Research
Research Sources
After 40+ years of research, I have an intimate knowledge of all of the genealogical resources that are available to me.
I limit my use and reference to some on-line genealogical websites to view for possible clues as to sources of primary information such as obituaries, military service and pension records as well as census data.
I conduct my research at all relevant historical and genealogical society libraries, public libraries, courthouses and archival facilities.
My research is primarily focused on birth, baptism, marriage, death, burial, military, pension, indenture, tax, Bible, diaries, published newspaper abstracts, land, Wills, Administration Accounts, and Equity/Chancery Court records. I also utilize published and unpublished family genealogies found in many libraries.
When researching Frederick, Carroll and Washington Counties, MD land records, I extract the land tract names from the deeds then use the land tract maps prepared by the late Dr. Arthur Tracey of Carroll County, MD, an acknowledged expert, to identify the locations of these properties as they compare to modern county maps.
I have amassed the largest private collection of Frederick County church records at my home in Frederick. My collection contains records that exist in no other research facility. This has been achieved through years of negotiations with various church officials where I've been granted permission to photocopy their church records and utilize them for research purposes.
Photocopies of any documents that I find for my clients are affixed with a citation label which identifies the nature of the documents, institutional sources and photocopy date.
Research Method, Reports, Services
I conduct research solely by myself—I do not use research assistants. However, I welcome the opportunity to work face-to-face with my clients whenever possible.
I utilize the family information provided to me by my clients to formulate a mental strategy as to how and complete their quest. I then convey my strategy back to the client, in writing or by telephone.
Since most of my client interaction is by e-mail, I report my findings in a similar fashion or by regular mail upon request.
If significant amounts of information are discovered, upon client request, I will generate various types of reports using Family Tree Maker genealogical software. These reports include Family Group Sheets, Ahnentafel (Ancestor Order) Reports as well as Register (Descendant Order) Reports.
Several clients have requested and received their reports in spiral-bound book form, completely indexed and containing any photographic images that they provide or I find myself on-line.
Clients often request photographs of family gravemarkers. I offer my services to comb through the cemeteries of Frederick, Carroll and Washington Counties, MD; take digital photographs of these grave sites, then provide them to my clients upon request by either e-mailed image files, CD or printed on photography grade paper.
Some clients have arranged visits to Frederick County for me to personally escort them to their ancestral properties as well as family grave sites.