know,( and daft to  me)  seeing that the USA   has  1940  census online   and Canada  has  1921 
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 20:16 GMT (UK)
Thank you Jan57,
It does seem odd indeed. Makes sense though with the privacy laws.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Sunday 17 November 13 21:06 GMT (UK)
Hi

Emily's death cert won't tell you a great deal apart from who reported her death - and that could be anybody.  If by any chance it was son HB - then you would at least know he was alive and in England but I suspect it's more likely to be Nellie or Edith.

I've had another look at the 2 addresses - letter and CWGC site - and realise Nellie was at 33 St Albans Sq - Edith's address was 35 so she and Nellie must have lived next door to each other.  Apologies for confusion I was too excited finding that address  ;D

Have you posted a request for an electoral roll lookup at 35 St Albans Sq.  Even if we can just get a surname it would help finding Edith's marriage



Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 21:29 GMT (UK)
Yes, although I had to edit to post due to having the St Alban's square not Street. i tell you that you have me very excited as well. Imagine the girls living so close to each other. I have thought of getting ahold of the Worcestershire website by email and just might do that if it gets right down to it. I feel really embarrassed to let you know that I have never made a phone outside of Canada or the USA, so really have no idea as how to do it. :-*
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Sunday 17 November 13 21:37 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

Here is the link to the Worcester Archives

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/searches/locresult_details.asp?LR=45
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Sunday 17 November 13 21:37 GMT (UK)
I'd stick to email - it's cheaper ;D
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 17 November 13 21:47 GMT (UK)
Thanks CaroleW.  :-*
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Monday 18 November 13 12:02 GMT (UK)
Hi All

A bit of a recap on some of the records found so far

James David Cook Oct Qtr 1884 Kidderminster 6c 247 On the 1891 census with grandmother Ann Ballinger together with John T and Benjamin H, James David Home Child sent to Canada 1896

John Thomas Ballenger July Qtr 1886 Kidderminster 6c 227 on the 1891 census, Home Child sent  to Canada 1896

Henry Benjamin Ballinger Jan Qtr 1888 Kidderminster 6c 236 on the 1891 census no other records found

Edith May Cook Jan Qtr 1887 Kidderminster 6c 250 she is only found on the 1911 census with her sister Nellie

Nellie Bellenger Oct Qtr 1889 Kidderminster 6c 219 she is found in 1891 census under the name of Cooke with mother Emily and Henry Benjamin Cooke.

Nellie is also found on the 1911 census under the name of Ellen living with sister Edith

Birth Record
Benjamin Henry Cooke b 1861 July Qtr  Kidderminster 6c 214

Death Record
Henry Benjamin Cooke Jan Qtr 1894 Kidderminster 6c 119

Marriage Record

Emily Bellinger to Benjamin Henry Cook
April Qtr 1890 Kidderminster 6c 336

I think that HB may be the father of them all, as James and Edith are registered as Cook

I think I have got this correct, but please correct me if I am wrong

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Monday 18 November 13 17:05 GMT (UK)
Hi MargP,
Sorry wasn't quite with it this morning. Have been up since 4am. I think I may have ordered the birth certificate for Edith as in the one post it was 1890. But this morning you wrote birthdate for 1893. Ohh oh.
Anyways, I have our family tree on ancestry.ca website and decided this morning to check out ancestry.co.uk and found they had Electoral Registers. So have been haunting that this morning and just about wearing out. On page 353(7060 people) so far, 3,248,118 people to go!!
Have a big question since I didn't know what I was doing but is St.Albans Square, Copenhagen St, Worcester in the Midlands?
 If it isn't then I have wasted all this time looking. I don't want to lose where I am at but if I am in the wrong place please let me know so that I know if I am barking up the wrong tree.

