S05EP05 - 'The Constable' with Fiona Brooker

The Family Histories Podcast

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;

• Who were Jane's parents?
• Do Jane's children's names follow the Scottish Naming Pattern - offering hints of their ancestors' identities?
• When did Jane arrive in New Zealand? Was she with her parents, or alone?

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...
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Episode Credits
Series Five, Episode Five:

• Andrew Martin - Host and Producer
• Fiona Brooker - Guest

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Chapter

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. The Interview - Fiona Brooker (00:00:55)

3. The Life Story - Thomas Urquhart (00:21:54)

4. The Brick Wall - Jane Richardson (00:37:03)

5. The Departure (00:47:47)