Week 51: Cousins (52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2023 Version)

The theme for Week 51 is "Cousins." The neat thing about this theme is that we genealogists know that everyone is our cousin! That definitely opens up the possibilities for who to write about! Whether you focus on a close one or someone who is barely attached to your family tree, share the story of one of your cousins this week. (Click here to check out all the Themes from 2023.)

Cousins, we sure have lots of them! The realization of the extensive network of cousins becomes apparent as I delve into my DNA Matches. Examining my AncestryDNA test results reveals an impressive count of 1052 close matches, encompassing 4th cousins or closer, exhibiting a shared centimorgan range between 20 and 3,490. This figure includes not only my siblings, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews but also extends to a broader familial scope. Subtracting these nine close relatives, I am left with 1043 connections. Additionally, I've identified 21,961 distant matches within the 6 to 20 centimorgan range, bringing the grand total of matches to 23,004. Regrettably, I've only been able to pinpoint 123 of these connections.

Within my family tree, approximately 226 DNA Matches have been identified. It's noteworthy that I underwent testing with multiple DNA companies, having results at 23 & Me, with subsequent transfers to myHeritage and FTDNA.

In my genealogy program, I introduced a dedicated field labeled "DNA" featuring four possible values: blank, DNA Match, DNA Connection, or Common Ancestor. Following a DNA Match or DNA Connection, I diligently input the Common Ancestor's name. This structure enables the generation of various reports to assess Common Ancestors with the most matches.

Upon scrutinizing a recent report and comparing it with flagged entries on Ancestry's side, I contemplated distinguishing between DNA Matches originating from Ancestry versus those from other platforms. Realizing the need for precision, I intend to update my verbiage from "DNA Match" to "Ancestry DNA Match," "23 & Me DNA Match," or "FTDNA Match" to enhance the report's usefulness.

Why does the testing company matter? It becomes crucial when concentrating on a specific lineage, as it allows me to identify the testing company with the most matches for that lineage. That company may be the place I start a project identifying more matches.

Consequently, a new project emerges: reviewing and appropriately labeling all DNA Matches in my genealogy program based on the testing company. This meticulous approach facilitates the identification of individuals who may have undergone testing with more than one company. It also necessitates cross-verification of labels on the testing site; for instance, on AncestryDNA, a color-coded group labeled "Confirmed DNA Match – entered into FTM" is established, while on other platforms, the notes field serves to record their presence in my family tree.

In conclusion, the journey of genealogy is not only about discovering connections (cousins) but also about organizing and optimizing the wealth of information gleaned from our DNA Cousin Matches. So, onwards with the project.

Remember to have fun and Just Do Genealogy!

Week 50: You Wouldn’t Believe It (52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks – 2023 Version)

The theme for Week 50 is "You Wouldn't Believe It." Sometimes in our family history journey, we discover things that surprise or amaze us, things that almost seem unreal. There are also times in our research that we're amazed at *how* we found something. Share a surprising tale this week. Click here to check out all the themes for 2023.

One revelation that truly astonished me was the discovery that my mother's third cousin was none other than Donna Reed, originally Donna Bell Mullenger. In 2013, the revelation came to light that my mother's biological father differed from the one she had grown up with. Her parents being wed in 1929, while my mother was born in 1927. This revelation led to confirming that her biological father wasn’t the man who raised her.

Initially convinced that I had thoroughly traced her father's ancestry, the realization that it was her adopted father's line dealt a surprising blow. Suddenly, an entire branch of my family tree remained unexplored. Through the use of DNA testing, I successfully identified her biological father and delved into researching that previously unknown side of the family.

Donna Reed marks the first "celebrity" figure within my family tree, making the discovery particularly thrilling. Sharing this remarkable news with my skeptical siblings became a joy, especially after substantiating the relationship with evidence.

The excitement is amplified during this time of the year, particularly when indulging in holiday classics like "It's a Wonderful Life." Watching reruns of the Donna Reed show takes on a humorous twist, knowing that she is a relative of mine. Despite years of genealogical research, seeing a distant relative come to life beyond mere photographs is truly exhilarating.

Have you experienced any "You Wouldn't Believe It" moments in your own genealogical journey? It's worth sharing these stories with family, even if they aren't deeply interested in genealogy; they might find the discoveries just as captivating.

Remember to have fun and Just Do Genealogy!