Thursday’s Thoughts Genetic Genealogy

The Proof is in the DNA

You may be asking, what is genetic genealogy? It is using DNA testing for genealogy. Genetic genealogy is the use of DNA testing to determine the relationships between individuals. Genetic genealogy is used in combination with old fashioned (or traditional) genealogy. Traditional genealogy is simply the study of an individual’s ancestry or family tree. Family historians have been using records, documents, stories from family members, cemetery research, etc. for decades to determine family relationships. Genetic genealogy is a way for family historians to go beyond the information collected from historical records, document, and relatives. Genealogists use DNA testing to answer questions about their ancestry, to confirm family relationships, it provides clues about ethnicity, it help to break through difficult research questions, and you find living relatives.

I started using DNA testing seven years ago when I decided to resolve a family story. and it has produced some amazing results. Using DNA test results, I have learned about my Lee surname and family through the Lee FTDNA Project, family stories have been proven. DNA testing is a powerful tool when used along with traditional genealogy and historical records. Using DNA testing in combination with traditional genealogical research to enhance your ancestral discovery requires skill as a genealogist, and you will need to commit to learning about DNA, interpreting the results and working with your matches. So, skills as a genetic genealogists are essential to get the most from DNA testing.

A few years ago, researching family meant trips to the courthouses, cemeteries, and libraries in several towns. A genealogist would search through records, search through documents, walk the cemetery, and interview relatives to gather information about an ancestor. This could be a daunting and time-consuming process. However, since we live in the age of technology, and there are innovative people who are willing to be ingenious when using technology and genealogy, combined with science, a new useful too is invented. This useful tool is used to solve problems in the field of genealogical research. That tool is called DNA testing. The tool of DNA testing is a very useful resource and fast growing in popularity among genealogists. Researching our ancestors and connecting relationships is made easier, and that is one of the benefits of DNA testing used along with traditional genealogical research.

I have used DNA testing more and more with traditional genealogy to prove or disprove surnames, infer relationships between individuals, find living cousins, and reconnect with long lost cousins. Since my husband and I led the genealogy group in our hometown, it was essential to learn about this new resource. First was the mtDNA test with Family Tree DNA. Next, my brother submitted his sample for the 67 Marker YDNA test to Family Tree DNA Testing Company. Later, the autosomal DNA test was released by the testing companies and submitted our samples for that test. We have tested with all three testing companies and have tested several family members on both paternal and maternal lines.

We use our DNA and traditional genealogy methods to show relationships, and to prove family surname lines. My father had been told at a young age who his biological father was; however, it was proven using the 67-Marker YDNA test results.

Surname lines on both maternal and paternal lines have been proven using DNA testing and working with matches from all three testing companies. 

My paternal line Meadows family was proven using autosomal DNA (atDNA). This family line was one that I relied on family members for information, now I am confident that I have the correct great grandmother Emma Meadows in my family tree.

Keep in mind that when you YDNA test there may be a family situation that you were not aware of and when the results come back it is revealed. This happened on my maternal line when I had one of my male cousins YDNA tested to verify one of the  surname lines. It wasn’t surprising since my cousin already knew about it and had shared it with me; although, I dismissed this story as I have most other family stories. When the results came in her story was proven to be true. YDNA testing in this case wasn’t any help; however, this particular surname line was proven by working with matches from 23andMe and Ancestry DNA. For some unknown reason that particular line of relatives don’t test with Family Tree DNA. I have one match on FTDNA with a fourth cousin match; however, his line is from another family line. We haven’t found the correct one yet.

Genetic genealogy and traditional genealogy are viable methods in the field of genealogical research. Using DNA testing with traditional genealogy helps in filling in the gaps in your research. I am currently using the YDNA 67 Marker test results and working with others to determine the branch of the Lee family that my great grandfather William Alfred Lee belongs. I had a Lee male second cousin YDNA tested on the 67 marker test. He only has one match in his test results list and is on the 37 marker, and a genetic distance of  two markers. He is a fourth cousin and we share a common colonial ancestor. Jordan Lee, our common ancestor,  was born in South Carolina about 1778. His ancestor is the son Burril Lee and mine is Benjamin, his brother.  A connection with the known branches of Lees has not been proven with genealogical research. Research on this Lee family origin is ongoing.

While DNA testing can be an awesome tool, it is not a replacement to traditional genealogical research. Beginners to genealogy should continue to focus on compiling their family tree back five or six generations using traditional research methodologies. The more information that can be compiled the better, as it will enable you to compare your family tree with others identifying common surnames and common locations where ancestors previously resided. And, you use this information along with DNA tests results to prove family relationships.

Genetic genealogy and traditional genealogy has immense power to help us understand who we are, and what regions our ancestors came from. If you are serious about building an accurate family tree, breaking down those brick walls, and even discovering old family heirlooms and photos, you want to get your DNA tested at one or more of the testing companies. Also, you will want to get relatives tested. Then you start communicating with your matches and find living cousins. It’s an adventure you’ll always be glad you began. It is probably the best thing you can do for your genealogy research and family tree building. Future generations will thank you for your work.

https://www.loc.gov/collections/fsa-owi-color-photographs/