George Balls

[Balls]

Hi....I'm looking for the father of George Balls baptised 1799 in Gissing, Norfolk.  I found his baptism record in Archdeacons Transcripts and his mother is listed as Elizabeth Balls, but no father is listed.

I'm puzzled as to why he wouldn't be listed.  Also, I can't find any record of Elizabeth being married.

David

[Ruskie]

This would mean that George was illegitimate. Either Elizabeth did not want to name the father, or she may not have known who George's father was.

[Balls]

So I guess that would not give me much chance of finding him then?

[Ruskie]

I'm probably not the best person to help you with this as I have no experience researching these kinds of records, but I believe in some parishes there may have been records kept regarding illegitimate children.

I don't know if this varied by area or era but there are such a thing as bastardy bonds, though they may relate to later illegitimate births.

Basically, the officials wanted to the woman to name the father, have him admit to fathering said child, so he could be responsible for it financially rather than it being necessary for the parish to support it. So with that in mind there may have been some record kept.

How you might go about finding them, I cannot advise. A few google searches may lead to some leads. 

Perhaps there may be a Gissing family history society who may be able to point you in the right direction if you don't get any help here. Alternatively, maybe the NRO (Norfolk Records Office) might be a good first port of call.

Don't know if he will get a mention here:
https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1824706

[trish1120]

Possibles;

Marriage;
30 October 1810, St Mary, Gissing, Norfolk
John CROWE, Widower
Elizabeth BALLS, Spinster
Both of this Parish
Witnesses; Charity Palsey/Samuel Baley

Trish

EDIT;
Charity Palsey seems to be this one;
CHARITY ELINOR Balls Bapt 29 June 1777 St Mary
Father Balls
Mother Palsey
Notes, No Father Is Mentioned But Child Is Named Charity Elenor BALLS Daughter Of Sarah PALSEY.

Sarah Baptises a Samuel BALLS, 5 Nov 1775
Notes, Sarah PALSEY Widow

2 Elizabeth Baptised St Mary Gissing;
ELIZABETH Balls, 2 May 1773 to SAMUEL/MARTHA
ELIZABETH Balls, 23 Nov 1777 to SAMUEL/RUTH

All above on FreeREG

[Balls]

Thanks for that Ruskie.....It's given me a few avenues to explore. 

[Balls]

Trish....Thanks for that.  It's given me a few clues, as I've seen some of the names mentioned and not thought much of it.

I'll try and link them all together.