Researching the story of an historical figure is relatively easy when they spent a good portion of their life in the public eye. Newspaper articles and official documents are excellent, often easily accessible records to use for piecing together facets of their lives.
There are plenty of clues which can be uncovered from these to reveal who they may have been as a person, but probably of greatest value are the stories known and maintained within the figure’s own family, passed down from generation to generation.
I am very fortunate to have the assistance on the research of Negociant from Jean Serisier’s great grandson, and grand son of Hippolyte Serisier. William Serisier is a living conduit to the family legends and personalities.
How exciting too, to have found a comment recently posted on the Negociant Blog by another relative, affirming our research as consistent with family stories.
These are possibly the greatest resource of all for research on an historical novel like Negociant, where first hand accounts, though now second and third hand, remain a living link to Jean Serisier.
Dave Noonan recently wrote: “My mother Lorna Noonan (nee Serisier) is a descendent of Jean Emile Serisier. She was born in 1922, daughter of Emile Louis Serisier, whose family moved to Western Australia in the early 1900s. Lorna lives near Mundaring outside of Perth and has a keen interest in the family history. Much of what is written [here] accords with what my mother has told me of the family’s history.”
Thank you Dave for contributing and I hope more Serisier relatives share their knowledge to help build a lasting resource for anyone interested in Dubbo’s Founding Father.
King of Dubbo 
My name is Bruce Serisier. I am a brother of William Serisier who passed away on Monday 12th February and was cremated on 20th February. I do remember that he was communicating with you in connection with your book. Bill had been ill for over three years, so had lost interest in many things before his death. I would be very interested in obtaining a copy of your book if you can let me know where to access it.
Hi Bruce, so sad to think I did not get to meet William and please accept my sympathies. I absolutely will keep you in mind… it’s currently being written, but it will be available this year. Yvette
Yvette,
Good to hear from you. Thank you for your kind thoughts. I was mistaken, as I thought that you had completed the book. My wife and I were in Dubbo quite recently, and called at the Information Centre. Julie Webster from there was very helpful and was able to tell me that your book had not been finished. Will keep in touch.
Regards,
Bruce Serisier