Alderney.

[Tibia]

Hi,I am new today, so I hope I don't confuse you all any more than I'm confused.
I have traced my Great Great Grandparents to the Island of Alderney.The 1861
census tells me My Great Grandfather's name was James Ballern and his wife was Helena. James was born on the isle of wight and Helena was born on Alderney.I have the names of their children and where they lived on the island,but I can't for the life of me find out what Helena's maiden name was. I have no idea where to go next, has anyone any ideas please.   (please not that hot place,although that's where most of my ancestors are)

[Arranroots]

Hi Tibia

Welcome to Rootschat! 

Normally I would recommend obtaining a birth cert for one of the children - were they born on the Isle of Wight or Alderney?

Kind regards, Arranroots 

[Hackstaple]

In the 1871 census James Ballerne, age 64 and a widower, is shown as born at St. Peters [Port] Jersey. Now that would be 10 years out with the age given for James Ballern in the 1861 census where that James is a Wine & Spirits Merchant whilst the second one is shown as a retired Master Mariner. However, for Wine & Spirits Merchant in the Channel Islands you may very well read "smuggler" onto the Kent coast.

I'll look around some more.

[ricky1]

Hi Hackstaple

think you will find Helena is a wid on the 1871 still living on Alderney

Rg10/ 5770
folio 41
page 17

transcribed as Ballem

ricky

[Tibia]

In the 1871 census James Ballerne, age 64 and a widower, is shown as born at St. Peters [Port] Jersey. Now that would be 10 years out with the age given for James Ballern in the 1861 census where that James is a Wine & Spirits Merchant whilst the second one is shown as a retired Master Mariner. However, for Wine & Spirits Merchant in the Channel Islands you may very well read "smuggler" onto the Kent coast.

I'll look around some more.

Hi,and  thanks for your input, ,it's made my day.I have been told by friends that my lot may turn out to be smugglers. Thanks for your help it would be great if you do come up with anything else.
Many Thanks.
                     Tibia.

[suzard]

seems james was a tailor and draper at time of 1851 census -and helena was just Helen

1851
Rue Du Coin
Alderney
James Ballern Head M 35 Taylor and Draper I.O.W.
Helen wife 27
Elizabeth daughter 7
Selina daughter 4
Henry son 1
Emilydaughter 3 mths
HO107 2531 page 1

Suz

[Arranroots]

Well if it's Alderney we're talking about, there is information here about how to pursue their records:

http://user.itl.net/~glen/alderney.html

A 

[suzard]

The only helen I could find of correct age in 1841 in Alderney is helen Scott.

1851 census James and helen(a) are living a few doors away from the Scott family - but then the populated area of Alderney is not that big!

Suz

[ricky1]

Hi Suz
I would agree that looks the most likely one, was about to post and saw you had written it up

ricky