My Mission
To service you personally and privately with the
experience and knowledge necessary to provide you with accurate quality data and
find the people you are seeking.
Company Profile
I have enjoyed 17 wonderful years of experience in
Genealogical Research. I am also deeply involved in research to help
others locate living Heirs, Adoption locator; and finding birth parents or siblings, and
People finder; helping people find lost family, friends or love ones. I reside in
South Carolina, and my research capabilities cover the
entire United States.
My Genealogical work involves researching on-site and with the vast resources
of the South Carolina Department of Archives and History, university
libraries, rare books and special collections, and many of the U. S.
Genealogical societies. Some of my historical and archive research includes
such avenues as the Library of Congress, the DAR Library, LDS Church Family
History Library, Furman University Libraries Special Collections and Archives
(specializing in South Carolina Baptist Historical Collection) and
the South Carolina State Library .
I have explored on location in town hall basements, graveyards, courthouses,
etc. for over 17 years now.
I have extensive experience using computers and the Internet, in support
of genealogical research. I regularly attend lectures at local,
regional, and national conferences, as well as, at the Institute for Genealogy
and Historical Research.
I maintain a complete library of reference materials, microfilm equipment, and
a customized research reporting database on site.
Some of the microfilmed resources I have on hand are:
Georgia Statewide Death Certificates 1914 -1927
North Carolina Statewide Death Certificates, 1909-1975
Michigan Statewide Birth Registration Records 1867-1902
Michigan Statewide Marriages Registration Records 1868-1925
Michigan Statewide Death Registration Records 1867-1897
Ohio Statewide Deaths Certificates 1908-1953
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia City Death Certificates, 1803-1915
Texas Statewide Death Certificates 1890-1976
Utah Statewide Death Certificates 1904-1956
Utah, Salt Lake County Death Records, 1908 - 1949
Washington Statewide Death Certificates, 1907-1960
To name just a few.
My People finder and Adoption locator services have
allowed me to work as a subcontractor for the "
Nation's leading provider of
People Search and Background Checks" USSearch for the past three years. I
assist them cases, where
answers could not be found in databases alone.
I continue to do Heir locator research for Wilson Oil & Gas Company,
based in Houston, Texas. I handle some of their most difficult case files.
Please see my Testimonials below to see what
others are saying about me and my research.
Family History Research
Searching Family is dedicated to capturing and preserving the history and stories of people's lives. From tales of great achievements to quiet
lives, devotion, love and every day life. I can take you on a fascinating journey into your family's past.
Perhaps you've heard bits and pieces of your family history from one of
your grand parents, aunts, uncles or your parents. Those stories found a
special place in your heart and mind. Over the years, those memories
remained, then suddenly, one of your loved ones passes. You now realize
how little you really know. Buried in those recollections of your
relatives, are stories just waiting to be told. I will help you to uncover
some fascinating information about your ancestors.
Once we have gathered as much information as we can
through personal interviews and accumulated documents, we can establish
your family's geographical background to some extent. I will then
begin the research through city, county, and state records, libraries and
archival work.
I can assist you in learning about the creative abilities that run in your
family. Such as: singers, artists, teachers, writers, farmers,
politicians, seamstresses and tailors, to name a few. If your ancestors
did factory work, dairy farming, were a merchant or traveling salesman, I
will determine if the companies for which your ancestors worked, have had
histories written about them, and include that piece of history in your
family tree. Your family members will appreciate this particular gift of
their heritage. Also, knowing an ancestor's profession can lead to new
possibilities for illustrations for your family history book.
Within your ancestry, you will learn about your
family's health history. The more you know about it, the stronger your
family’s preventive health plan can be.
America is a nation of immigrants, so the entry into this country is a
dramatic turning point in most of our family histories. To find actual
evidence of our own ancestors' entry into America, immigration records are
the key, as these are the documents that most directly link us to the
homelands of our ancestors.
As I gather data, I record it on a computerized
genealogical software program. Where I create, compile and upload, scanned
research documents, photos, and records into your family tree. I cite the
source for all information. I am passionate about accuracy. My list of
facts from legitimate sources gives your research validity and
credibility. When I am finished with your family history, I will provide
you with your own family history book.
