Genealogy

If you're a detective novel fan and interested in history, then you're sure to find genealogy fascinating and fun. Whether you concentrate on the stories of a few people or on building a large family tree, it can be an addictive hobby. My own family is from New Zealand, but as with most Pakeha New Zealanders, our family immigrated from a number of countries:

• English
• Scots
• Danish
• French
• Irish

I have included information about some of my forebears, such as Ada Wells, a prominent New Zealand suffragist and social activist, and her antithesis, my great great grandfather, Alfred Nuthall, Victoria gentleman and Mayor of Kingston-on-Thames, England.

The story of Alfred Nuthall, Victorian patriarch, begins with his parents, Edward and Charlotte Nuthall. Edward left his Suffolk village to seek his fortune in the growing town of Kingston-Upon-Thames on the outskirts of London in the first half of the 19th century.

I have been very lucky to have been part of a family that treasures the social history reflected in our experiences. One of my grandfather's sisters died recently, but we are priveleged to have a written interview with her, written by her neice and author, Rachel McAlpine, in which she describes her life and times. Find out about Aunty Dororthy's life and times.

Links to my pages on Ada Wells

• Suffragist • Wells family • Ada's education • Chester Wells • Chronology •