Victoria Dutko Leonelli
Genealogical Records Specialist
Genealogical Records Specialist
Uniontown native Victoria Dutko Leonelli is a Genealogical Records Specialist.
Victoria is a lifetime member of the Fayette County Historical Society ( formerly the Uniontown Area Historical Society) and a charter member of the
Fayette County Genealogical Society. Victoria is the Curator of the Pennsylvania Room at the Uniontown Public Library. Some three to four thousand
genealogical and historical researchers visit the PA. Room yearly.
The Uniontown Public Library holds one of the most extensive genealogical collections in Southwestern Pennsylvania and is within walking
distance of the Fayette County Courthouse. Uniontown is the county seat of Fayette County.
Victoria Dutko Leonelli paid tribute to Uniontown by compiling a pictorial history titled " Around Uniontown". The book was published by Arcadia
Publishing. The pictorial history has over 200 rare images as well as historical captions concerning Uniontown and Fayette County. In this book,
you'll revisit 1896, when Uniontown had its greatest patriotic festivity. Visit patch towns and meet the people who lived and worked there during the
coal and coke era. Learn about some unique individuals such as George C. Marshall, David G.Blythe, and the Princess of Thurn n Taxis. This book
is truly one that will become a treasured keepsake for years to come.
The book sells for 19.99 plus 6% PA sales tax. The book can be mailed out for an additional 2.00. Each book will be signed and dated by the author.
For more information concerning historical or genealogical research in and about Uniontown
Contact Victoria at genealeo@atlanticbb.net
Please know that there may be fees involved with both public and private genealogical research endeavors or consultations.
Victoria is a lifetime member of the Fayette County Historical Society ( formerly the Uniontown Area Historical Society) and a charter member of the
Fayette County Genealogical Society. Victoria is the Curator of the Pennsylvania Room at the Uniontown Public Library. Some three to four thousand
genealogical and historical researchers visit the PA. Room yearly.
The Uniontown Public Library holds one of the most extensive genealogical collections in Southwestern Pennsylvania and is within walking
distance of the Fayette County Courthouse. Uniontown is the county seat of Fayette County.
Victoria Dutko Leonelli paid tribute to Uniontown by compiling a pictorial history titled " Around Uniontown". The book was published by Arcadia
Publishing. The pictorial history has over 200 rare images as well as historical captions concerning Uniontown and Fayette County. In this book,
you'll revisit 1896, when Uniontown had its greatest patriotic festivity. Visit patch towns and meet the people who lived and worked there during the
coal and coke era. Learn about some unique individuals such as George C. Marshall, David G.Blythe, and the Princess of Thurn n Taxis. This book
is truly one that will become a treasured keepsake for years to come.
The book sells for 19.99 plus 6% PA sales tax. The book can be mailed out for an additional 2.00. Each book will be signed and dated by the author.
For more information concerning historical or genealogical research in and about Uniontown
Contact Victoria at genealeo@atlanticbb.net
Please know that there may be fees involved with both public and private genealogical research endeavors or consultations.
The ABC's of Genealogy
by Victoria Leonelli and Beth Bubonovich
by Victoria Leonelli and Beth Bubonovich
Always begin with yourself. Remember we are working backwards. Never skip generations. Write down your full name, date of birth, and
all other important facts in your life. Do the same for each member of your family.
Be a detective. Use every potential source of information to develop a clear portrayal of your ancestors. You will become a "family detective"
Consider what resources are commonly used by other researchers and develop a checklist to use for every name you are researching. Begin
with the three Cs. Courthouse, church, and cemetery records will be an essential part of your research. While visiting the Library, search
census records, county histories, as well as newspaper collections. And most of all, cite your source!
Document everything you include in your family history. Any data you may have which cannot be confirmed should not be included. Or
state that you have no supporting documentation on a specific note. Look, instead, at these unproven facts as a starting point for future
research.
Every generation is important. Never skip generations and jump backwards. You may later find the missing ancestor and discover that you
were concentrating all your efforts on the wrong family tree!
Finding everything on the Internet you need to complete a family tree is an unrealistic expectation. Remember that the Internet is just another
tool which family historians can utilize to assist them in their research.
Genealogy research today can be conveniently stored on a computer, by using either special genealogy software or word processing and
database programs. Remember to make a hard copy of all computer records to avoid a potential disaster.
Hunt for records in the area where your ancestors originated and lived; that is where you will likely find the greatest amount of relevant
information.
Interview parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others who may have some missing piece of your family puzzle. Get them talking and you
may be surprised at what valuable insights you can gain into your ancestry. It is a good idea to tape your interviews for future reference.
Journals diaries, letters, and photos can provide the information that will make you ancestors come to life. Your family history should be
more than a list of names and vital statistics.
