Genealogist | Elizabeth Owen | Family History | Heirs and Probate

My first meeting with Elizabeth was as the result of a gift voucher with Merlin Genealogy Solutions from a relative for an hour’s consultation to discuss my family tree. It was clear straight away that Elizabeth could investigate many avenues that I had previously not thought of or have the time to investigate and I did not hesitate to ask her to continue tracing my family tree on the paternal side. My family history is a complicated one as my grandmother seems to have been associated with many men  nearly all with the same surname but it was clear that Elizabeth was determined and committed to help me find out more information about these men and in particular one of them, my paternal grandfather. I have found her logical and thorough research most helpful with a well presented family tree containing detailed information on each family member. She has been able to trace a direct line from myself back to ancestors from the 1700's all, within the same area of Cornwall which has enabled me, with no surviving family on my paternal side to feel a sense of belonging which is hugely important to me. Would I consider recommending her to anyone interested in researching their family tree?  Absolutely, no doubt about it.

Elizabeth has been helping me with family research for more than a year now. It has been a fascinating and rewarding journey and one that continues to yield unexpected treasures. I have been delighted with the interest and enthusiasm as well as the knowledge and ability that Elizabeth has brought to the task.

- " the initial information gathering session with Elizabeth was very thought provoking and made me remember things I hadn't thought about for years..." - " the commission provided a totally bespoke service..." - " excellent personal attention paid throughout..." - " am extremely pleased with my family tree; it was presented very clearly and professionally.." - " may well look for some guidance as to go how to go about finding out who has previously lived in our house..." - " have recommended Merlin Genealogy Solutions to a friend..."

Collecting and recalling   accurate information at the age of 92 is no mean feat but it was during the process of compiling my father’s biography that Elizabeth’s expertise and help was called on.  My dad had numerous anecdotes to tell but their accuracy needed validating.  Some stories had been based on his interpretation of those told to him by his parents. Elizabeth set to on tracking and seeking out records both in Ireland and Paris to try to piece together accurate factual content for us.  Her listening and communication skills were exemplary and she paced her searches in bite sized chunks which allowed us to decide how much further to pursue enquiries as one discovery led to another. I have since asked to do another small project and would recommend her highly .”  

As a part time family tree tracer I had been trying to trace some family that had gone to live in the USA back in the early 1920's and had come to a bit of a dead end. I contacted Elizabeth over the telephone and she gave me a lot of her time. She subsequently did a lot of research and on meeting with her gave me a long list of websites that could be potentially informative. I would highly recommend her services.

I presented Merlin Genealogy Solutions with a difficult problem based on little information. They went above and beyond the requirements of the contract, searching in areas that I would not have considered. That the final result did not achieve the result I was hoping for is no reflection on their expertise. Unfailingly helpful and courteous and with reasonable charges, I would use their services again.

Liz was a wonderful addition to the monthly lunch of The Probus Club of Epsom.  She joined us as an after-lunch speaker and gave the members an overview of genealogy, populated by case studies (maintaining her discretion by not revealing names) so we could gain a good understanding of what is involved in her work. What many of us found amazing was the breadth of resources Liz has at her disposal to track down the vital information she needs. Members of the Club are retired professionals and businessmen so have many years’ experience of listening to after-dinner speakers. Liz grabbed and maintained their interest prompting some to stay behind afterwards to ask more personally-related questions. Her voice and diction are very clear and I will recommend Liz to other groups I am connected with.

I have no hesitation in recommending Elizabeth Owen and Merlin Genealogy Solutions. I have been looking into my past to trace the origins of my birth and have received nothing but first class, professional assistance from Mrs. Owen. She is friendly, interesting to talk to and put my husband and myself at ease in her company. The information provided to me is in-depth and fascinating to read. We are satisfied with the outcome and have already passed on her details to friends who are also looking to trace their relative’s background.

I found Elizabeth to be a focused, well organized individual, with a highly professional approach to all aspects of her work. Elizabeth was absolutely committed to delivering a quality service. Her skill at being able to deal with the detail of a project whilst not losing sight of the big picture meant that she could manage project changes of direction well to achieve timely delivery. I have no hesitation in recommending her work.

Merlin Genealogy Solutions offers a caring one to one style, personal service. I was particularly taken with Elizabeth who listened intently to my family tales before embarking on a thorough and wide ranging search for my long lost relatives. I found the whole experience exciting and inspiring.

For many years I have wanted to trace my family history on my father’s side. I knew a lot about my mother’s ancestors but very little about my father, although whilst he was alive he had started to put together what he knew of our family tree. My son bought me some vouchers with Merlin Genealogy Solutions and I met up with Elizabeth Owen, armed with what I knew so far. The brief was to trace the family tree as far back as possible, and to my delight when presented with the results, Elizabeth has succeeded in going back to my great, great, great grandfather. She has produced considerable detail for each person, such as birth place and occupation and throughout the project; she has worked closely with me, explaining what she has found and adding in additional information to really help me understand the family background. It has been such an exciting experience and I am now planning the next stages. Elizabeth works with clients on an individual basis, taking great care to cover exactly what is required and adapting her approach accordingly. I can highly recommend Merlin Genealogy Solutions to anyone interested in their family background.

