Family tree dug up on Waiheke

A family tree stretching 500 years has been unearthed in the attic of a Waiheke Island home.

The poster-sized document covers the family history of David Jennings who emigrated from England to Nelson in 1849. It was given to Waiheke Library for safekeeping and its owner is now being sought.

Family history librarian from Auckland Central Libraries' Research Centre, Seonaid Lewis says the find is a remarkable example of genealogical research that someone has spent considerable time preparing.

"You might expect to find such a comprehensive family tree in England so it is 'pure gold' to find a piece of work like this in an attic in New Zealand."

Ms Lewis says the tree has been restored and preserved by experts.

"It had been rolled up for some time which affected the photographs and caused some damage to the paper. We have flattened the document, restored the damaged sections and put it in a protective sleeve."

The librarian says Auckland Libraries would like to reunite the family tree with its creator, or a descendent.

"It is apt that we begin the search during Family History Month and we hope to return this information to its family."

Genealogy of Jennings

* Compiled from the records of The Drapers' Company of London and family record in "A Kentish Country House"by Mary Adelaide, Lady Jennings.

* Detailing the line of David Jennings following his arrival in New Zealand in 1849

* Featuring a drawing of "Hall House," David Jennings' English home.

* Noted as being sheet one of two, and noting that sheet two is the full genealogy of the New Zealand Jennings line

* Signed and dated "Keiller 1969"

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