Key records and information not easily available to you can sometimes be obtained from others. Network with those who share your interest,
whether you are related or not.
Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources. Always use primary sources to authenticate your findings.
Most libraries, courthouses and historical and genealogical societies provide some researching services. When requesting their help or the
help of anyone by post, always include a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope.
Never present someone else's research as your own. If you are using information from another researcher's efforts, give credit where credit
is due.
Organize your research. Whether you use a computer, a notebook, index cards or other methods of recording your research, develop a
system for keeping your records straight, and use it consistently.
Properly cite your sources! Carefully record the source of information and its physical location. A detailed citation allows you to locate a
reference quickly and accurately for verification.
Question any information gathered by other researchers or downloaded material from the Internet.Be sure the information has been
documented and that every source has been properly cited.
Respect all rules and policies posted by libraries and court houses. Many times you will be using delicate, rare, one -of -a -kind research
materials which cannot be replaced.
Share your information and help fellow researchers. We are learning and working together.
Try to locate any existing church records, they may establish dates of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
Unexpected discoveries in your ancestry should not discourage you. Horse thieves and other unsavory characters may show up in your
family tree, but do not be embarrassed or discouraged. Each and every family is unique and interesting. Just think how well you turned out
despite some of your ancestors!
Veteran's pension records provide information about soldiers and their spouses. Service records, or at least, lists of soldiers , which exist for
all wars in which our county has participated, are also invaluable tools for the family researcher.
Whenever possible, use primary sources to verify exact dates of birth, death, and marriages.
Xerox or photocopy relevant documents, such as courthouse records and other primary sources. It is much better to have the complete text
of these documents in your files to refer to as you continue your research.
Your family may not have remained in one location all their lives. Tracing their whereabouts through church census property transfers or
other resources will often help you to accurately chart their migration.
Zero in on wills and estate records as a source for names of children, siblings spouses in-laws, and other persons who were part of your
ancestor's life. They are a primary source and very often confirm the relationships you may not be able to prove with other documents.
Happy Hunting!
Vicki Leonelli
Beth Bubonovich
all other important facts in your life. Do the same for each member of your family.
Be a detective. Use every potential source of information to develop a clear portrayal of your ancestors. You will become a "family detective"
Consider what resources are commonly used by other researchers and develop a checklist to use for every name you are researching. Begin
with the three Cs. Courthouse, church, and cemetery records will be an essential part of your research. While visiting the Library, search
census records, county histories, as well as newspaper collections. And most of all, cite your source!
Document everything you include in your family history. Any data you may have which cannot be confirmed should not be included. Or
state that you have no supporting documentation on a specific note. Look, instead, at these unproven facts as a starting point for future
research.
Every generation is important. Never skip generations and jump backwards. You may later find the missing ancestor and discover that you
were concentrating all your efforts on the wrong family tree!
Finding everything on the Internet you need to complete a family tree is an unrealistic expectation. Remember that the Internet is just another
tool which family historians can utilize to assist them in their research.
Genealogy research today can be conveniently stored on a computer, by using either special genealogy software or word processing and
database programs. Remember to make a hard copy of all computer records to avoid a potential disaster.
Hunt for records in the area where your ancestors originated and lived; that is where you will likely find the greatest amount of relevant
information.
Interview parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and others who may have some missing piece of your family puzzle. Get them talking and you
may be surprised at what valuable insights you can gain into your ancestry. It is a good idea to tape your interviews for future reference.
Journals diaries, letters, and photos can provide the information that will make you ancestors come to life. Your family history should be
more than a list of names and vital statistics.
Key records and information not easily available to you can sometimes be obtained from others. Network with those who share your interest,
whether you are related or not.
Learn the difference between primary and secondary sources. Always use primary sources to authenticate your findings.
Most libraries, courthouses and historical and genealogical societies provide some researching services. When requesting their help or the
help of anyone by post, always include a self-addressed, stamped business-size envelope.
Never present someone else's research as your own. If you are using information from another researcher's efforts, give credit where credit
is due.
Organize your research. Whether you use a computer, a notebook, index cards or other methods of recording your research, develop a
system for keeping your records straight, and use it consistently.
Properly cite your sources! Carefully record the source of information and its physical location. A detailed citation allows you to locate a
reference quickly and accurately for verification.
Question any information gathered by other researchers or downloaded material from the Internet.Be sure the information has been
documented and that every source has been properly cited.
Respect all rules and policies posted by libraries and court houses. Many times you will be using delicate, rare, one -of -a -kind research
materials which cannot be replaced.
Share your information and help fellow researchers. We are learning and working together.
Try to locate any existing church records, they may establish dates of births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths.
Unexpected discoveries in your ancestry should not discourage you. Horse thieves and other unsavory characters may show up in your
family tree, but do not be embarrassed or discouraged. Each and every family is unique and interesting. Just think how well you turned out
despite some of your ancestors!
