If you're a commuter like myself, you might find hearing a podcast or listening to something much easier to fit into your busy schedule than reading through pages of information. So, I've created this YouTube channel in the hopes of being able to share fun new information with you. This first episode just gives you some details about my life and history as a genealogist, but be sure to subscribe so you don't miss upcoming episodes. Enjoy!
Finding Unknown Relatives Using Ancestry DNA – Step 2: Beginning With DNA
Finding Unknown Relatives Using Ancestry DNA
Step 2: Beginning with DNA
Working With DNA
As soon as you are able to and comfortable to, get your DNA tested, if you haven’t already! If you have known relatives, ask them to test as well. If you don't know the names or other identifying information for members of your birth family, pursuing DNA testing is probably your best avenue for finding family. Many folks have come to me for assistance and have been trying to follow family stories and paper trails for literally YEARS, only to come up empty handed. Stories, especially ones passed down for a couple of generations aren't always the truth and can be like playing the telephone game; names, dates, places, etc. get mixed up and incorrectly interpreted. Do yourself a favor and cut to the chase with a DNA test.
One thing I do, however, always caution folks on, is that some times DNA will also bring up things that have been kept a secret for generations! My DNA test connected me with the son of my great-aunt whom she had placed for adoption. It was very much a surprise to his still-living siblings when they found out the news. Luckily, that story had a happy ending. You might also be surprised to learn that a parent, sibling, grandparent, etc might not be related to related to you by blood in the same way that you are on paper. There have been many cases of non-parental episodes (NPEs) brought about by DNA tests and this CAN be devastating. Ultimately, you have to determine for yourself if it's a risk you're willing to take!
Although I don’t have specific affiliations with ANY of the DNA testing sites, I recommend starting with an Ancestry DNA kit, which has, as of the time of this post, the largest DNA database of all carriers. Tests are also available for MyHeritage, Family Tree DNA, 23andMe, among others. Currently, Gedmatch Genesis, MyHeritage and Family Tree DNA companies allow raw-data uploads, so you can save some money by testing at Ancestry and then uploading your results to these others. As companies are regularly changing their options, please double check that this is the case prior to making your decision.
Once You’ve Gotten Your Results
If you take nothing else from this writing, please, please, PLEASE take these two pieces of advice with you.
- Before you contact ANY of your DNA matches, screenshot AS MUCH information from your matches as you can! This is SO, SO IMPORTANT!I recommend going through at least all your close family, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd cousin matches. Take screenshots of your matches list, their family trees, and your shared matches with them. I have debated this with others and can promise you that it’s in your best interest to collect and gather this information BEFORE you say anything to anyone. This is for a few reasons.
For one, it helps you to get an idea and familiarize yourself with your matches and get an idea of how they connect.
For two, SOME people become paranoid or are hesitant to have unknown strangers digging too much in their family information. It’s very likely that your matches know as little as you about your situation and when you introduce the possibility that their family members may have been anything other what THEY know of them, it can stir some touchy and uneasy feelings. Rather than risk someone closing off all of their information to you and setting their trees to private (or deleting their info all together) it’s better to be safe than sorry. Gather before you chatter!
- Begin a spreadsheet on your dna matches and their information, as we will use this in our next step. Starting from the top-left cell, add in the person's name/username, then to the right include the amount of cMs (centimorgans) shared, then move onto the next.
- When you DO finally make contact, do not mention that you are adopted (if you are). For many of the same reasons as above, you will want to get a feel for your matches before you dump all of the details on them. A quick and vague initial message is recommended. You might send something like, “Hello! My name is (name) and it looks like you and are are a DNA match. I would love to connect with you and share information to find how we are related.”
Onto the next step!
How to Determine Biological Parents Using Ancestry DNA- A Detailed Guide
Finding Unknown Relatives Using Ancestry DNA
Step 1: Gathering Non-Identifying Information
By Brittany Moore-Bedell
(Owner: Branches in Time Genealogy)
Thank you for visiting Branches in Time Genealogy to aid you in your search. It’s an honor to join you on your journey of self and family discovery. If ever you have questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I have created this series to give you an overview of my processes and to give you guidance in gathering information.
Keep in mind, this is just MY WAY of determining unknown parentage and it has proven successful time and again. For most of these cases, the research is a time-consuming, sometimes confusing, and frustrating task at times, but with patience and persistence, it's one that's not impossible. If ever you get stuck or have questions, feel free to message me via email or Facebook and I'd be happy to answer questions.
This first step will really only be relevant to adoption cases and is an important tool when it comes to narrowing down the genetic possibilities once we start sifting through our trees. If you were NOT ADOPTED, go ahead and move on to Step 2.
Adoption Registry (adoption cases only)
For starters, you’re going to want to sign up for any adoption reunion registries in your area (or the area of your adoption). Adoption registries may be found by doing a Google search for “adoption registry” in your area. They may also be available, even if you live in a closed state. Adoption registries allow members of the adoption parties to register for contact should someone also match and be searching for them in return.
