Heirs and Traces

15/08/2022

Currently copying out a 10 generation bow chart for a client

I've been going 1.5 hours and 12.5% done.

12/08/2022

Busy working on another commissioned book for a client.... with the electric fan pointed directly on me while in this heat.

05/08/2022

Sometimes, a murky past is uncovered when investigating a family tree.

This is an extract from a book I wrote about Frederick Packman, born nearly 200 years ago in Kent, for a client.

03/08/2022

Testimonial from M. Steeden 😊

"I did an AncestryDNA test a few years ago. Once I received my results I had no idea what to do with them, so they just sat there in my AncestryDNA account, that is until Helen contacted me. Helen was a match to me, though due to my mum being adopted we didn’t know how? The only information I had was the name of my mum's birth mother, location of birth and that her dad was an African American stationed in the UK during WWII.

Helen was able to group my matches, and colour coded them making it easier to see who was related to who via familiar DNA. She was able to trace my mum’s birth mother and family back several generations, by using a DNA analysis to help narrow down the family. On the American side I am now in contact with an American cousin and although a number a family members are no longer with us, we are trying to narrow down who my grandfather is. Again Helen was able to trace the paternal side of my family back a number of generations, including finding that I had over 150 relatives in the USA that meet bi annually. Helen helped me understand my DNA and the extra things you can do with it such as GEDmatch with is a free DNA site, which allows you to find more matches.

Unfortunately due to adoptions and unnamed fathers we haven’t found our link yet, but I’m sure with Helen’s unique ability it’s only a matter of time. I would absolutely recommend Helen if you want to find out more about your DNA results matches, and family links."

24/07/2022

This is an example of a family tree I am currently working on (this is my working copy, not the finished product!)

When commissioned, I work closely with my client to decide which parts of the family tree they wish to focus on.

This client wanted a 6 generation family tree built and wanted to primarily focus on identifying the individuals. You can see there are dates missing, or incomplete, for some of the births, deaths and marriages.

These can be completed by ordering the relevant certificates from the General Registry Office. However, the client has set a budget for this research and this is as far as we can go at the moment.

When you commission the building of a family tree, we always have a commitment free consultation to look at the information you have already for your parents and grandparents, how many generations you wish to include and we always set a budget. Once the first installment is finished we discuss where we are with the tree, where a client wants to focus and then start on the second installment.

There is no set fee for a family tree as each one is completely unique and throws up its own challenges.

If you'd like a no obligation chat about commissioning a family tree for yourself, or as a gift, please contact me. We may be able to get it completed as a Christmas gift!

22/07/2022

That moment when it's confirmed who your biological father is......

If you don't know who your mother, father or even grandparent is, I may be able to help identify them with DNA analysis.

Once you have taken a DNA test, I am able to make use of a variety of DNA analysis tools to look at hypotheses of which individuals you may have descended from.

It's a long process and sometimes it may only be possible to match you to a family, rather than an individual.... but sometimes, you strike gold!

21/07/2022

Florence Peace Hollington and George Butcher were married on 4th October 1903 in Bromley, London.

George was born at 34 Hewell Street, Lower Grange, Cardiff and moved to London in 1887, at the age of 2 with his parents, 3 brothers and sister.

After marrying Florence, George worked at the local chemical factory on the docks of the Thames. By the age of 54, he had become a night watchman at a brewery and was living at 5 Dorothy Gardens, on Essex with Florence and their widowed son Charles (aged only 29 and a tailor's presser) and their twin sons Albert and Alfred (aged 19).

This is just part of the life story of a client's ancestor.

If you'd like to find out about your ancestors' lives, I can help to compile a family history folder with all historical records for you to look through, as well as a family tree. Contact me for more information.

21/07/2022

Ever wanted your very own version of 'Who Do You Think You Are?'....

Go beyond a family tree and consider commissioning a family history book. Each individual ancestor has their own section, along with photos, copies of records (including military) and information on their occupations and homes - sometimes criminal records too!

Their story is told in chronological order so you can follow their life as it happened, and the events that they encountered.

These books are in depth and take up to 3-6 months to create. Please contact me for more information about this service.

20/07/2022

Always wanted to know more about your family history?

I'm here to help!

20/07/2022