Francis Ross Victoria,Auctioneers/stockmen

[judb]

Hi Cecily

This is a mystery because I cannot find many references to Francis Ross, Auctioneers/Stock and Station Agents, although I have the impression that they had many branches throughout Victoria.  There are two photos of a country branch at Tallangatta available from The Australian National Library - search for "Francis Ross"

http://www.pictureaustralia.org/index.html

The National Library digitised newspapers has some references, mostly from a Melbourne paper The Argus and mostly for Stock Sales and Markets.

http://ndpbeta.nla.gov.au/ndp/del/home

Just out of interest I wonder how old Edward was when he arrived in Australia?  To the best of my knowledge (and I definitely don't know much about the subject) nowadays you need to study for an Auctioneer and Valuer's licence, and I think you have to be of adult age.  Was this so in the 1920s? Perhaps they were just available if you were employed in that field.  At that time you were not classed as an adult legally until the age of 21. 

Cheers, Judith

[cando]

According to online shipping records Edward was born 1909.

Cheers
Cassie

[judb]

Thanks as always Cando 

At least that makes him 18 when the certificate was issued so it's more feasible.  I had thought he was younger when he arrived.  I still find it odd that there are so few refs to the company Francis Ross.

Cheers, Judith

[cecily3]

Hi Cassie & Judith,I am going through all the info. you have given.My dad was 16years old when he arrived in Melbourne.I do have the full account,including all the names of his group(even was able to contact 2 of the families) from the SS Vedic.It is odd that nothing is known from that time onwards.I have been able to read some of the old newspaper items which feature Francis Ross & Co. but only describe livestock sales of which there were many so I assume it was quite a well known company in the area.But as you say,strange that there is no mention of exactly who they were.One other document I found is headed"Australian Stockman`s Association" which "certifies that Edward Frank Symonds is a member" & is dated 3 September 1927 & again carries the Dept.of Home Affairs embossed stamp & signed Francis Ross.My dad was 18years old then .On the first document there is also a witness-H.Newcomeman .    Celia

[judb]

Hello again Celia

I am clutching at straws here just in case there are any other clues at all!  I suppose the certificates you have don't have any place mentioned?

I can't see any Edward Symonds returning to UK by ship in the 30s (except a chap aged 73!).  Occasionally there's some information to be gained - at least the port of embarkation which might help.

I plan to go to the National Library tomorrow where I may be able to access some Victorian governemnt papers which my be useful - or not!

Cheers, Judith

[cecily3]

Hi Judith.Unfortunately there is nothing on the documents to suggest what place they related to which is why your info.about the pictures at Tallangatta was such good news.I am plodding through some lists of ships returning to UK but nothing so far.He was married in 1934 in Hampshire England so I would take a guess & say he returned around 1930/31 as there would have been massive unemployment in Australia also.Also I can`t think that he ever left the state of Victoria as he had little money so must have sailed from a port there.One other thing which may not be relevant,he appeared to have acquired the name of "Jim" & was NEVER called Edward  all his married life,despite the fact that nowhere in the family was a"James".However he must have had "Edward" on his passport if passports were issued then.  Celia

[judb]

How very odd.

Looking at Sands and McDougall Country Professional and Trade Directory for 1927 and no sign of  Francis Ross at all as a Stock and Sation agent  or as an auctioneer - and yet there is the photo of their branch in Tallangatta in 1954,  plus the number of newspaper mentions of the firm at stock sales.  (Tallangatta township was 'moved' in 1956 to allow for expansion of the Hume reservoir; the old town was 'drowned')

I also had a look at the Will of Francis Ross whose death Cando listed in 1922 - no mention of a son (3 daughters) or of the business in his will even though he is listed as a stock and statin agent in the electoral roll of 1914.

A****try have an index of immigration INTO UK which is where I looked for his return with no joy.

Sorry - can't think of any other avenues to try   

Judith

[cecily3]

Many thanks Judith.I have just got a subscription to Ancestry so will keep at it.Will also try the heritage society in Tallangatta area.  regards  Celia

[chrissy]

Hi
 Just a quick note before work...There is a Ross's auctions in perth western Australia...
 May or may not be him??
             Cheers from Chrissyx