Veteran's pension records provide information about soldiers and their spouses. Service records, or at least, lists of soldiers , which exist for
all wars in which our county has participated, are also invaluable tools for the family researcher.
Whenever possible, use primary sources to verify exact dates of birth, death, and marriages.
Xerox or photocopy relevant documents, such as courthouse records and other primary sources. It is much better to have the complete text
of these documents in your files to refer to as you continue your research.
Your family may not have remained in one location all their lives. Tracing their whereabouts through church census property transfers or
other resources will often help you to accurately chart their migration.
Zero in on wills and estate records as a source for names of children, siblings spouses in-laws, and other persons who were part of your
ancestor's life. They are a primary source and very often confirm the relationships you may not be able to prove with other documents.
Happy Hunting!
Vicki Leonelli
Beth Bubonovich
Copyright 2004 -2007 Victoria Leonelli
HOW TO SELF-PUBLISH A BOOK
By Victoria Dutko Leonelli © 2007
I. Begin Here if You Intend to Self-Publish
A. Select a topic of subject
B. Design the cover and select the colors
C. Begin writing the first draft; select photographs, images and illustrations
D. Lay out the pages in the book
E Decide on the number of pages in the book
F. Set a deadline for completion
G. Research and cite sources
1. Compile both an index as well as a bibliography
II. You Are on Your Way……
A. Select a printing company (You may print your own books if you have the technical skills,
program and equipment necessary to do so.)
1. Choose a company that is experienced in publishing, printing and marketing
2. Select a company that will offer a competitive price for the project and one that is accessible via email and/or telephone has a good
reputation
3. Select a company that does not “farm out” the production
B. Choose the font as well as the size of the font and the binding of the book; follow the specifications of the printing company (they will offer
suggestions)
1. The company may request that the book be placed in PDF format
C. Decide on the number of books you would like to have printed
D. Assign an ISBN number, Library of congress number, barcode and copyright to the book. You may go online to learn more about these
subjects
E. Decide on the price of the book
III. Marketing and Placing the Finishing Touches on the Book
A. Acknowledge anyone who has offered assistance
B. Welcome the advice of others before the book goes to print
C. Revise, edit and proofread again!
D. Decide if you would like to have the book placed in major bookstores; locate a reputable distributor. The distributor will require a
(substantial) percentage of each book sold – This is required.
E. Market the book
1. Print flyers, postcards and brochures
a. Publicity is essential – contact your local newspapers
b. Be willing to promote your book by speaking to individuals and organizations who may share a similar interest
There are many steps to self-publishing and the author is responsible for every aspect of this process, including funding the entire production from start to
finish.
By Victoria Dutko Leonelli © 2007
I. Begin Here if You Intend to Self-Publish
A. Select a topic of subject
B. Design the cover and select the colors
C. Begin writing the first draft; select photographs, images and illustrations
D. Lay out the pages in the book
E Decide on the number of pages in the book
F. Set a deadline for completion
G. Research and cite sources
1. Compile both an index as well as a bibliography
II. You Are on Your Way……
A. Select a printing company (You may print your own books if you have the technical skills,
program and equipment necessary to do so.)
1. Choose a company that is experienced in publishing, printing and marketing
2. Select a company that will offer a competitive price for the project and one that is accessible via email and/or telephone has a good
reputation
3. Select a company that does not “farm out” the production
B. Choose the font as well as the size of the font and the binding of the book; follow the specifications of the printing company (they will offer
suggestions)
1. The company may request that the book be placed in PDF format
C. Decide on the number of books you would like to have printed
D. Assign an ISBN number, Library of congress number, barcode and copyright to the book. You may go online to learn more about these
subjects
E. Decide on the price of the book
III. Marketing and Placing the Finishing Touches on the Book
A. Acknowledge anyone who has offered assistance
B. Welcome the advice of others before the book goes to print
C. Revise, edit and proofread again!
D. Decide if you would like to have the book placed in major bookstores; locate a reputable distributor. The distributor will require a
(substantial) percentage of each book sold – This is required.
E. Market the book
1. Print flyers, postcards and brochures
a. Publicity is essential – contact your local newspapers
b. Be willing to promote your book by speaking to individuals and organizations who may share a similar interest
There are many steps to self-publishing and the author is responsible for every aspect of this process, including funding the entire production from start to
finish.
| EVENT NOTICE: Fayette County Genealogical Society on June 21, 2008 at the Uniontown Public Library from 10 AM to 4 PM. The fee will be $25.00 with lunch of a sandwich, salad, dessert, and tea or coffee provided. Come - let us help you start on an exciting journey. You might be surprised at what you find! Click here for more info |