I know I am asking alot here but any ideas or suggestions would be welcome.

I am searching for the family of great great grandfather known as Charles Parker. Born 16th August 1836 (one document says 1838) in Sweden.

We know about him since his arrival in New Zealand in 1856 and his marriage to Harriet Ellen Philps on the 9th April 1860 in Wellington New Zealand. They had 12 children.

His life before arriving in NZ is a mystery. The family stories are that his father was an English seaman and his mother from Sweden. He was born around Gotenburg and had a brother.

Their mother died when they were young and the boys didn't get on with their step mother and ran away to sea at a young age.

Some of the family think he changed his name after jumping ship in NZ but no one really knows. These are all family stories.

The only information I think is reliable is his date of birth 16th August though year could be 1836 or 1838.

I wonder if there is any search possible using birthdate in Gotenburg area?

Grateful for any replies.
Emilyada