Wendell Research Group

08/03/2025

I am honored to have been invited to serve as a vice chairman of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Get to know us at

Discover the mission and impact of the DAR, a community of women dedicated to historic preservation, education, patriotism, and community service, with over a million members.

04/26/2025

Modern humans descended from not one, but at least 2 ancestral populations that drifted apart and later reconnected, long before modern humans spread across

10/15/2018

Celebrating 25 years as a Genealogist. Thank you to all of my current and former Clients.

10/15/2018

My services vary in price based on what your needs are. Contact me by email to schedule a free initial consultation so that I can determine how best to assist you.

08/10/2018

I founded Wendell Research Group in 2014 with the intention of expanding my existing genealogy practice to serve those who have to face the challenging role of Executor, Executrix, Administrator or Administratrix. Settling an estate works best when advanced planning take place, so I am also available to assist Attorneys, Certified Financial Planners, and proactive individuals. Just because a Will exists, doesn't mean that your advanced planning is complete! Let Wendell Research Group assist you.

08/10/2018

The process of becoming a Professional Genealogist can be long or short. For me, it began with an interest in history, followed up by an interest in genetics. Over time, I decided to apprentice to experienced people in my field and then to become credentialed via coursework. This includes extensive in-person research in courthouses, archives, libraries, private collections, and a term as a Public Historian. With more than 25 years of experience, and as the Owner of Wendell Research Group, I offer you confidentiality, courtesy, professional skills, and a written contract which defines your project and a written report worthy of being filed at Court.

11/04/2017

06/28/2014

Professional Genealogical Services for Attorneys and Individuals include due diligence research with affidavits and family trees for estate filings with the Surrogate Court, genealogical research and consulting for individuals tracing their ancestral roots, organization of family group tours overseas, and more. We are all one family, connected in many ways.

06/05/2014

WHAT IS FORENSIC GENEALOGY?

Forensic Genealogy is the term used for the process of identifying Distributees and providing the documentation to the person settling the estate on behalf of the Decedent, who must file this information with the Court.

When a person dies with a Last Will and Testament, he or she is a Testator.

The person charged with settling the estate is called the Executor if he is male, or the Executrix if she is female.

When person dies without a Last Will and Testament, he or she is considered to have died Intestate.

The person charged with settling the estate is called the Administrator if he is male, or the Administratrix if she is female.

In both cases, with or without a Will, we refer to the deceased person as the Decedent.

Using a New York State example, in order to settle the Decedent's estate, there is a process at the County Surrogate's Court, where the person settling the estate provides detailed information about the Decedent's closest relatives and whether or not they are living.

These living relatives are called Distributees.

When the list of Distributees has been compiled, together with documents proving relationships, a Family Tree is then created which is a visual depiction of the relationships between the Decedent and the Distributees.

This family tree is attached to an Affidavit of Due Diligence or Affidavit of Heirship, which is the statement of facts based on the research conducted to identify these relatives.

Documents which prove relationships may be vital records, which are the records of life events, such as birth, marriage, death, and the like.

Other documents may be used as well, especially if persons identified in the research have similar names to other persons.

The final report is then submitted to the County Surrogate's Court, and the estate process can then be completed.

Settling an estate for your family or Client? We look forward to hearing from you.

05/30/2014

What is Paleography?

Paleography refers to the study of ancient writings and inscriptions according to Merriam-Webster's Dictionary.

However, in our profession, it's much more than that.

A Professional Genealogist regularly reads old documents such as deeds and wills, many of which are hard to see or understand due to age, lack of care, or the style of handwriting.

When we are faced with a document which needs to be made clearer, a Professional Genealogist may transcribe the document and attach the transcription to a copy of the original.

The transcription itself is usually a typed version of the original, including any spelling errors, exactly as found in the original text. When an error is found, we use [sic] to indicate that we are aware of the error, but we are being true to the original writing.

When a document is treated in this manner, the information it contains is preserved and made more accessible.