Hello Margaret:
Your message and geographic location has to qualify as the epitome of it being a “small world”!
As I mentioned in the exchange at Rootschat Alice and Albert Ball possibly three - definitely two children Albert and Miniie - so perhaps it was Albert that played hockey as I am unaware of a John.
Albert (Minnie’s brother) is still alive (84 years old) and lives alone in Miller Lake, Ontario, but unfortunately he is not very communicative.
Minnie married Harry Ziegler and they had two children Norman and Karen. Norman married as did Karen (she is now Risk) and they live within a few doors of each other in Goderich, Ontario.
Harry Ziegler died in 1876 and Minnie in 1999. I once met Minnie and her son Norman in 1968 in England when they visited my parents. I now wish I had that time over again because I have learned that Minnie was the “family historian”, but back then I was now pursuing my ancestry.
My connection is via my father, he and Minnie were first cousins of Minnie’s, i.e., Alice Spice was one his father’s sisters . . . they came from a family of nine (Alice was the second oldest).
This synopsis and what I have posted at Rootschat may sound as though I “know it all” but it is only a small part of their lives and has been achieved after much searching . . . a few speculative phone calls to Canada . . . and the good offices of individuals such as your self.
I would very much like to find out the details of the journey to Canada, e.g., when they sailed and on what ship, etc.Therefore I look forward to hearing more from you because no detail or anecdote is too small to be of interest.
Regards
Hello Peckham:
I would like to confirm that Alice and Albert did live at 1430 King street Preston, as I can see the backyard of the house from my kitchen window. The house was purchased by their neighbours brother by the last name of Burr. Mr Burr sold the house and it is now a Doctors office. I do believe Alice and Alberts grandchildren still live in the Cambridge area. My brother recalls playing hockey with a John Ball that lived at that address. We are also aquainted with a Wendy(Ball)Chamberlain who may be of some help with the answers to your search. At this time she is away on a six week vacation so it will be a little while until I can get back to you.
Regards: Margaret
