Kia ora everyone!
It's time to get to know another one of our wonderful WikiTreers. This week's member is Clare Pierson.
Clare became a Wiki Genealogist in November 2020. She is active in our New Zealand Project.
When and how do you get interested in genealogy?
During the 1940s and 1950s the prejudice between many members of Catholic and Protestant churches was strong and I was very much aware that I did not know much about my father’s side of the family and was keen to find out. I was also intrigued by stories about grand family origins in England (incorrect) and ancestors going missing never to be seen or heard of again. It wasn’t until many years later that I was able to begin researching in earnest.
What are some of your interests outside of genealogy?
From early childhood I have had a close relationship with the outdoors in the magnificent scenery, especially of the West Coast, but also of the whole of New Zealand. Learning about quantum sciences – evolutionary processes – and modern cosmology has made me acutely aware of the reality of that relationship and has led to my experiencing a deeper sense of unity with all beings. Having had the opportunity to travel to beautiful countries of origin of my ancestors, has also brought a strong sense of my connection with the people and places. I have also made an effort to understand Te Tiriti o Waitegi and Te Tangata Whenu o Aotearoa.
How long have you been with WikiTree?
I first started a profile on WikiTree several years ago and then forgot about it. I have had continuous activity since 7 November 2020. Because two Pierson relatives wrote books about the Piersons in England, USA and New Zealand, I was given a fantastic head start. Also, at least five cousins here in New Zealand made trees for their families and gave them to me as well.
I began with an offline family tree then went online with MyHeritage.com. The subscription became too expensive when I retired; it was an isolated experience and many ‘smart matches’ introduced errors. I re-discovered WikiTree and uploaded my GedCom. Hours of tedious work followed, but when that was completed I began to explore what WikiTree involved. Slowly I am becoming aware of the amazing range of activities and possibilities.
What is you genealogical research focus?
Beginning with researching my family ancestors and making as many connections as I have been able, I have been drawn by relatives around the world contacting me, to research further to make links between our trees and to keep communicating with them.
Has the focus of your research work changed over the years?
Since I have discovered how to make free-space pages, I have completed a few cemetery pages and started on working on a new one related to historic places on the West Coast. In June I joined the New Zealand Project's focus on mayors and made several profiles for West Coast mayors among which I am finding so many connections. Coming across a familiar name on a grave connects with a person I have found in the gold rush days, a mayor, an ancestor, a notable person, an historic place and so on. Because I am old so many names and locations are familiar to me. The focus is on making connections among these and categorising them. Much more work, however, needs to be done on making connections between these profiles and the global tree.
I have also made profiles for a range of persons, some notable, of interest to me in a variety of areas of which I have become aware in my life experiences, have studied or whose writings I have read.
(interview continues in comments)