Writing your family history is a gift, like no other. It won't get
broken, thrown away, or replaced by a more expensive toy. It actually
increases in value over the years, rather than depreciates. It is one that
can be enjoyed by many people simultaneously. And if it isn't used or
appreciated right away, it will still be there when the recipient is ready
for it.
This special gift will be enjoyed for many generations to come.
African American Family History Research
In search of your roots, I offer an in-depth look
at the African American experience and race relations throughout U.S.
history. Because enslaved African Americans were prohibited from reading,
writing, marrying, owning land, and voting, few of the documents, that I as
a genealogist, depend on, will even exist for them.
Even when I am researching recent ancestors,
segregation has left a series of obstacles that make the process more of a
challenge. The route I choose to begin with is by taking oral histories from
you, and I help you to take oral histories from the people closest to you.
By delving into the past; your older relatives can give you a window of
direct experiences, and evidence of the past, left behind by those who lived
it. Together, we can gather family heirlooms, photographs, excerpts from
family bibles, legal documents, marriage and birth certificates, death
certificates and funeral notices. All are extremely valuable tools for
understanding the lives, legacies, and stories of your ancestors and the
worlds in which they lived. These resources will be used as an
important starting points for me to perform further genealogical research.
Once we have gathered as much information as we
can, to establish your family's geographical background to some extent, I
will go straight to city and county records, library and archival work. I
will document your family's existence back to 1870, the first year in which
formerly enslaved African Americans were listed by name in the Federal
Census. The paper trail often runs cold at that point, I will then begin to
investigate other sources in those communities such as churches and
cemeteries.
Working back to the 1850 and 1860 Censuses, which
do not include enslaved African Americans by name, but do list them, under
the name of their owners, by age and gender on slave schedules. I will
locate their slave owner, and do further research through will and estate
records to document ownership, as well as, locate and name the farm or
plantation, your ancestors worked on.
I will show you how to reconnect your ancestry
prior to the slave trade using DNA. You will be able to trace your maternal
lineage by analyzing the mitochondrial DNA, and your paternal lineage by
analyzing the Y-chromosome of your African descent. While DNA testing
doesn't take the place of published records, it adds another dimension to
understanding your family’s way of life.
Within your ancestry you will learn about your
family's health history. The more you know about it, the stronger your
family’s preventive health plan can be.
As I gather data, I record it on a computerized
genealogical software program. Where I create, compile and upload scanned
research documents, photos, and records into your family tree. I cite the
source for all information. I am passionate about accuracy. My list of facts
from legitimate sources gives your research validity and credibility. When I
am finished with your family history, I provide you with a family history
book, to have and enjoy for many generations to come.
Resources used for Genealogical research
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Bible Records
Birth Records
Cemetery records
Census records
Church records
Death records
Directories
Divorce records
Family Histories
Funeral records
Headstone photos
Historical Records
Immigration
Land ownership
Marriage records
Military records
Newspaper articles
Obituaries
Plantation records
Probate and Estate records
Religious listings
Ship passenger lists
Slave Narratives
Social Security Death Indexes
Tax and financial records
U.S. Slave Census
Year books
and more...
My Genealogy research Methods
-
Research usually begins with an analysis of the problem, and a survey of my
published sources. The initial survey allows an estimate of probable
research success, and helps demonstrate my prospective research services.
Depending on the available records and the individual family, this survey
may produce a considerable or modest amount of information.
To ensure the preliminary survey does not merely duplicate what is already
known, I need all of the information already gathered on the specific
genealogical problem. I require a detailed report of your family tree, or
copy of your GEDCOM. I will need to know who in particular you are
interested in finding more information about.
My Genealogical Reports
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I provide you with a neat, methodical, documented report. My reports
summarize the research, indicate what was found, and give suggestions for
further research.
A complete report will include a professionally prepared copy of all
research notes and identification of all sources searched; with negative as
well as positive results. It might also contain maps, photocopies of
documents, notes from interviews, and other material.
