Andrew is joined by professional genealogist Fiona Brooker for this fifth episode of Series Five. Andrew finds out how she researches family history in Scotland and England from New Zealand, as well as the challenges of researching within New Zealand and its privacy laws. She reveals how she got hooked on family history, and also shares her thoughts on how our modern lives will be researched in future.
THE LIFE STORY - THOMAS URQUHART
Fiona has decided to tell the life story of her Great Grandfather, Thomas Urquhart, who was born in Aberdeen in 1882.
Thomas starts off as a mason but joins the Police Force in 1907, and through detailed staff records she's able to trace his career until he resigns in 1924.
With his wife Ann, and their seven children, he embarks on a journey to a fresh new start in New Zealand... but his journey take a tragic turn before they even arrived.
THE BRICK WALL - JANE RICHARDSON
It's a woman in New Zealand that's causing Fiona a headache - her ancestor Jane Richardson, but whilst Jane's later life is known, it's her origins that remain a mystery.
Her marriage records suggest that she was born circa 1833, and other records suggest she was born in Glasgow, Scotland, but sadly, her parents are documented only as 'Richardson' and 'Richardson'. Not very helpful!
Can you help Fiona discover;
If you think you can help Fiona with a research clue or idea, then you can contact her at her MemoriesInTime.co.nz website or alternatively, you can send her a message via our website and we'll pass it on to her.
In the meantime, Andrew is surprised at just how keen Fiona is to accept his help...
- - -
Episode Credits
Series Five, Episode Five:
Thank you for listening!
You can sign up to our email newsletter for the latest and behind the scenes news.
You can find us on Twitter @FamilyHistPod, Facebook, Instagram, and BlueSky.
If you liked this episode please subscribe for free, or leave a rating or review.