John Joseph Ross my grandfather died in 1931 New Zealand. I have no birthdate for him, where or when he was born.

Question

I am searching for my grandfather John Joseph Ross. He was the  partner of my grandmother Esther Elizabeth Fraser and they had 3 children together. 2 girls and a boy. When John Joseph Ross died in 1931 the children were put into orphanages .These children were reunited after 60 years which was amazing. I know very little of my grandfather, what he looks like, when or where he was born, I would love to find photos and contact with any family members in his side. My DNA has not matched me so far, but I am waiting a result from a different company. Thank you for any help.

Answer 1

Lynda, what a story! Have you ordered his death certificate to see if parents are named? He seems to be invisible in the usual sources (Papers Past, Archives NZ) but is this story about your grandmother's divorce? https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19301115.2.148

If so, the divorce papers at Archives NZ Auckland office might have some clues - but you'll need to seek permission to consult them: Search results - Collections search (archives.govt.nz)

The 1928 and 1931 electoral roll shows John Joseph Ross and Esther Elizabeth Ross living together as husband and wife in Okaihau in Northland. There is a Thomas Ross, labourer of Okaihau on the same roll - a brother or father worth investigating?

The only other thing I can think of is to search through all the WWI military records to see if any of the John Rosses look like a potential match (search for 'John Ross WW1') - there are quite a few of them.