Concluding the Genealogical Research
- How do you know when research on a given line or problem should be
stopped? Some persons eventually see a line traced back to a point that
satisfies them. If this happens, let me know. In other cases, I will report
that all available documents have been exhausted. In all cases, understand
there are diminishing returns in research, and it is possible that some
records remain, but chances of success are small compared to the cost.
- At some point, a decision to end genealogical research altogether, will
be made. Notify me of this decision so research can then be concluded and a
final report prepared. In the end, creating biographies of ancestors with
the historical context of events they lived through; locating lost relatives
and making meaningful family connections; even publishing the results of the
research to preserve this heritage for others.
Research costs and method of payment
-
I feel that each pedigree is unique. I have found that most people are
interested in the history of their ancestors, like myself. Whenever
possible I do my best to keep the costs low. The names and the dates are
important, but to have a copy of each birth, death and marriage record can
be costly and cumbersome. Whenever possible, I prefer to use Vital record
books for such information. Every state has these books and are available at
their town clerk's office. It saves money and provides you with the same
details found on the actual certificates.
For single generation ancestral research, individual or family to be found
my fee ranges from $100.00 to $300.00. The higher range would cover various
records researched for a that single generation. Most people appreciate
having as many paper sources documented as possible.
For three generation or more ancestral research, the most common course is
to send a retainer and renew this when reports are received. I ask for a
1/2 of the overall fee as the retainer to begin research, then bill you for
additional costs. Based on the information found, and the research needed
to further investigate. It is necessary for you to authorize the research
to be billed later. I do this, by emailing you a report of what I propose
needs to be done, then I await for your email response, prior to completing
the research.
In some families, several people share the cost of research. Such
arrangements can make research more affordable, allow it to proceed more
rapidly, or buy a greater range of services (e.g., compiling a family
history in addition to tracing the ancestral lines).
Testimonials
I
have built a strong reputation for excellence in the genealogical research
community over the years. I strive to provide my clients with the highest levels
of professionalism, integrity, honesty, and customer service whenever I take on
a family history project.
When you decide to work with my company, you will be working with a market
leader in genealogical research services. I really take the time and interest to
do what's best for you as a client, and I will always work hard on your behalf,
to uncover all of your family's mysteries. It is important for me at Searching
Family to build long-term relationships with my clients, and I work diligently
on each unique research project in order to achieve my client's unique research
goals.
Please read below to find out about what my clients are saying about me.
I am proud of my work and appreciate the many outstanding clients who make this
important and rewarding work possible for me.
What my Clients are Saying
I have worked personally with Jody on many cases over
the past three years. She has assisted me with cases involving genealogical
research, locating living heirs for oil and property leases, adoption locator
services and people finder assignments. Jody’s persistence and knowledge has
allowed her to locate answers and solve cases where the information could not
have been found through any other source. When you're coming up empty using
database services, Jody is your woman! I would highly recommend her for any
assignment. If Jody can't find it, no one can!
Clif Venable USSearch.com
Cvenable@ussearch.com
A legacy yet to discover
My name is Rober` Sanders and I am of African decent and I am involved in a
comprehensive family genealogy project. My personal goal is to recapture and
discover as much as possible the history, legacy, and experiences of my
family members. I found the statement made by Kimberly Powell, Trace
Your Family Tree Step-by-Step, to be very true that few areas of
American genealogy research pose as much of a challenge as the search for
African American families. The vast majority of African Americans are
descendants of the 400,000 black Africans brought to North America to serve
as slaves in the 18th and 19th centuries. Since slaves had no legal rights,
they are often not found in many of the traditional record sources available
for that period. My goal is to produce a complete story about my
ancestors that is exciting or at least interesting, to read. A true story
to cherish and pass along to future generations, complete with sources and
documentation. To achieve my goal and to ensure the quality of results that
I desire, I quickly realized that I needed special help to uncover family
legends and anecdotes, and weave them into an exciting generational saga
about my unique and obscure family. I needed help to uncover wills and
deeds, birth and death certificates, marriage bonds, letters and photos that
would tell my story.
