DNA

DNA graphicMy DNA work began in 2013. That’s when I had my father submit a sample for Y-testing. His paternal line is Swedish and I can use all the help I can get weeding through the many people with the same surnames!

Then I have tested my father, my sister, myself, and 2 of my children for our Autosomal DNA. I used both Family Tree DNA and Ancestry DNA as testing companies. I also transferred DNA results to Family Tree DNA and My Heritage DNA.  Most recently, I tested my own DNA with Living DNA in England. And in 2019, added a Mitochondrial test at Family Tree DNA.

It’s important to have a question  to answer with your DNA test results and a plan for which DNA and which test(s) will help answer that question.  I started with three questions:

  1. That paternal Swedish Line and the ever-changing patronymic names.
  2. Are there other cousins researching people in my family tree?
  3. Can I confirm my maternal grandfather since I cannot find any records for the man listed on my mother’s birth certificate?

I have found cousins, so question 2 is answered with a resounding YES.

As of today, 10/29/19, I have narrowed in on a set of 3 brothers as my possible maternal grandfather and question 1 remains a mystery.

Along the way I attended DNA conferences, many DNA webinars and presentations, and slowly grasped methods for weeding through those hundreds of DNA matches that once appeared so daunting!

Most importantly, I learned that DNA is an unfolding resource that requires many lessons and whose benefits and tools change frequently.

For an organized look at websites for Genealogy, visit my page on Pinterest.