Open Adoption Locations
If you aren’t already sure, you will want to figure out if you live in an open or closed state. Some states have changed their laws, allowing the unsealing of adoption records. Other states will allow records to only be unsealed with provable medical necessity and require a judge’s order.
Non-Identifying Information
Non-identifying information (NI) is the basic information collected by the adoption agency about the biological parents, and sometimes also their families, during the adoption process. Non-identifying information won’t give us names, but can be a CRUCIAL PART of narrowing down potential biological parents. Often, NI info will include parents’ ages, religions, occupations, education, their parents’ information, etc.
Sample Request for Non-Identifying Information:
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is (FULL LEGAL NAME) and I was born on (DOB) in (CITY), (COUNTY) county, (STATE). I was adopted at (birth or at age____ ) by (adopted parent’s names), and my adoption was handled by your organization. I would like to request all non-identifying information related to my adoption and birth family as mandated by state law.
In addition to the non-identifying information, please send me copies of all original documents with identifying information removed, as well any photos of me from before my adoption.
Please include the following in the non-identifying information:
- The age of my parents at the time of my birth.
- My given name at time of birth.
- My mother’s and father’s weight, height, hair color, eye color, general appearance.
- Any educational information, certificates, degrees held.
- Any religious background or affiliations.
- My birth-parents' ethnic origins (Irish/Italian etc.) and places of birth.
- The number of sisters and/or brothers my birth-parents had at the time of my birth, as well as their ages/occupations.
- Any information on my birth-parents’ upbringing, including places of birth, and where they resided at the time of my birth.
- Information on chosen occupations, certifications, honors, military service.
- Any information on my birth grandparents ages/ethnic backgrounds/religion/occupations/education.
- All other non-identifying information including hobbies, talents, and interests.
In addition, please examine my file to see if my biological mother and/or father might have left a signed consent form, granting permission to disclose identifying information. Also, please check for contact permission and/or consent forms. Furthermore, please place this request in my file to indicate my full permission for future contact and disclosure of my contact information as indicated below.
If the records of my adoption are no longer held at your facility or by your organization, please would you also let me know where they are now stored so that I might continue my search.
I thank you for your assistance and attention to my request.
Sincerely,
FULL LEGAL NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE
How to Find Unknown Parentage with Ancestry DNA
So many people today, likely more than ever before, are testing with DNA to find their ancestral heritage and get back to their family's roots. Companies like Ancestry, MyHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, 23andMe, and others offer you clues to your history which can help you to further your paper research. But for many people, exploring and even FINDING their roots might be next to impossible.. or so it might seem.
If you were adopted, have an unknown parent on either side, had grandparents who were adopted, or whatever your personal case might be, there's still hope to figure out your heritage and DNA along with some sleuthing can help you fit the pieces into place.
Genealogy Questions You Can Ask ANY Family Members: The House You Grew Up In
Mother's Day is coming up and there's no time like the present to start asking questions about your family's history and heritage. Begin your family interviews with this set of more than 120 questions about the house they grew up in for any family member! Perfect for mom, dad, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and just about anyone.
(Click on the image to the left to view this product in my Etsy shop)
Includes TWO files:
- One set of 14 printable pages
- One set of 14 form-style, digital pages to email and have filled out via computer
Use these detailed questions to help begin the chronicle of your loved one's life from parents to grandparents, aunts and uncles to cousins!
A few questions found inside:
-Is there a childhood home that you would say you “grew up” in?
-Did your family move around often? Was there a particular reason (ie: military)?
-Did your family have to “fight” for their morning bathroom time?
-Can you remember the view out of any of your windows? What did it look out on? Neighbors’ houses? Stores? Fields, wood, water, or mountains?
-Can you remember the wallpaper? Carpet? Drapes? Pictures that were hung?
-Did your family have a “secret hiding place” for a spare key outside? Where did you hide it??
I will be adding additional question sets as I get them written up, so keep an eye out for my newest additions!
Click the links below to find some of my personal favorites available in my shop!
**These forms are for personal use only and not to be shared, distributed or sold. All rights reserved by creator.**
Basic Questions You Should Ask Your Family Members
Frank and Margaret Mackey Klouda Family
Mother's Day is fast approaching and lends the perfect opportunity to find out more about your mother's family! For myself, my grandparents have all now passed and I regret that I didn't begin my family info search sooner. There's so many things that I wish I would have asked my grandparents on all sides of my family. Trust me, there's no time like the present to ask away while you still can. Share the following questions with your mother, grandmother, or any living relatives and ask them to answer each as best as they can and share back with you! I might be surprised at the interesting stories that you might find. Enjoy!
Questions For Your Family Members
- What is your full name?
- What was your maiden name?
- Has this always been spelled the same through generations or do you know of any alternate spellings?
- Do you/did you have a nickname?