Thanks, Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Monday 18 November 13 17:14 GMT (UK)
Hi MargP,
Sorry wasn't quite with it this morning. Have been up since 4am. I think I may have ordered the birth certificate for Edith as in the one post it was 1890. But this morning you wrote birthdate for 1893. Ohh oh.
Anyways, I have our family tree on ancestry.ca website and decided this morning to check out ancestry.co.uk and found they had Electoral Registers. So have been haunting that this morning and just about wearing out. On page 353(7060 people) so far, 3,248,118 people to go!!
Have a big question since I didn't know what I was doing but is St.Albans Square, Copenhagen St, Worcester in the Midlands?
 If it isn't then I have wasted all this time looking. I don't want to lose where I am at but if I am in the wrong place please let me know so that I know if I am barking up the wrong tree.

Thanks, Shelley
Hi Shelley, I have just check the Electoral Register, Worcester would come under the Midlands, but I can't see anything there for Kidderminster, it looks like it is mainly Birmingham
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Monday 18 November 13 17:17 GMT (UK)
So I wasn't too far off then. Sigh. I don't know else to do.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Monday 18 November 13 17:48 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

Here is the link to the Worcester Archives

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/archon/searches/locresult_details.asp?LR=45
Hi Shelley I think you need to contact Worcester Archive
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Monday 18 November 13 18:01 GMT (UK)
Yes, I think so too. Will send off a email in a little bit have to go out right now.
Thanks Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 07:21 GMT (UK)
I am not sure why this has been moved to Warwickshire, when Kidderminster is in Worcestershire.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 07:26 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

I have had a good look at Edith's letter, and I don't think that there are any pages missing, I think that both sides of the paper is written on, and you have the front of one and the back of the other, I think you need to contact the person who sent you this, and ask them for the other sides of the letter.

Marg
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 07:31 GMT (UK)
Jack Dench died in WW1 - Eva was the only daughter of that marriage

http://www.cwgc.org/find-war-dead/casualty/1609690/DENCH,%20JACK

And just look at Nellies address - we have found the letter writer but there is no later marriage for Nellie to account for the young children she mentions

Nellie died as Dench in 1950 in Worcester
Good find Carol
Hi Carol, Nellie didn't write the letter, Edith did, so we need to look for a marriage for Edith
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: CaroleW on Tuesday 19 November 13 12:17 GMT (UK)
Hi Marg

Quote
Nellie didn't write the letter, Edith did, so we need to look for a marriage for Edith

Yes - I realised I had jumped the gun - see my reply at #45 clarifying that.  Edith & Nellie appear to have lived next door to each other

This is one of my earlier replies re: Edith

Quote
Having seen the letter - there is no doubt that Edith is the recipients brother given the frequent references to "dear brother"

It was written in February 1925 and the best advice I can offer at this stage is to post a new request on the Worcestershire board asking for an Electoral Register lookup for Edith's address to see if we can get a surname at that time.

We can then look for her marriage etc

She mentions having 4 children - the eldest not yet 6yrs old - so that puts any marriage before 1919

Freebmd has an Edith E Cook marrying Arthur Rowley in December qtr 1917 Kidderminster

Possibility for her birth??

Births June qtr 1893 
Edith Elizabeth Cook     Kidderminster  6c 253


Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 12:24 GMT (UK)
Hi Marg

Quote
Nellie didn't write the letter, Edith did, so we need to look for a marriage for Edith

Yes - I realised I had jumped the gun - see my reply at #45 clarifying that.  Edith & Nellie appear to have lived next door to each other

This is one of my earlier replies re: Edith

Quote
Having seen the letter - there is no doubt that Edith is the recipients brother given the frequent references to "dear brother"

It was written in February 1925 and the best advice I can offer at this stage is to post a new request on the Worcestershire board asking for an Electoral Register lookup for Edith's address to see if we can get a surname at that time.

We can then look for her marriage etc

She mentions having 4 children - the eldest not yet 6yrs old - so that puts any marriage before 1919

Freebmd has an Edith E Cook marrying Arthur Rowley in December qtr 1917 Kidderminster

Possibility for her birth??

