Hi list members, I'm looking for help in my family genealogy research. I have located my migrating ancestor from England (Richard John Whittle), and have his birth certificate (1842). I have him in the 1851 and 1861 censuses in England. In the latter his name was misspelled as Wittle. I have his marriage certificate in Christchurch, Ballerat(16/06/1869) to Anne Harvey, and the birth certificate of his first child in Duck Ponds Euroa 1872. He emigrated to New Zealand ~ 1873 (on the SS Tararua according to family oral history, but I can't confirm that ). I have tried looking on various convict lists but haven't found him. He was a 19 y.o. gamekeeper in 1861 so I'm guessing couldn't afford to pay for his passage. He was working on a large estate (Studlands > 40 employees and I wondered if his employer might have sponsored him?? What I would like help to find out: • When and how did he leave England . - did he go directly to Australia or via perhaps USA? and why?? • What did he do in Victoria? His occupation on his marriage certificate was 'Groom'. • Any other information that would "bring him to life" • Any information on his wife - marriage, birth(of child) and death certificates give 3 different places of birth and two different spellings of her surname! I have been unable to trace her at all. I would be grateful for any suggestions . Thanks Denis Whittle