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About Me:
I am Sandra Bengtson and I live in Sidney, Iowa and have assisted individuals with their family genealogy and researched at the Fremont County Courthouse since 2012. I have also researched for historians, authors, and professional companies looking for heirs relating to estates.
When researching a family, I use every possible resource available. After checking vital records, tax assessment rolls, real estate deeds, church records, newspaper archives, etc. I can compile a report that gives a story and insight into your ancestor’s life here.
I mainly specialize in research and retrieval of documents on file at the Fremont County Courthouse. I will also research at neighboring courthouses (Page County, Iowa; Mills County, Iowa; Otoe County, Nebraska) for a minimal travel fee.
What Courthouse Records Hold & Why An Experienced Researcher is Needed
Often families are interested in having copies of the original documents for their family records, rather than the indexing of an event (birth, marriage, death) that can be found online. Other times finding an original document might solve a family mystery.
For example if your ancestor disappeared from the census after 1870 or 1880, the answer might be found in these records:
Divorces - These were recorded in the Court Dockets from the time Fremont County was established in 1851. The court record normally told why the parties divorced, their current whereabouts and who had custody of any children.
Deed Records/Estate Transfers - If your ancestor owned real estate, the final deed shows if they were living at the time the property was sold or if it was transferred through their estate. Also shows whether a spouse was still living that signed off on the final deed.
Adoptions - It is sometimes possible to find a court record of the event in the late 1800’s to early 1900’s, prior to the records being sealed. Finding this kind of record usually answers questions families have had for many years.
Upon completion of my
research, all clients receive a written report
of my findings, along with any relevant copies
of documents and pictures. Keep in mind
that historical and genealogy research findings
are unpredictable so no guarantees can be made.
Sometimes there is no record available to answer
the question you are seeking. If your ancestor
lived in this area, it is rare that no record of
them here can be found at all, but it can
happen. Often the research here that rules out
possibilities is necessary before continuing on
with your searching.
Rates:
My flat rate for document or genealogy research is $50 per hour. Many research jobs can be completed in the hour time frame. I do not charge clients for travel time or report preparation time.
If I find more extensive research time is required - such as looking through several years of Court Dockets - I will communicate with the client prior to expending the time.
$25 Travel Fee - An additional flat fee is charged for travel to the Courthouses located in Page County, Iowa; Mills County, Iowa; or Otoe County, Nebraska.
Programs, Publications, Interviews
Settlements & Towns of Fremont County, Iowa History Program Iowa Western Community College September 12, 2019
The Famous and Infamous of Fremont County, Iowa History Program Iowa Western Community College April 9, 2020 - 9:30 a.m.
Author of several short stories included in “View from the Attic” published by the Fremont County Historical Society in 2018.
KMA Interview - April 7, 2017
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