Thanks so much for your helpful suggestions. As mentioned, I'm a beginner in this area. I've been chasing my paternal branch of the family around Northern Ireland - and coming up with blank walls! I do know that Luke Ballard came to NZ on one of the early ships, the Bombay, in 1865, (age given as 25) with Elizabeth Ballard (24), Matthew Ballard (3) and Leah Ballard (1), so I will do a bit more searching and see if I can come up with any dates that tie in with his death. From these ages his birth date would have been c 1840. The Luke Ballard in Drury is the one I am trying to tie in, because that is where my g-grandparents got married. George Ballard in Buckland is my g-grandfather. He eventually retired to Mt Eden, and died 18 August 1921 (buried at Purewa cemetery). George Ballard's father was Joseph Ballard. He was married to Elizabeth Weetman I believe. He died in Atherstone 19 April 1853. I have three sons of this marriage - George (b 1844), Joseph (b 1846) and John (b 1848). Joseph (senior's) parents were William Ballard and Alice (?) I believe. Thanks again for your assistance. Cheers Karen Hitchcock Auckland, NZ