Fewer DNA Matches in the Future

Demographic study hints to fewer DNA matches in the future

For genetic genealogists, the promise of new DNA matches is both exciting and a necessary component of our research strategy. However, a recent demographic study finds that the number of living kin for the average person will reduce by 38% in the future suggesting we may have fewer DNA matches. The demographic shifts are not … Read more

Small DNA Matches as a Compass in Genetic Networks

small DNA matches as a compass in genetic networks

We’ve been told not to rely on segments/matches having small amounts of shared DNA. This warning is true, but in genetic networks, small matches can act like a compass and direct us where to research. I’m not talking about small matches below 6 to 8 cM in length. Testing companies like Ancestry, FamilyTreeDNA, and 23andMe … Read more

Genealogy Ping Pong: Alternating Between Documentary Research and DNA

GenealogyPing Pong:A Volley Between Documentary Research and DNA

Ping Pong is the perfect metaphor to describe how to use both documentary records and DNA to break down genealogy brick walls. The strategy begins by analyzing evidence from documentary records and then using your findings here to guide the analysis of your DNA matches. Next, use the patterns observed within your DNA matches to … Read more

DNA and Google Maps: Breaking Through Brick Walls to Reveal a Love Story

DNA and Google Maps: Breaking Through Brick Walls to Reveal a Love Story

Our DNA holds the answers to many of our family history mysteries, and simple tools like Google Maps can help make the task of breaking through these brick walls easier. See how my cousin learned the identity of his great grandfather.

#ancestry #familyhistory #ancestrydna #genealogy #ancestors @ancestry

Breaking Through 18th and 19th Century Brick Walls: ‘Don’t Let Go of Your EGGOS’

Breaking Through 18th and 19th Century Brick Walls: ‘Don’t Let Go of Your EGGOS’

How to break through genealogical brick walls using an EGGOS search strategy with shared or in-common with DNA matches. #ancestry #genealogy #familyhistory @ancestry

Identifying John Wilson’s Irish Origins, Part 2: Autosomal DNA Analysis

Identifying John Wilson's ancestral origins, part 2: Autosomal DNA Analysis

Having identified the probable ancestral origin of John Wilson (1716-1799) using Y-DNA in Part 1 of the blog post series, Part 2 uses autosomal DNA (at-DNA). The purpose here is to provide corroborating evidence that John’s ancestral origin is County Fermanagh in Northern Ireland as well as to offer greater geographic specificity within the county. Compared to Y-DNA, … Read more