One of the challenging parts of using DNA evidence in genealogical research is that it involves discovering information about living people. These living people are the sources for the DNA information we would like to use as evidence. They take a DNA test, then we analyze the match information and use it as evidence to answer a genealogical research question. As we go about finding DNA evidence for our research questions, there are at least...
In the ever-evolving field of genetic genealogy, researchers are constantly seeking innovative ways to analyze and interpret DNA data. Airtable.com, a versatile database platform, is a flexible solution for logging DNA evidence in a genealogy research project. Airtable introduced AI tools for paid users earlier this year, and now, as of July 2024, AI tools are also available for free users! Update: the “generate text” Airtable AI feature is not for the free plan, but...
When we have a female brick wall ancestor with no clues to her origins besides a maiden name, careful research can provide a hypothesis that DNA evidence can confirm. In the case of my third great-grandmother, Clemsy (Cline) Weatherford, the research was challenging because of record loss in the northeastern Arkansas counties that could have held records stating relationships. I discussed the documentary research in federal and state records in my post, 5 Tips for...
After taking a mitochondrial DNA test and reviewing your results at Family Tree DNA, you might wonder what else you can do with it. Perhaps you took the mtDNA test to compare with a descendant of a hypothesized ancestor. Or, you might have taken the mtDNA test to see your haplogroup. By adding your matrilineal line to the collaborative Wiki Tree, you can also add your mtDNA haplogroup, which will then populate the profile of...
On this Mother’s Day weekend, I want to honor the women on my matrilineal line. This branch of my family tree goes straight back to Denmark, and the stories of these women inspire me. I share mitochondrial DNA with these women, and I like to think that along with that unique inheritance, I also inherited some of their strength and determination. About Mitochondrial DNA We all inherit mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) from our mothers, but only...
Diahan Southard had the fun idea to celebrate the 25th anniversary of genetic genealogy by creating a free eBook with reflections from DNA leaders and luminaries. I feel honored to be included in this group. Diahan asked us to write about our experiences getting started with DNA and/or the impact it has had on our work. I wrote my story, but it was far too long! After condensing it for the book, I decided to...
Are you ready to organize your DNA matches? Creating a Leeds cluster chart to divide your closer matches into four grandparent groups can get you started. Through trial and error, I’ve learned some tips that will help you be more successful. What is a Leeds Chart Dana Leeds developed this methodology in July 2018 while helping a person with unknown parentage discover their biological family. With this type of case, you don’t have the luxury...
Have you ever felt like you’ve been working on a research question for years, and are not even sure what progress you’ve made? To combat this feeling, we recommend breaking up complex research projects into phases. For instance, researching the mother of a female ancestor born in the early 1800s is unlikely to be completed within 20 hours. It will likely require several phases, each with its own objective. As professional genealogists, this is how...
If you have tested your DNA at Living DNA or uploaded a kit there, you may have wondered how to use the site best. With a much smaller pool of DNA test-takers, you probably don’t have many close matches, and without family trees, it has been difficult to identify common family lines. Two new tools released recently, however, give us more options for discovering and grouping our matches – the chromosome browser and the matchbox,...
Do you have an individual you’ve researched and have many pieces of indirect evidence pointing to him as your ancestor? Perhaps you’re unsure of the connection though, and wondering what to do next. With DNA now giving us a way to prove biological relationships, we can use this new tool to add evidence to our conclusions. Years ago, I hypothesized Benjamin Cox as the father of my third great-grandmother, Rachel Cox. Records in Texas in...
