Joelle Steele’s Services
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, German, and Latin. Depending on what you need, here’s a general overview of what I can do for you:
STARTING FROM SCRATCH: I will use your vital statistics records to trace your lineage using 20 or more websites. I reference multiple websites in order to ensure that misinformation found in some of the large genealogical websites (e.g., ancestry.com, 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.
WORKING TOGETHER: I rely on vital statistics records (birth, death, marriage, divorce) that YOU provide, preferably for at least three generations, plus your own. While I work on your lineage, I may have questions for you. So, I will email you with those questions and I will expect you to email me back your answer at your earliest convenience. I do not talk on the phone or text message because I want to have a written record of any communication between us.
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. A lot is dependent 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 10-15 hours. But, some trees are very large or complex, and in that case, your tracing could be anywhere from 50-200 hours. You can set the limit on the number of generations you want me to trace to stay within your budget.
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 get genealogical software that will allow you to add to and update your tree); a family history report of what is in your tree; and a PDF chart of your tree (which you will need to print out and tape together). If you want me to do a family history book, I can do that too, fully illustrated with any photos you provide.
FEES: I charge $45 per hour, payable by PayPal. You may feel free to set a budget for your project, and I will do as much as I possibly can for you within that budget. I can also 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.
