GENEALOGY SERVICES

by Joelle Steele

I have been doing genealogy research since 1973 (professionally since 1983). I trace lineage, fix broken lineages, and try to find ways past what can best be described as “dead ends.” I scrutinize everything to make sure I’m following the right person and the right line. I can read most documents or entire websites that are written in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Swedish, and Latin. I have also been digitally restoring old family photos since 1994 (you can read an article about me called Digital Plastic Surgery). You can also check out my articles, advice column, books, classes, and testimonials from my genealogy clients.

WORKING TOGETHER

Communication is important. While I work on your lineage, I may have questions for you or you may have quetions for me. So, I will email you and I will expect you to email me too. I respond daily. I do not talk on the phone or read/send text message because I want to have a complete written record of all communications between us.

STARTING FROM SCRATCH

I rely on vital statistics records (birth, death, marriage, divorce, etc.) that YOU provide, preferably for at least three generations, plus your own. If you have any other kinds of documents (letters, diaries, deeds, obituaries, clippings, hand-written histories, etc.), please be sure to provide me with them. I will use them to help me search for your family.

I will use your vital statistics records to trace your lineage using 20-40 websites (sometimes more). I reference multiple websites in order to ensure that misinformation found in some of the large genealogical websites (e.g., ancestry.com, familysearch.org, WikiTree, etc.) does not end up corrupting your family tree. When I research, I double-check birth and death dates, and look for name changes, alternate name spellings, and duplicate names to keep your lineage on track.

PICKING UP WHERE YOU LEFT OFF

If you have already traced some of your lineage but hit a dead end and are unable to trace further on a particular line, I will double-check that line for possible errors and correct them if/when possible. If you then want me to continue tracing for you, I will do so.

YOUR RESULTS

Ancestry tracing can fall into place without a problem. Or, it can be a nightmare, as often happens with misinformation or blocked lineages. Everything depends on the vital statistics records you provide, the size of your family, and how much information is available online for your ancestors. I work pretty fast because I am familiar with ancestral data, the differences in what all the various websites have to offer, and how those websites work. So, in general, the average amount of time spent on lineage tracing is around 20-40 hours for a small tree (about 8 generations). But, some trees are very large or complex or are "deep dives" into ancient times (30 or more generations). In that case, your tracing could take considerably more time. So, I ask that you set your maximum budget before we start. You can pay with a credit card at PayPal to joellesteele@joellesteele.com.

FEES

I charge by the hour, and that includes reviewing what you provide. My hourly fee varies according to whether I am doing straight lineage tracing or I am researching your ancestors. I can work within your budget, and I can work for you over periods of time that coincide better with your budgetary needs, e.g., 4 hours per month, 6 hours every other month, etc. I charge for all the time I spend searching, even if there are only minimal results or if I am unable to find all of your ancestors. But, I will let you know immediately if I suspect this is going to be the case so that you can decide if you want me to continue searching on a particular "problem" line in your tree.

WHAT YOU GET

When I have traced your ancestry as far as possible, I will email you a GEDCOM file (in case you decide to later get genealogical software (that will allow you to add to and update your tree) and a family history report that corresponds to your tree. I also offer an optional family history book (with photos you provide) in either a spiral-bound (5.5" x 8.5") book in both printed and PDF format, the latter being excellent for family sharing.