We asked Elizabeth to come and speak to Ash U3A Family History Group on “How Memorabilia can help with our family History research” an enlightening talk that was packed full very useful ideas and helpful tips.

My father died when I was 6 months old (in 1935). Until recently I knew very little about him or his family. I did try to research the matter myself a little but I was very inefficient and gave up until a church friend mentioned Elizabeth Owen, who could provide just the kind of service I was looking for. My wife and I contacted Elizabeth who was pleased to visit us and explain what she could do for us. It seemed ideal. Her knowledge and experience meant that she could do much more in a given time period than I could ever do. We commissioned a first exploration of my father’s family – his siblings, his parents and their parents. The results were of great interest to us, so we commissioned a further expansion of the family tree. We also asked Elizabeth to provide a check list of topics that could be worth further consideration. We are considering what to do next but are sure we will request a presentation folder at the end of our searches. I was not intending to follow my family roots back to some historical figure or period, only to know and understand more about my natural father’s family and background. Elizabeth has done a super job already and we are both grateful and impressed.

As a personal biographer, Elizabeth’s genealogy skills have been an invaluable resource for me.  I’m so grateful to her for her conscientious and enthusiastic assistance. She leaves no stone unturned and works wonders when presented with limited information. I thoroughly recommend her work and admire her expertise.

As an amateur, part-time 'family-tree tracer' with a full time job, I had reached several dead ends' in the search along the paternal line. Merlin within a few hours had unearthed several wives and step-children previously unknown giving my own efforts new purpose and direction not to mention new lines of enquiry. I thoroughly recommend this service.

Merlin Genealogy Solutions under the Director Elizabeth Owen have provided me with a family tree in July 2015 dating back to 1841 up to the present time. I am delighted with it and have already found and visited one relative and have identified names and addresses of 5 more. I have no hesitation in recommending this Firm to others.

Elizabeth delivered a clear and concise talk on  ‘Brick Walls’. It provided us with an opportunity to refresh our knowledge and methodology that proved valuable to even the most experienced family historian

My brief to Elizabeth was to trace the family tree as far back as possible on both the paternal and maternal sides of the family. Throughout the project I appreciated our various meetings where Elizabeth listened to my family memories and asked questions before embarking on a thorough and wide ranging search for my ancestors. Elizabeth explained what she has found and how it fitted into the family history at each review stage. The finished product was well presented, easy to understand, with considerable detail for each person and comprehensive in its coverage. Elizabeth was absolutely committed to delivering a personal one to one quality service. I would highly recommend her services.

I invited Elizabeth Owen to speak at the Epsom branch of the Ladies at Eleven networking group which I chaired.  Her enthusiasm and use of case studies to bring to life her experience captured and held the attention of the wide profile of ladies present.  The confidence in her knowledge that she conveys and ease of her manner meant that many questions were asked. Elizabeth is a font of genealogy knowledge and I have subsequently recommended her to other groups as an interesting speaker.

Elizabeth, I came to you as you had been so highly recommended.  As a property and aviation professional and Chairman of companies both in Norway and the UK l find that by the very nature of my background l can be most demanding.  However l would like to thank you most sincerely at the dedicated and enthusiastic way you have undertaken the research into establishing the true identity of my Grandfather.  Your research work has been excellent despite it being clear that my ancestor had gone to so much trouble to cover his tracks. You have undertaken vague leads and l am grateful for your capabilities and reports.  I must admit that genealogy is a long drawn out and complicated process which you have clearly mastered in a most professional manner.  Elizabeth thank you most sincerely for all your dedication over the past year and you are a caring true professional.

Mrs Owen, I would like to put into print my appreciation of the very excellent job you did in researching my Family Tree. The finished product was well presented, easy to understand, and comprehensive in its coverage. Particularly appreciated were the copy documents and our various face to face discussions on the perceived family background and the subsequent researched truths that shot these down. Considering the two and a half months work involved I consider the charges most reasonable. So thanks again.

Elizabeth came and spoke at our U3A Network Family History Study Day and gave a fabulous talk on "Making the Most of Libraries, Archives and Record Offices" the talk was very well received by all the delegates.

For any organisation looking for a presenter on family history subjects I can recommend Elizabeth of Merlin Genealogy Solutions. Over the last two years Elizabeth has presented twice at the Crawley branch of the Sussex Family History Group. Her informative approach on how to overcome investigation brick wall has proven most useful

 I needed to advance my search and go back another generation. Although this information wasn’t forthcoming, I did get another baptism of a great uncle that I knew nothing about. I now have more information to pursue my Family Tree further and I also have two printed trees to view and some further suggestions for considerations and explorations. Merlin genealogy Solutions were very professional, they did a very good search and I would recommend them

Wyevale Garden Centres engaged with Merlin Genealogy Solutions to present a talk as part of a Learning @ Work Day. Twenty-two people from our Head Office attended, and had a very interesting talk entitled “An Introduction to Family History”. The group very much enjoyed the talk, and it was a successful part of our day.