Joy Wilkins (joy23 @t  tesco.net) has just discovered, through Bucks FHS transcript of the 1851 census, that her g. g. grandfather, JAMES RANE was born in Flaunden, Herts, about 1794. In 1851 he was living High Street, Great Missenden, Bucks, age 57, with his wife Elizabeth (age 28, born Gt Missenden), daughter Sarah age 2 and son William age 1 (my Granddad). He is recorded as being Blacksmith. The IGI records baptisms of William (above) April 1850; John - July 1853; Jane - July 1855; Elizabeth - Sept 1860 and Harry - May 1861 all in Great Missenden. 1881 census lists William and family under BANE, Winkfield, Berks. Descendants of William, (who went on to marry Ellen Brant from Winkfield, and have 10 children) are now all over the world. (Chivers; Cox; Brain; Dancey; Simmonds; Wernham and Rane x3)

The name Rane is uncommon in Hertfordshire but a quick (and incomplete) search shows several references to the name in Bovingdon and Sarratt - which are the adjoining Hertfordshire parishes to Flaunden - which had a population of only 305 in 1851..

A submitted entry (such entries should always be checked) to the IGI at familysearch records that William Rain married Mary Dell on 21 Dec 1759 at "Bovington, Herts".

The British VRI shows that on 13 Oct 1814 John Rane married Ann Pryer at Bovingdon while on 4 Nov 1816 Eleanor Rane married Charles Pointing at St. Mary's, Watford. Could these be the brother and sister of your James Rane?

On 25 Dec 1846 William Rane, son of John Rane married Mary Field, daughter of Francis Field at Bushey, and on 19 Jan 1851 their daughters Emma Rane (born 10 Oct 1847) and Charlotte Rane (born 22 Apr 1849) were baptised at St. Mary's, Watford. The 1881 census show William, his wife and five daughters living at 33 Porson Street, Lewisham, Kent - and William is described as a 60 year old "Foreman over Silk Winders" born at Sarratt, Herts.

There are no Rane listed on the 1841 census for Bovingdon.

Joy Wilkins (joy23 @t  tesco.net) responded Chris: I realised that I hadn't got a baptism for SARAH RANE who was mentioned in 1851 census. She hadn't appeared with the family group of baptisms in Great Missenden. She was alive aged 2 so must have been baptised. So late last night I rummaged through IGI, and am still suffering the consequences - and the delight! I discovered an entry which seemed right. Sarah RANE christened 18 June 1848 Sarratt, Herts. Parents James RANE and Elizabeth. I checked that there were no other baptisms there and then searched for a wedding in the same parish. There was James RANE married Elizabeth LACEY 19 October 1846 Sarratt, Herts.

I'd started typing this out before I checked e-mails and then discovered your answer - another delight.

Thank you so very much for taking the time to produce such a useful answer.

I believe (hope) there will prove to be a relationship between the Ranes you have mentioned and "mine", the Christian names are so familiar, William; James; John. The places mentioned are just too close together to be mere coincidence. The similarity of the dates also suggest family links - at least cousins. I know I have to check original documents and buy certificates to prove relationships but I'll happily hang my hat on these folks being related.

In a later message she added: I have found a baptism entry for James RANE in Sarratt, 30 June 1773, parents William RANE and Mary. I hope these will prove to be the William RAIN and Mary DELL who were married 21 Dec 1879 in Bovington. I am not sure how to prove this from a distance and would be grateful for advice.

They could be his parents - You should be able book the microfilms you need in your nearest LDS Family History Centre - see the Libraries section of familysearch for details.

 I have also, in 1841 census discovered a James RAE, age 30, Box Lane, Bovingdon - whitesmith. He is too young to be "my" James, but could perhaps be a RANE listed as a spelling mistake? Both whitesmith and blacksmith worked metal, so there could be a family link if the name could match.

If you look at the 1841 census return you will see that James Rae was born in Scotland - so is unlikely to be related to the Hertfordshire born Rane.