Anne Randall Ballantyne
May 10, 2010
In honor of Mother's Day, celebrated by those of us in the U. S. yesterday, I decided to write a little bit about R. M. Ballantyne's mother. A mother can and does influence the life of her child, for good or for evil, depending on the type of woman she is. This was true in Ballantyne's life, and his mother was instrumental in developing his literary skill.
Anne Randall Scott Grant, described in Eric Quayle's Ballantyne The Brave as a 'lass wi' a lang pedigree,' first met her husband while he was playing the violin at one of her family's "musical evenings." Although a full decade younger than her husband, Randall and Sandy Ballantyne had a happy and affectionate marriage. Throughout her life, she went by her second name, Randall, instead of her first, Anne. In a humorous twist, one of her grandsons was named after her, with one of the l's subtracted, making him Randal Ballantyne.
As the second youngest child, Robert, or "Bob" Ballantyne received much pampering both from his sisters and his mother. Although he left home for the wilds of North America at the early age of sixteen, RMB continued a long-distance correspondence with Randall, and kept a copious journal to share with her upon his return to England. His proud mother treasured these letters from her distant son, and would share their contents with her close friends. It was from this habit that an elderly lady and long time friend of the family became impressed both by Robert's writing style and adventures, and recommended that they be published in book form. These, along with the journal, formed the basis for his first book, Hudson's Bay.
After the death of Robert's father, RMB became the main supporter for his mother and sisters. He became their backstay and counselor, developing a close relationship with them. Because of his financial support, they were enabled to live in sufficient comfort, although not luxury.
Randall Ballantyne's sudden death after many years of excellent health came as a great grief to the young man. As RMB was still a bachelor at the time, Mrs. Ballantyne had no rival in the affections of her son. The shock sobered him for a time, but he accepted it as God's will, and continued on with his life. It was with great fondness, however, that he remembered her, as the womanly encourager of his early years.
I give thanks to all mothers, and mine in particular, for their love, support, and training in this world of constant turmoil. You do make a difference in your sons' lives!
Tueri a vulnere,
John