Births June qtr 1893 
Edith Elizabeth Cook     Kidderminster  6c 253
Sorry, Carole I missed that one :-[ :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 12:31 GMT (UK)
Hi

I am leaning towards this birth for Edith May Cooke Oct Qtr 1890 Kidderminster 6c 1890

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 12:34 GMT (UK)
Hi All

A bit of a recap on some of the records found so far

James David Cook Oct Qtr 1884 Kidderminster 6c 247 On the 1891 census with grandmother Ann Ballinger together with John T and Benjamin H, James David Home Child sent to Canada 1896

John Thomas Ballenger July Qtr 1886 Kidderminster 6c 227 on the 1891 census, Home Child sent  to Canada 1896

Henry Benjamin Ballinger Jan Qtr 1888 Kidderminster 6c 236 on the 1891 census no other records found

Edith May Cook Jan Qtr 1887 Kidderminster 6c 250 she is only found on the 1911 census with her sister Nellie

Nellie Bellenger Oct Qtr 1889 Kidderminster 6c 219 she is found in 1891 census under the name of Cooke with mother Emily and Henry Benjamin Cooke.

Nellie is also found on the 1911 census under the name of Ellen living with sister Edith

Birth Record
Benjamin Henry Cooke b 1861 July Qtr  Kidderminster 6c 214

Death Record
Henry Benjamin Cooke Jan Qtr 1894 Kidderminster 6c 119

Marriage Record

Emily Bellinger to Benjamin Henry Cook
April Qtr 1890 Kidderminster 6c 336

I think that HB may be the father of them all, as James and Edith are registered as Cook

I think I have got this correct, but please correct me if I am wrong

Margp
Disregard the birth for Edith, I think that this may be the correct one, Oct Qtr 1890 Kidderminster 6c 217
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 19 November 13 12:40 GMT (UK)
Edith may have married just at the start of the War, hubby goes off, so no children, he then returns at the end of the War, and the children come along,
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Tuesday 19 November 13 15:56 GMT (UK)
Hi MargP and CaroleW,
Glad to see my topic has been moved back to Worcestershire. I've just sent a email off to James David's gr granddaughter. Hopefully it won't be long for an answer with regards to the 1925 letter.

Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 16:52 GMT (UK)
Hi Carole and Marg,
Just received what I hope is good news. The archives just emailed me this information:

Thank you for your enquiry concerning the Electoral Register for Kidderminster for 1925.

 I have checked the printed volumes of the registers and in 1925 William and Edith Jones and Alice and William Young were living at 35 St Albans Square.

 Unfortunately adoption records do not go as far back as 1900.

 As suggested in our previous correspondence a search of the local newspapers for the time would probably offer some information.

 I hope that this information is helpful and good luck with your continued search.

I am presently checking the BMD for marriage to William Jones.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 17:11 GMT (UK)
Hi

This looks like the marriage

William Jones to Edith M Cook

Apr-May-Jun 1911
Reg District Worcester
Vol 6c
Page 493

Marg
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 17:27 GMT (UK)
Hi Marg,
Am going to order that marriage certificate. I can't believe how long it takes to receive certificates from England. ::)
Just been trying to peruse family trees in ancestry and am finding it a hard task. I don't suppose that anything is to easy.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 17:30 GMT (UK)
Hi

There are 6 Jones/Cook children in the Worcestershire area,  who may, or may not, belong to this couple,  I will not give there full names  as they may still be living.

W H T 1919
E N 1920
J C 1922
R P 1923
H J 1926
N 1927

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 17:36 GMT (UK)
Hi Marg,
Am going to order that marriage certificate. I can't believe how long it takes to receive certificates from England. ::)
Just been trying to peruse family trees in ancestry and am finding it a hard task. I don't suppose that anything is to easy.
Shelley
The offer is there if you want it sent to me
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 17:49 GMT (UK)
Awe...you are leaving me suspense  :'(  you mean order the marriage Cerificate and get it sent to you? That is a thought.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 18:16 GMT (UK)
I have sent you a PM
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 19:57 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

