I have only one or two names and rough dates –
can you trace my ancestors?
It is often possible to get results from minimal information – perhaps stories passed down through the family, or a birth certificate.
If you have no definite dates or places, we might start by looking at a more recent generation where you are certain that the information is correct. I will then work systematically back in time, providing supporting evidence along the way.
What information should I send you?
Tell me what you definitely know, what you think you know, and what you would like to know!
I will work logically, step by step, trying to solve the puzzle, backed up with supporting evidence. Reduce your research time by giving me:
- full details of definite facts about your family, e.g. names, occupations, dates and places of birth, baptism, marriage, death and burial. You may choose to include a family tree or pedigree chart.
- details of the documents where you found your information (if possible with reference numbers), e.g. birth, marriage and death certificates, census returns and wills.
- details of family myths & legends – there is often some truth in them!
- details of all records you have already searched with ‘negative’ results. If you do not tell me that you have looked at a particular record, then I may look at that same record again, duplicating time and effort – I want to keep your costs to a minimum!
May I make more than one request at once?
Yes, you can.
I may choose to carry out the work in a different order to that listed, to be more cost effective for you. However, if you have a specific preference, please state it clearly on the form. Please be aware that I might reach your cost or time limit before completing all the requests.
What happens if I don’t get the results that I hoped for?
I will make every effort to find as much information as possible, tracing your ancestry with as much enthusiasm as if it were my own.
Sometimes however, even a lengthy search will produce no positive findings at all – I cannot provide positive results if the entries are not there! On these occasions you should console yourself with knowing that at least those sources shouldn’t have to be searched again! All searches, whether positive or negative, must be paid for.