GEN-DE-L Archives

Archiver > GEN-DE > 1996-06 > 0836186934


From: DGargel <>
Subject: Re: Genealogist in Germany, Pfalz
Date: Sun, 30 Jun 1996 22:08:54 -0400


Ed:
Here goes...
Using the 'Research guide to German-American Genealogy', 1993, German
Gene. Soc., I broke w/ tradition and exploited a slim lead to my GGdad's
city of origin. Mailing letters in the german language (form letters from
the book), I had one returned to me because the 'zip' code I used was out
of date. The other was returned to me(4 mos. later) refering me to 2
local gentlemen who might help for a fee. Apparently, the date, name, and
locations I gave for Braunschweig to the archive in Hannover were not
specific enough. Asking for an estimate only, a letter I subsequently
sent to one of the men was answered in less than 2 weeks! In it, the
researcher provided me w/ 2 copies of church records pushing my line back
2 more generations.

His letter also mentioned I owed him about DM60.00 (reasonable i think),
and outlined how the payment structure should be for continued research.
I have since recieved another 'report' from this helpful man.

I would like to point out for your benefit, and possibly mine should more
knowledgable people respond to this, that at no time did I ask for
credentials. i assume that this man posibly has access and knowledge of
the archives, enough to provide me with his product, so that I may now
correspond with an archives or church should I require more info. His
'product' seems to be copies of encyclopedae which are composed of copies
of church records of birth, marriage, and death, a hand drawn tree, and a
status letter. Each entry lists one or two parents and/child, with of
course, one date. His letters were in german until I got my translator to
request that he use english. It's a little broken, but I haven't had a
problem. A professional genealogist in the states should provide (so I
understand) a report, however, the 'reports' I get from him are never
formal.

Given the geographical constraints, and the accuaracy and amount of info
(alot to me), for a price of less than $200.00, I take it. Doubtless
someone will always have a better answer. As a note, one professional
group (which advertises on the web) wants DM 45 to 65 / hour. I think I'm
breaking even, and I get to go one-on-one with a nice guy.

Hope this helps, good luck, and caveat emptor...

Dan (boy, do I have a rare name) Gargel

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