Directory of Members

Rhonda is a native of Defiance, Ohio.  Her interest in Genealogy and History was stirred as a teenager listening to stories from her grandfather and father.  Rhonda’s father also collected historic photos and created original artwork of historically significant places and people of the Defiance area.

At the age of 14 she convinced her parents to take her to the National Archives in Washington, D.C. to look up her Confederate great-great grandfather in the 1850 Census.  While searching, Rhonda met a professional genealogist who gave her a tour of the Library of Congress and then mailed her a beginner’s guide to genealogy.  This chance interaction sparked a lifelong interest in genealogy, history, and libraries.

Rhonda graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Minor in Anthropology/Archaeology.  She took a position with the Defiance Public Library, eventually managing the Local History and Genealogy Department.  After marrying and having children, Rhonda took a position as the Archivist and Records Manager for the County of Defiance, and later became the Defiance County Law Librarian.

Rhonda is the current President of the Defiance County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society.  She regularly speaks on various genealogy topics, and has written a few booklets on local history and genealogy.  Recently retired, Rhonda continues teaching, speaking and assisting others with their family history research through her business, Buckeyeroots Genealogy Services.

• Ohio Courthouse Records - Probate, Civil, Criminal, and Domestic cases

• Church Records

• Land research and deed abstracts

• House histories

• Property Tax records

• Latin and French translation

• Transcription of old documents

• Organizing family history records

• Local history research

• Bonnie Olde Scotland

•  Boots on the Ground: Military Records

•  Criminals, Convicts, and Outlaws: How to Find Your Black Sheep Ancestors

•  Genealogy Essentials for Beginners

•  Immigration & Naturalization Records Found in Ohio County Court Records

•  Ohio Courthouse Records for Genealogical Use

•  Know Before You Go: Preparing for a Research Trip

• Ohio Probate Court Records

• Record Keeping, File Organization and Documentation for the Genealogist

• U.S. Federal Census Records

• Vital Records: Births, Marriages, and Deaths

I prefer to do in-person presentations, but will consider Zoom presentations.  Will need use of a projector and screen, or large smart TV with HDMI connection.  Also prefer to have a lectern or table.  Will provide a master of any handouts if applicable.

Defiance College McMaster School for Advancing Humanity

Fulton County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society

Hancock County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society

Toledo - Lucas County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society

Ritter Public Library - Vermillion, Ohio

Toledo Polish Genealogical Society

Defiance County Chapter of the Ohio Genealogical Society