- Where did your parents get your name? Is there anything special about your name or about where they got your name?
- Were you named for a special family member? Did that make you feel especially close to that person?
- What is your birthdate?
- What state were you born in? What city? What hospital?
- How much did you weigh? How long were you?
- Do you remember any special circumstances about the day you were born that your parents may have told you?
- What is your address?
- How old are you?
- Do you speak any foreign languages? Did you learn it in school or was it spoken in your home?
- Are you right or left-handed?
- What is your eye color?
- Are you near or far sighted?
- Do you wear glasses or contact lenses?
- What is your natural hair color?
- How old were you when you started dating?
- Do you remember your first date? Do you remember who is was with and any of the details? Where did you go? Were you nervous? How well did you know your date? How had you met them?
- Are you currently single, married, divorced, or widowed?
- What is/was your spouse’s name?
- What is your anniversary date?
- How many years have you been married?
- When and how did you meet your current spouse?
- How would you describe your current spouse?
- What do (did) you admire most about them?
- Do you remember where you went on the first date?
- What did you normally do on dates? Where did you go?
- How long did you date before you were engaged?
- How long before you were married?
- What was it like when you proposed (or were proposed to)? Where and when did it happen? Were you excited? Scared? Nervous?
- If you were proposed to, were you expecting the proposal or was it a surprise?
- For females, did he ask your father’s permission to marry you?
- For males, did you ask her father’s permission to marry her? How did you feel? Were you nervous? What was his response?
- What memory stands out the most from your wedding day?
- What do you believe is the key to a successful marriage?
- How did you find out you were going to be a parent for the first time?
- How many children do you have?
- What are their names and when were they born?
- What was your proudest moment as a parent?
- How many grandchildren do you have?
- What are their names and when were they born?
- How many great-grandchildren do you have?
- What are their names and when were they born?
- What is or was your occupation and how did you choose it?
- What (if any) other jobs have you had?
- If you could have had any other profession “when you grew up” what would it have been and why didn’t you do that instead?
- Did you make enough money to live comfortably?
- Did you have any other side jobs?
- How long is/was a typical work day at your job?
- What is your race?
- What is your religion?
- Are you a member of any particular church? If so, what one?
- Are you a member of any particular guilds or auxiliaries?
- What is your political affiliation, if any?
- Do you live in the country, small town, or city?
- Do you live in an apartment, condo, house, or retirement home?
- Are you allergic to anything?
- Do you have any pets? What are their names?
- What is your favorite kind of music?
- Do you have a favorite singer? Who is it and what’s your favorite song by them?
- Is there a particular song that has always held a special meaning in your life? What song?
- Do you have a favorite book? What’s the title and author’s name?
- Why is it your favorite? Does it hold a special meaning or lesson?
- Do you remember where you were when you first heard of the Kennedy assassination? What were you doing at the time and how did the news make you feel? What was your reaction? Did it change the outcome of your day?
- What about 9/11?
- What other details of your life would you like to add?
When you receive their answers back, it might be wise to sit down and go through them with whomever is answering them. You might find triggers for new questions you might like to ask, might wish for more details on a particular answer, etc. There are so many things you can then do with your answers to share them with other family members.
Understanding DNA #1: Types of DNA and Their Inheritance
Hello and welcome to our blog! We hope to offer valuable information to our followers on the details of genetic genealogy, its application, and our journey into this rapidly advancing technology. As beginners, one of the toughest things to figure out is exactly what all the different types of DNA are, how it’s inherited, and its application to our genealogical research.
For starters, there are 3 different types of DNA which are passed on from parents to child: autosomal, allosomal, and mitochondrial. Autosomal DNA is the “stuff” that tells our bodies how to develop upon conception. Each person [normally] has 22 pairs of autosomal genes. The 22 autosomal pairs are numbered from 1 to 22 based on size from largest to smallest.
Allosomal DNA, or the “sex chromosomes”, determine the sex of an offspring. Males are determined by the “Y” chromosome, while females carry only 2 “X” chromosomes. With that being the case, a male can pass along either a “Y” chromosome to produce a male offspring, or an “X” chromosome to produce female offspring. Because there is only one “Y” chromosome and one “X” chromosome for males, both chromosomes are passed on unchanged (no recombination) to their offspring.
This is an important distinction to make and can be very helpful in determining how you might be related to your DNA matches. If you are female and find a potentially close family match, you can compare your “X” chromosomes to help determine how you’re related. A half-sister that shares a full “X” with you will be related paternally, as you would have both inherited the same “X” gene from your father. More about that later.
The final type of DNA is Mitochondrial DNA. Mitochondrial DNA is found as circular DNA structures and found within the egg cell. For this reason, mitochondrial DNA is only passed on maternally, from mother to child. Although a man inherits his mitochondrial DNA from his mother, he can not pass it on to his children. It is thought that perhaps sperm cells carry some bit of mitochondrial DNA, but that it is destroyed upon conception so it’s never passed on.
