Looking for William DOWLING in Australia

[Brian1]

Hope someone can help.
William Dowling was born in Liverpool in 1872 ( December ) and emigrated to the U.S. where he fought in the Spanish American war. He then became a gold prospector in California and Alaska. At around 1900 ( not sure exactly which year ) he emigrated from the U.S. to Australia where he is thought to have settled as a farmer. No clue as to where he settled unfortunately.
Thanks to Jaki and Wendy, I have now received quite a bit of info. on his elder brother Henry A. Dowling. and if I can trace his descendants to the present day they may have some info on William.
Many thanks to anyone who may be able to help.
Brian1

[Wendy Mc]

Hi Brian,

There are plenty of William Dowling deaths in Victoria so do you know if he has a middle name?

Did you check out N.S.W.?

cheers,

Wendy

[Brian1]

Hi Wendy
Thanks for the info.  Unfortunately William does not have a middle name ( unlike most of the other Dowlings ). As you say there are too many Williams to be able to locate the correct one. Have tried NSW and Vic already.

Thank again.

Brian1

[trish251]

Have you tried the national archives - www.naa.gov.au

A search gives 112 hits for William Dowling. A brief look gives (as an example)
 DOWLING ROWETT STANLEY : Service Number - V34296 : Date of birth - 28 Mar 1920 : Place of birth - CARNEGIE VIC : Place of enlistment - ARMADALE VIC : Next of Kin - DOWLING WILLIAM

This COULD (only could) be a son of your William. There are probably others that may give some ideas.

The records from NAA can be seen for no charge, by requesting they be digitised & put online.

The main records you will get are WW1, WWII and immigration post 1945.

Trish

[Brian1]

Hi Trish,
I will take another look at WW2 and see if any of them correspond with William Dowling ( as a father ).
I managed to get the digitised copy of James Dowling WW1 who was Henry A. Dowlings son.
Thanks once more
Brian1

[Brian1]

Hi Trish,
William remains elusive as ever. Search all records but to no avail.
Thanks for your help
Brian

[trish251]

Always a good idea to refresh your post - someone else will hopefully have some ideas

Trish

[Brian1]

Hi Trish,
Thought it was a good idea myself to bring it further up the postings. Someone may have something on William.
Brian

[grub]

One more time??