I've asked for this message board, and so I'll kick off!
My wife's paternal great grandfather, CHARLES BECKENHAM married ELIZABETH JAINE (b.1860 Marden, Hereford) in Carshalton on 10th Feb 1883.
ELIZABETH's three brothers (JAMES b 1861, CHARLES b. 1859 and WILLIAM b. 1864) together with their father CHARLES JAINE (b.1832) emigrated to New Zealand, where CHARLES snr worked on one of the big sheep farms (Longbeach) on South Island before setting up his own farm. The three brothers married three sisters (nee MILLS) from Ireland - who were servants in the Longbeach House in NZ! (Does anybody have any information about these MILLS sisters?)
I have had contact with at least three branches of the Herefordshire roots of the family, including one out in NZ whom I met earlier this year, and have built up an extensive family tree.
I'd be happy to share this with anyone who has a link with the JAINES of Herefordshire.
I have been able to trace the family back to AARON JAINE (b. 1787, m. 1819 ELIZABETH PRICE, d. 1861). And for the moment, that's how far I have been able to go. I'd be interested to know of the origion of the family - there is some suggestion that AARON descended from a French family - who possibly fled France because of ?civial war/religious persecution/...?
Any how, that's for starters. Anybody out there has anything further to add?
Philip