Ball/Balls Family - ?Gravesend

[LAS1015]

I was wondering if anyone could please help/advise me with my 'brickwall'?

My great-great grandfather Henry BALL was born 1857/1861, (and according to the census returns he states he was born in Gravesend, Kent).

He married Amy ELLIS on 22 August 1880 at St. Mary's Church, Plaistow, Bromley, Kent.  Their marriage certificate gives his surname as BALLS, a brickmaker, son of Henry BALLS, whose profession is also brickmaker.

Try as I might, I cannot find him anywhere in Gravesend, either as Henry BALL or Henry BALLS.  I'd really appreciate ANY help/advice. 

Also, does anyone know about brickmaking in Bromley at that time?

One final thing:  In the 1881 census, Henry BALL and his family are living at 11 Mooreland Road, Bromley.
In the 1891 census Henry and his family are using the surname STEVENS, and are living at Sydenham, Lewisham.  By 1901 the family are back to using the surname BALL.

Can anyone help me to knock down this brickwall please?

Many thanks,
Lesley.

[Necromancer]

hmmmm, tough one - any witnesses on the Marriage Cert that look like family ?

[LAS1015]

Hi Newfy,

The witnesses on the marriage certificate are John Ellis and Caroline Ellis, relatives of the brides.  So sadly, not much to go on!

Best wishes,
Lesley.

[Necromancer]

The 1891 situation is intriguing .... I wonder if it was deliberate or the Enumerator having a funny five minutes ...

Had a look in Census and BMD for both surnames .... 

looked in earlier years for Henry snr .... 

might be one of those situations where he was told his real name when he got married - and is on earlier census under a stepfathers name ...

[casalguidi]

Hi Lesley

Is there an address for Henry on the marriage certificate and have you checked that in 1881?

Have you looked at the parish registers on Medway Cityark ie. Gravesend and Milton next Gravesend for a possible baptism for Henry? 

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0bl/

Casalguidi

[LAS1015]

Hi Newfy,

Thank you for looking at the census and at BMD, that really is kind of you.  A step-father hadn't occurred to me ... hmmm, it's a thought!

Hi Casalguidi,

On their marriage certificate, it gives their residence at time of marriage as Plaistow, Bromley.  In 1881 they are living at 11 Mooreland Road, Bromley. I'll certainly check Gravesend Milton - thank you very much!

Best wishes and thanks to you both,
Lesley.

[Eyesee]

A possibility, not Gravesend, but nearby
1871 - HO107/1553/332/12
1 Dinah? Row?, Mile End Old Town, Tower Hamlets, Middlesex
Henry BALLS, head mar 51, Bricklayer, born Kent, Gillingham
Sarah BALLS, wife mar 55, born Kent, Rochester
Henry BALLS, son unm 14, born Kent, Rochester

Ian C

[LAS1015]

Hi Ian,

Thanks very much for this info.  I'll have a look at the maps of the region and see what I can come up with also.  Very grateful to you for your help and advice!

Best wishes,
Lesley.

[LAS1015]

Hi Ian C,

I've just looked up the census info. you kindly sent to me but sadly it wasn't the 1871 census, but the 1851 census.  But I do thank you very much for looking!

Kind regards,
Lesley