Hi Carol,
Thanks for your reply. I am in contact with her family and we have shared lots of info about the Blackbells. Unfortunately the family suffered losses in both WW1 & 2, as well as giving birth to more daughters than sons. The last chance of carrying the name further relies on just 3 of my nephews in Australia, 21, 17 & 5 years old. We believe that the name originated in Scotland and the first one jumped over the fence and married in Co.Durham in 1797. I have had contact from a lady here in Australia who is starting to research the Scottish side of her family and thinks there may be a connection. Time will tell.
Many thanks again Carol.
Regards,
AlanO