Hiring a Professional Genealogist to break a brick wall

Question

I have a 35-year brick wall of my maiden name Hughey line and I am considering what else to do to break through it... Last year I found DNA cousin matches but don't know how to connect them. Last month I finally found his obituary, but no parentage info. These only lead to more questions and frustrations. 

My main question is:  Have you ever hired a Professional Genealogist to help you break your brick wall? Who did you use? Was it expensive? Did you get the results you wanted? Do you recommend it? 

Comments

Inquire here and get several quotes

https://www.apgen.org/

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I am a professional genealogist and Michael gave the best advice above. My advice is also to go with someone local to the area of where the people of your brick wall lived (or someone experienced in that area) if possible. Rates vary widely from 45-50 and hour to 150 an hour. It depends on the type of researcher you get and where they live. Most researchers require you pay for a block of time such as ten hours.

Before hiring someone, I would sure want to know if they have had success in other work. Find out if you can get reviews/client recommendations for their work.

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Thank you Michael!

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Thank you, Emma!

Answer 1

On your "was it expensive?" question:

The non-member rate for the New England Historic Genealogical Society, according to the website is $105/hr, with a five hour minimum.

There are some research services that are only available to members, such as preparing a lineage society application.

There is another professional genealogy service that has various packages. The basic research package is $750 for ten hours of research, with the ability to add hours pro rated.

I have never used any of these services, so this information is just an example to answer your question.

Before engaging any service you need a clear statement of your goal or research question, with a clear report of what you have done to date so your work is not duplicated.

Something to keep in mind is that not all research is successful.

Comments

George, this is very helpful information. Thanks so much!!

Answer 2

I hired an Ancestry Pro genealogist (Shumway) about 1.5 years ago to try to locate the father of my illegitimate great grandfather.  I paid $2700 for 24 hours of work ($115 per hour).  It took several months.  They were unable to find anything to document a father, but did analyze the DNA of myself and two second cousins.  We were the grandchildren of Luther's children by three different grandparents (Luther's 2 sons and a daughter).  The DNA showed a lot of common DNA between the three of us which matched with a Comer line from Union County, South Carolina.  Johnson was also a close match from the same area.

I am now researching all the Comers and Johnsons from that area to see if I can make any connections.

I knew going in they may not be able to find anything more than I had.  While it did not answer the specific questions I had, it did give me a direction to follow.  I do not regret having spent the money.

I would like them to try to trace my Bahamian roots as I have a dead end there also, but that was estimated to cost about $6700. I haven't been able to bring myself to spend that money yet.

Comments

Carolyn, as a genetic genealogist, I am a bit shocked they were unable to use your DNA to answer this question.

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Really, Emma.  I thought they narrowed it down pretty good to most likely location and names.  Any suggestions on how to proceed?

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Carolyn, this is very helpful information. Thank you!!

Answer 3

Can you give me the Wikitree ID so I can look at it? Maybe just a new set of eyeballs will help you find something to try and chase? I have a couple brick walls myself and I know how frustrating it can be, especially with others who have been successful back to the 1200's!

Comments

Hi Katrina, his profile link is on the question--Hughey-716. I have posted Every thing I know abt him in his profile. I wish u luck. Thanks for giving it a try. Sometimes fresh eyes are the key!!