After extensive research, interviewing dozens and
dozens of professional genealogists from all over the country, referrals,
and observing her personal attention to each research, Jody Concha and her
genealogy research service proved to be outstanding. She has used creative
ways to uncover and discover information about my family. Whenever she
encounters a road block, she somehow finds a way around it to discover the
missing truths. Together, we have faced some of the many obstacles that
confront African American research. For example, we have encountered the
lack of available records, and bold face prejudice where records for Blacks
and Whites are still kept in separate files, at the genealogical and
historical society. As an expert genealogist, Jody's research approach
surpasses the obvious techniques, when clients are serious about discovering
answers for their sticky research questions. She cooperates, coordinates
and combines our efforts, with others, to the maximum extent possible, where
there is a similar mission. This saves time and expenses.
She has obtained obituaries, birth, death and marriage
certificates, cemetery photos, church histories and performed oral
interviews for me. She has taken the information gathered, from her
investigations and performed further research to back up her findings. Jody
has tied them altogether to make a McMichael-Wright family tree for me. She
has allowed me to get in touch with some of my living relatives, many of
whom I have not spoken to in many, many years! It was a joy and a blessing
to share what each of us has been doing through the lost years.
I have established a long term relationship with Jody, as we continue and
extend my research beyond South Carolina and North Carolina. My surnames
are: Wright, McMichael, and Carson. I strongly recommend that
everyone should tell their African American Family's Story and no one will
provide the personal attention to your research as Jody Concha. Too few
African American families tell their stories. Once you really get into the
research, you will discover amazing stories about the lives your ancestors
led, just from finding and interpreting the records. You will renew and make
anew contact with living family members.
Jody, thank you for all you do in support of my family research project.
Rober' Sanders
rsand429@aol.com
Jody Concha is the best I've ever seen at locating people. She's prompt,
thorough and really a pleasant person to work with. Jody, I think you've
done great work. We're in a highly competitive business and I wouldn't want
you working for my competition if I can help it. With the price of Oil going
up daily it's a shark feeding frenzy out there. George Melton, Wilson Oil &
Gas
gh_melton@msn.com
To whom it may concern,
I am Delorise Sexton and I would recommend Jody Concha
for any and all research problems that most of us have, as she has done me a
great justice of finding a lost Uncle of my Sullivan ancestors'. Without her,
I would have either have left my ancestor, of whom I had just about given up
on, on the back burner for quiet awhile, as he has been there for quiet some
time already, but with Jody's help, she has opened new avenues for me to
continue my research on my Sullivan ancestor/ancestors', especially of my
William Sullivan. If I ever get stumped again on any of my researches for my
ancestors, I will definitely go back to Jody Concha, as she is not only great
in her research, but as a person herself. Delorise Sexton email:
loisaz@cox.net
Anyone who is contemplating whether or not to hire Jody
Concha, let me tell you my story. I belong to a number of Internet Genealogy
Mailing lists. On one of the lists, I noticed people were getting astonishing
results from "Jody."
I was having no luck with researching my IRWIN family from Ohio, so I decided
it wouldn't hurt to e-mail Jody and ask for her help. I am so happy I did.
With her knowledge and expertise, she found for me some IRWIN ancestors of
mine that I wasn't even looking for. She was able to document as far back as
my Gr. Gr. Gr .Great Grandfather from Ireland, Thomas IRWIN.
Jody has a gift for genealogy. She is experienced, professional and above all,
very quick to find your family. I urge you to give her a try, as I couldn't be
happier with the results she achieved for me!
Shari Cygan, Ohio e-mail:
Caddygrl92@aol.com
To Whom it May Concern:
Jody Concha was exceedingly helpful to me while I was trying to trace the
Adams genealogy. She gave me information I had not been able to get elsewhere
and I am extremely grateful. Thanks to her, I have been able to find some
ancestors I never knew existed. All the time and effort she has put in is
greatly appreciated. My name is Bettye and my e-mail address is
joebett@cox.net
My name is Beth Coxon and I am involved in a family
genealogy project. I am a 43 year old adopted woman who comes from a very
loving home but still had that desire to establish some biological roots for
myself.
