Can "source" references from a privately published book be used?

Question

This book was not published for general distribution, but contains a wealth of info. on my ancestors.

The Abell, Miller, and Dickhaut Families

by: Ronald Dean Moser with special assistance of: Eleanor Abell Ryan, and Tim Davis

Published 2001

Comments

Yes, published is good.

I worked for 18 months from a 575 page manuscript (only copy) detailing one family, (Pettibone) from early times (1640 or so).  Since completing it in WikiTree, I've digitized it, and sent copies to the Simsbury Historical Society, the NEGHS (or whatever it is called), and the DAR. I have also sent (at no cost) copies to about a dozen Pettibone descendants who requested it.

Short of having it printed on paper, I feel it has been "published" and somewhat distributed.

The Pettibone manuscript is no longer languishing in an attic, but is available to researchers, if they look for it.

Answer 1

Yes, of course.  Sometimes that may be the only source available.  Be sure to list all the information you included in your question.  More information about sourcing is available on the Sources Style Guide page.