Thanks for the information, have you seen this link, it may be worth contacting Birmingham Archives

http://jubilation.uwaterloo.ca/~marj/genealogy/children/Organizations/middlemore.html
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 20:11 GMT (UK)
I hadn't seen that site will take a look for sure. It kind of makes it seem like most of the children were happy but what James David gr granddaughter says paints a different story on how these two boys were treated here. It sounds like the boys slept in barns with animals in the dead of winters. Canada can get very cold in winters not like England... :'(
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 20:37 GMT (UK)
Just a thought on Benjamin...could he have just taken on the last name Cooke without legally changing his name?
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 20:51 GMT (UK)
Just a thought on Benjamin...could he have just taken on the last name Cooke without legally changing his name?
Shelley
Yes he could, in the UK, anyone, even to this day, can change there name without legal documentation, as long as it is not for fraudulent use.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 20:53 GMT (UK)
See this link

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/research-guides/change-of-name.htm
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 21:07 GMT (UK)
Interesting indeed...hmmm.
The only reason why I asked is that I found a record for the 1911 Census:
Benjamin Cooke
B. Abt 1887
Worster, Kidderminster
Married
Labourer
Clara, 26
Cyril, 8
Agnes, 8 months.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 21:08 GMT (UK)
It looks like Rosina died

Rosina P Jones
Birth Date
abt 1924
Mar Qtr 1928 Age 4
Reg Worcester
Vol 6c
Page 147
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 23 November 13 21:11 GMT (UK)
Interesting indeed...hmmm.
The only reason why I asked is that I found a record for the 1911 Census:
Benjamin Cooke
B. Abt 1887
Worster, Kidderminster
Married
Labourer
Clara, 26
Cyril, 8
Agnes, 8 months.
Yes I saw that one, but I think I accounted for him, in earlier record, but is worth another check
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 23 November 13 21:13 GMT (UK)
Awe, poor little girl. I know what it is like to lose a child, must've been devastating. Shelley.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Thursday 28 November 13 21:11 GMT (UK)
 Hi MargP,
It wouldn't let me upload James David's birth certificate. Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Tuesday 03 December 13 04:34 GMT (UK)
Hello everyone,
I received Nellie and Edith's birth certificates today. Nellie's was spot on but Edith's was not. Wrong parents.
While I was trying to figure out who Nellie's daughter Eva married. I found a marriage to a Hodland and to make sure I had the right person I checked on BMD and found their marriage but then went to check out a first name and put Hodland in for marriage. It came up with no results...to add to the mystery I then put Hodland in for births and again nothing. Weird.
Any suggestions?
Thanks Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: lizdb on Tuesday 03 December 13 08:51 GMT (UK)
What quarter, year and reg district is this marriage?
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: avm228 on Tuesday 03 December 13 10:16 GMT (UK)
Eva M Dench married Arthur T Hadland Dec qtr 1939 Worcester

Eva May Hadland (born 19 Aug 1913) died Jan 2003 Worcester.

Arthur Thomas Hadland (born 25 Oct 1914) died Sep qtr 1969 Worcester.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Tuesday 03 December 13 14:26 GMT (UK)
Thank you very much avm228! It never occurred to me that it would be a typo.Much appreciated.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Tuesday 03 December 13 23:31 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

That's disappointing about Edith's BC, from memory, I think that there is only one other option

Edith May Cook
Jan Qtr 1887
Kidderminster
6c
250

Is there any news on the letter

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Wednesday 04 December 13 00:25 GMT (UK)
Am laughing out loud and ugh..am NOT telling hubby!! I too thought it was that one as well and it wasn't Marg. I am going to have a stockpile before I am finished...anyone interested?
I have ordered this one for Edith. Edith May Cook 1892 Kidderminster 6c 224.
There is no news on the letter however LAC sent an email from Ontario saying the records of the brothers are ready to send. I can't wait.
Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Wednesday 04 December 13 00:37 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

I thought it was this one you had sent for

Oct Qtr 1890 Kidderminster 6c 217

One down two to go lol

Great news on the Records

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Wednesday 04 December 13 00:43 GMT (UK)
 :D I will let you know what is in the package when I receive it but in mean time still on the hunt for Benjamin. S.
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: J.J. on Sunday 19 October 14 18:00 BST (UK)
I have read through this Home Child thread with interest, wow...Shelly you have certainly had a lot of help between the initial posts on another site, then from all the fabulous searchers here on rootschat.
( The posts were the initial info was found http://www.british-genealogy.com/archive/index.php/t-78898.html?s=6540b38e17aee6d132f3c9fde3e8b949 )

Certainly can't begrudge you all the help as you have quite a search here, and you are doing it for hubby and the ancestral wee ones!  :D  Lucky fellow that you have an interest in his bkgd.

