James CH Balmain

and the 

The Balmain Family

James Charles Halyburton Balmain was born in Philadelphia, USA in 1853 of Scottish parents.  [Charles J Smith, Edinburgh]

He died, aged 84, on 23 June 1937 in Edinburgh

-  He was widower of Kate Field.

-  His father:  George Balmain, stationer

-  His mother:  Anne Eleanor Balmain  (nee Halyburton)

[Death Certificate]

Thank you to Geoff Dawson, great grandson of JCH Balmain, who wrote:

"We have a portrait of Kate Field in my parents' house.  I think it was done by JCH.  The portrait is absolutely stunning - she's really beautiful. 

JCH Balmain had two sons and a daughter, Roy, Kenneth and Louise.  Roy was awarded the Military Cross.

We are struggling to find out is the origin of the name Littler.  I am Geoffrey Roy Littler Dawson.

Geoffrey was my grandfather on my father’s side, Roy was the name of my mother’s brother – but Littler is the puzzle, although I have a feeling there’s an American connection somewhere."

Geoff Dawson, formerly Edinburgh, now Kent, England:  February 22, 2009

Question

Can anybody suggest the origin of the name 'Littler'?

If you have any suggestions, please email me, then I'll forward your message to Geoff Dawson.

Thank you.    -  Peter Stubbs:  February 22, 2009