For many avid genealogists, researching your family tree is more than finding names and dates. It is a way to connect to your ancestors through stories and pictures.
Auckland woman, Laura Hunter, says this happened for her as she began taking a keener interest in learning about her forebears.
While gathering information and documents, she was given a letter written by one of her ancestors, Nathaniel Lucas, dated 20 October 1796. Mr Lucas was writing to his father in England.
The letter, Mrs Hunter says, has profoundly affected her life.
Mr Lucas was a convict sent from England to Australia, eventually landing on Norfolk Island. As part of his sentence, he assisted in construction of a prison and other buildings.
After serving his sentence, he became the island’s master carpenter. He married and had four children ― two boys and twin girls.
In the letter to his father, Mr. Lucas writes of a tragedy that befell his family.
“I had the unspeakable misfortune to lose two twins … by an accident …”
He goes on, describing deep personal feelings: “O father, I am not able to express the poignant grief I felt…”
The letter continues, detailing his subsequent good fortune, including his and his wife’s establishment of a farm of 75 acres.
“I love reading this letter,” Mrs Hunter says. “Nathaniel’s tragedy touches my heart. And his and his wife’s strength and resilience inspire me in my own life. The letter, and being able to see a little into one of my ancestor’s life and heart, is one of my family’s greatest treasures.”
Mrs Hunter says she has learned a great deal about her family history from her parents and other members of her family. She also uses the resources of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, such as the faith’s family history centres and FamilySearch.org.
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints places particular emphasis on family relationships. Latter-day Saints believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ exists to help families gain blessings in this life, and in the next. Church members believe that these blessings and relationships extend to ancestors as well as the living.
The Church extends its resources to both members and guests of the Church. On Saturday 30 August, Latter-day Saint congregations on Auckland’s North Shore will hold a Family History Day at a Church facility located at 313 Sunset Road, Mairangi Bay.
Similar activities, resources and volunteers to assist are available in over 4,600 Latter-day Saint family history centres worldwide.