DNA: Dare to Grab the Gold Ring

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Generated with AI Bing Image Creator 10 April 202, 8:46 PM

If you have been thinking about using DNA in your family history research, but are not sure how useful it could be, or how to go about it, parts of this post may help. 

If you have been using DNA a little, but are not finding it helpful, perhaps this post will change your mind. 

Or you have been using it, but are having trouble applying findings to the rest of your research, read on. 

If you don't understand how to use the dot system to help you in your research goals, watch this Youtube (under 7 minutes): AncestryDNA Dot System: How to Use It! 


Large-size DNA Mystery Match?

Don't give up hope! You have a solid foundation of research if you have:

  • Applied the dot system to all matches down to ~25-30cM.


Gold Ring Process

Use ALL the Ancestry DNA tools in both the DNA match profiles and the match's profile in the tree. It is really useful to add matches found on other testing sites to the Ancestry tree too, and use the DNA tools on the tree profile. After all, the point of all this research is not to find DNA matches, but to use data to build a reliable, exhaustively researched tree for each family. Our goal is to use the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) to fool-proof the research.

DNA Match Profile

Use these Ancestry tools in the DNA match profile to make using the GPS easier to accomplish.

Create notes first: MRCA (Most Recent Common Ancestor), complete* DNA data, date you contacted match, other info you have such as emails, other known relatives, etc. You think you will remember, but you won't, so note it.

Why are the notes and the order of information important? Here is how they show in in the Shared Matches lists:  


And in the main DNA match list: 


Having this information at your fingertips really helps as you focus on your match list. Once you connect matches to your tree, the "View in tree" button shows up as well, which, along with the MRCA in the note, can help when you have forgotten the name of the match.

Use the Dots

Next, add all applicable dot groups to the match. Then check Shared Matches, and dot anyone missing a dot. If you see new matches there, grab the gold ring! Right-click them to a new tab after you have applied their dot, so you can process after finishing with the match you are working now.

It is not cheating to use ThruLines®, Common Ancestors, your match's tree, or other people's trees, including on other sites. Other people's trees are a tremendous source of links to records. As Dr. Thomas Jones reminds us, don't be a source snob!


Use the information you have to locate (or add your match) to your tree, note your relationship to them, and their name in your tree. Last step on the DNA profile - set the relationship and connect the profile and the tree so you can "view in tree."

Finally, copy the note you created so you can add it in the person's tree profile as a DNA fact, click View in tree to hop over to the match in your tree.



*When noting DNA amount, click on it to see expanded information. Copy/paste into note, then remove extra words; Ancestry's text fields only allow a certain number of characters. Shortened: "2587 cM, 49 segs. Unweighted: 2587 cM, Longest: 214 cM." This way if you have multiple kits which match, you can fit the info into both the notes and the DNA fact in the tree.


Your Match's Profile in the Tree

After selecting "fact or event" type "DNA Markers" (click D twice, and scroll down), paste in what you know.

Finally, at the top of the profile, right under the name, click the tag symbol, and tag your DNA match. Then go up the tree and tag the DNA Connections and the DNA Ancestors. This will show up in the Tree View.

Now you're ready to process the match from your shared match list with the previous match. 

What if there is no help from Common Ancestors, ThruLines®, they have no tree, or a tree with only themselves, and have a common name? 


Grab the Gold Ring

...and add them anyway! After all, if the DNA match is large enough, you KNOW that they belong in your tree, and have a rough idea where. So add your notes, but leave MRCA blank, or add your guess with question marks.

Finally, just as with those whose MRCA is identified, at the top of the profile, right under the name, click the tag glyph, and tag your DNA match. You can't go up the tree and tag the DNA Connections or the DNA Ancestor yet, because you don't know--but in time, you will. You can also add a Note or Comment on the tree profile. A Note can only be viewed by the owner and by those invited to the tree as an “editor.” A Comment is public. You might remind yourself what dot group this match is in, for instance. 

In general, your matches will all be living people, so only those to whom you have given editor access to your tree will be able to see the whole profile; others see "Living."

Who Are They?

Sometimes it takes years, but eventually you will identify them, and put them into your tree! And it is so sweet. Every mystery match you place into your tree, makes it easier to identify the next one!

Try it, you'll like it!



Have YOU solved any genealogy mysteries lately? Share your story with us! Write m.strickland@skcgs.org




Valorie Zimmerman






 

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