However you hadn't been back with the results of the info above...
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Monday 20 October 14 00:21 BST (UK)
Hello JJ,
No I still am keep trying to find my hubby's Grandfather's middle brother Benjamin. He is a tough one to find and I suspect that the 1921 Census will bring results. I have been truly honoured with all the hard work that all of my friends have done for me. They are the best. When a person starts with a birth certificate that has only a mother's name to finding out that she had not 5 children but a total of seven.
The biggest surprise of all was finding out that Grandpa Tom and his brother James being sent to Canada as labourers and servants now known as British Home Children. I can't even begin to imagine what these children went through and the hardships they have known.
Anyways, am glad you are very interested in our family but like I say the family tree is not complete until Benjamin is found.
I will never be at peace until then so am always in touch with my email.
Thanks Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: confusion on Friday 19 December 14 14:50 GMT (UK)
I have been reading this interesting/unfortunate thread and noticed how the
first names, middle names of Ballinger/Bellinger Cook/Cooke are intertwined
and, how it has caused so much trouble to try and unravel.

Have you got the birth certificate of Benjamin (the missing brother)?
Who does it reveal as the parents and/or the address of the birth?

Have you got any further down the road with this case.


Jim


Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Saturday 20 December 14 05:53 GMT (UK)
Hi Jim ( Confusion),

I know, I know the whole family is confusing. Emily Bellinger/Ballinger was the mother of our Benji (Henry Benjamin) b. 17 Jan 1888. I believe the address on the BC is that of 861 Mill Street Kidderminster. The BC isn't the greatest copy from the UK.

The only reason for the two different spellings of Ballinger is because of baptism pictures that a lady took pictures of in the Parish say Emily Bellinger and yet in the Census she is a Ballinger whose parents were (Benjamin and Ann Ballinger) who in the end did marry Benjamin Henry Cooke (Cook) another spelling in some of the Census. Now Emily's children we believe that are Benjamin Cooke's are : William Henry, James David Cook, Nellie Bellinger, Edith Cooke and Albert Cooke. John Thomas and Henry Benjamin maybe be different fathers but I think that Henry Benjamin is that of Benjamin Henry Cooke's because of his name. So the only one we cannot be sure of the father is our Grandfather, John Thomas. All these children were born either on Mill Street or Love Lane in Kidderminster. There was only four of the children had both Emily and Benjamin named as parents. The others just the mother's name.

I haven't done much more as it seems I have not found another other than what I have so, will have to wait until the 1921 UK Census comes out.
Thanks for the interest. It always helps to have other people read through the posts because you never know what can pop up.

Shelley
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: confusion on Saturday 20 December 14 23:32 GMT (UK)

sballinger: I've sent you a pm
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: MargP on Saturday 20 December 14 23:37 GMT (UK)
Hi Shelley

Did you get the other sides of the letter

Margp
Title: Re: Seeking descendants of Emily Ballinger/Ballenger b.1866 of Kidderminster
Post by: sballinger on Sunday 21 December 14 00:49 GMT (UK)
Hello MargP,
Good to hear from you again!! No I never did recieve the other sides of the letter but after Christmas I will see if I can get Debbie to scan the backs of them. Hopefully, as I had peaked Debbie interest and she was on ancestry for awhile but just recieved her Christmas card saying that she had put the ancestry on the back burner.I don't even know if she remembers the letter so will send the copies that you and I saw.
Well, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. I will get back to if any new information comes forward :)