I searched for, and met my birth mother in 1985. We had a relationship for
quite a few years but because of the distance, mostly took place through
cards, letters and telephone calls. She passed away in 1998. Since she was
married, but separated at the time of my conception and birth, and my
biological father was also married with a family at the time, I refrained from
looking him up. Since she had given me his name, I decided this past Spring to
search for him. I found him easily and have established a very close and nice
relationship with him and his family. In meeting him and learning about his
life, family, and history, I became interested and involved in the genealogy
of his family. I have been researching for months now and was able to dig up
quite a bit of information about his surname (Kebschull) and family history,
but there were still many loose ends.
I decided to contact Jody Concha from Jody's Genealogy Research. She responded
to my request immediately and had information within a few days that took me
entire months to find!! I was extremely impressed with her accuracy and speed
in responding and getting hard to find information! Her service is highly
recommended. I particularly like the way she responds to me and my family as
though we are the only family she is researching, and like we are...FRIENDS!
The personal interest she shows in invaluable. She was able to obtain cemetery
records, immigrant records, census records, and much more information. I find
myself rushing home from my busy day at work as a Pre-K teacher to see if
there are any new emails from her containing new information!
Feel free to contact me with any questions or information about Jody's
Genealogy Service. Beth Coxon
coxons@dmv.com
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This letter recommends Jody Concha as a competent and reliable researcher of
family history. I contacted Jody to inquire if she had done any research on
the Wallace/Wallis lineage. As I live on the West coast, it is difficult to
obtain information on ancestors who were born and lived in North Carolina and
Georgia. Very promptly, Jody was successful in locating and verifying
information on some of these ancestors. She also provided me with contacts for
genealogy searches in Georgia.
I appreciated Jody’s friendly, efficient and prompt response in assisting with
some of my puzzles and brick walls. Also, I felt her fee for work performed
was a reasonable stipend.
Sincerely,
Ginger Wallis 8730 S.E. 48th Street Mercer Island, WA 98040
GWallis132@aol.com
Dear Researchers,
I am very happy to recommend Jody to anyone requiring help with genealogy
research. My experience with her has been very rewarding. I have known Jody
online for the past four months. Since I have taught English grammar for 23
years, I am impressed by Jody's creativity, genealogy researching and writing
skills. Jody used her extensive New England genealogy resources to help lift
the veil on two generations of my ADAMS as well as my SANDERSON families. Her
research is timely and thorough. Also, Jody was able to locate where to
purchase an old historical book for me. When I was able to help Jody with her
ADAMS family, she was appreciative and eager to help me with my research! Here
is a quote from Jody: "It really means a lot to see more than names and
numbers, but to see who they were and what they have done in the past." Feel
free to contact me directly Jan Jordan at:
jnrose@webtv.net
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN:
This is a note to let anyone, who is interested in getting help with their
family research, know that I highly recommend Jody Concha. She seems to
delight in helping others find their roots. She has many of the "tools" at her
disposal and makes very good use of them. She has helped me locate some of my
New England ancestors whom I might never have found otherwise.
I feel that if you need help getting started with your research or help with a
"brick wall," then Jody will be your best bet. She knows the right questions
to ask to get you on the right road.
If you would like to contact me personally, please do so at:
Firescreek@webtv.net
My name is Judy Penland and my roots are very deep in
New England, even though I now live in the Smokey Mountains of North Carolina.
Researching: Pinney, Packard, Crawford, Piercy, See, Barden, Bradford,
Etheridge, George, Hatch, Alden, Frost, White, Buckland, Hyde and Eastman. All
in New England.
Thank You, and I look forward toward working with you.
Jody Concha
SearchingFamily@aol.com
Contact Information
- Telephone: (803) 865-1786
- Postal address: 10 Sugar Mill Ct., Columbia, SC 29229
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- Electronic mail
- General Information/ Customer Support: SearchingFamily@aol.com
