S05EP05 - 'The Constable' with Fiona Brooker Artwork

The Family Histories Podcast

The Family Histories Podcast is a show that celebrates those of us sat in archives, libraries, and spare bedrooms all around the world, tirelessly piecing together our collective social and family history.

Join author and family historian Andrew Martin as he interviews a fellow genealogy addict about how they got hooked; listen to his guest tell the life story of their most fascinatingly good, bad, or plain ugly relative; and then it's time to face 'The Brick Wall' - where it's over to the listeners to see if they can help solve their family history puzzle.

As a parting gift, Andrew offers each guest a surprise that no family history fan could possibly turn down.... a trip in his secret time machine.

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The Family Histories Podcast

S05EP05 - 'The Constable' with Fiona Brooker

May 30, 2023 • Season 5 • Episode 5

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: