Forensic Genealogy to Bash Brickwalls

Are you staring at a brick wall in your genealogy research? You know, the kind that refuses to budge no matter how many records you dig through? If so, it's time to bring in one of the big tools:

 forensic genealogy

Forensic genealogy goes beyond hobby research. It's the marriage of deep historical investigation, legal standards, and technology like DNA testing. These are all used to bring down your family brickwalls. So, the first thing to tackle is knowingg the different niches within this field? Each one holds powerful techniques that could help break through your toughest family mysteries.

We created the graphic to showcase the nine main niches of forensic genealogy, all of which offer clues, records, and strategies that you might not have considered.

Let’s explore how some of these specialties can help you overcome common brick walls:

1.  Heir Research and Probate Cases

Are you stuck on a family member who “disappeared” from records? Probate research can help. Forensic genealogists often locate missing heirs by reconstructing family groups using state and federal census records, land deeds and legal transactions, and court documents. These methods are accessible and mostly free. We start with familysearch.org or government bounty records. The only difference is that you can use that copy of the record to extract family names and transactions without paying for the certified document if you wish. But, be sure to cite your source with the link. 

2. Unknown Parentage and Adoptions
Whether you're adopted or trying to identify a mystery great-grandparent, this niche uses genetic genealogy and advanced DNA techniques to pinpoint biological relatives. We used the familiar DNA tests: familytreeDNA, MyHeritage, and Ancestry.com. With tools like GEDmatch, and chromosome analysis tools (my favorite is MyHeritage), you can map out hidden branches on your family tree.

3. Military Repatriation / POW-MIA Research
Do you have a brickwall in your family military research? Forensic genealogists often work with the government to identify unknown remains. These same skills—like tracking enlistment patterns, researching regimental histories, or locating descendants of service members—can help you connect missing pieces in your family’s military legacy. Plus, if your veteran did not utilize benefits, you may be able to give him a proper burial, and request his medals from WWI and WWII, etc. 

At Tracing Ancestors.org we have the Eternal Valor Network. Be sure to read about it. And if you get the urge, donate to the annual drive. 

4. Land and Property Disputes
I know I mentioned land records earlier, but I have to remind you...follow the money! If there's a lawsuit filled with community testimonies and the spilling out of family gossip, it is a property dispute. This is a great resource if you’ve hit a wall with property ownership or migration patterns. Land records can reveal long-lost family ties. Most often, forensic genealogists trace land transfers, boundary changes, and property disputes to identify rightful heirs. Same job, different purpose. Both are used to figure out where your ancestors went, and why. 

I had ancestors who left land in Rutherford County, NC because they had to escape with a two-day notice that the local KKK had plans to burn down much of the town, and they were targeted. They fled to Cocke County, Tennessee, in the middle of the night, and didn't sell their land until almost eight years later. They had chosen not to return to Rutherford but to settle in the newly opened lands in Kansas. Their entire story was in land records. 

5. Tribal Enrollment and Indigenous Descent
I know you have a grandparent who will promise under oath that your family has native heritage. Proving or disproving Native American ancestry often requires meticulous documentation and lineage tracking. This work also demands historical accuracy and understanding of the law at the time. At a3Genealogy Research we used to gather the documents for 6 to 8 of these cases a year! Even if disproven, you will be gathering a lot of data on your ancestors. Actually, I think the rejections are the best. There is a lot of information to include names, dates, and places of birth, in those back-and-forth correspondence letters and testimonies. Plus, I have yet to leave these research projects without uncovering a new family member, or finally uncovering a birth or death date.

We will discuss the other four (4) at a later time.

So How Can You Use These Niches?
You don’t have to be a forensic genealogist to benefit from their tools. Here’s how to start:

• Analyze your brick wall: Is it related to identity, location, military service, or a legal issue?
• Match it to a niche: Refer to the graphic above and identify which forensic specialty might offer solutions.
• Study their techniques: Read case studies, listen to forensic genealogy podcasts (like Hittin’ the Bricks with Kathleen!), and explore how professionals solve similar challenges.
• Use DNA smartly: Combine traditional research with DNA testing to validate and explore new relationships.

Forensic genealogy isn’t just for solving cold cases or identifying unknown soldiers. It’s for anyone who wants to go deeper, think smarter, and uncover the stories hiding behind a brick wall.

Ready to learn more? Subscribe to our podcast, and keep exploring (linktr.ee/hittinthebricks).

Update:
Yes, after 3 years, you will be finally get the new (no so new) look.

The a3Genealogy blog has been donated to TracingAncestors.org (2023).

7 Resources For Greenland Genealogy

Greenland: Island Defies Simple Explanation

 Greenlandic Descendants Are Wide-Spread

In 1261, Greenland became part of Norway. Norway joined Denmark in 1380, resulting in Greenland falling under Danish rule. Greenland was occupied by Germany, albeit briefly, in WWII. Greenland was no longer a colony in 1953, but became a province of the Kingdom of Denmark that year. Although Green is currently "home ruled", the Danish Queen remains as the Head of State. The official name of Greenland is Kalaallit Nunaat.

As we research Greenlanders, we may have to spread our wings. Due to Greenland’s historical ties with Denmark and the Inuit oral traditions, genealogical records are scattered across various repositories. Whether you’re looking for church records, census data, or Inuit oral histories, here are 7 resources to help you research your Greenlandic genealogy.

Greenlanders in USA
The Greenlandic community in the United States is small and is often integrated within broader Scandinavian or Danish-American communities, which are in these states: We must remember that

• Utah: Approximately 4.2% of Utah's population claims Danish ancestry. 
• Nebraska: Danish descendants make up abt. 1.86% of the state's population; mostly in Omaha ​
• South Dakota: Approximately 1.75% of residents have Danish roots. ​
• Idaho: Danish Americans constitute around 1.67% of the population. 
• Iowa: About 1.48% of Iowans are of Danish descent

Racine, WI, and Minneapolis, MN, also have impressive Danish communities. 

The above reflects historical migration patterns, where Danish immigrants settled and established communities that have preserved their cultural heritage over generations.

But we are only talking Greenlanders here! 

Where are the Records?

Greenland’s population is primarily made up of Indigenous Greenlandic Inuits: Kalaallit, Inughuit, and Tunumiit. Of course, you've probably already surmised that the Danish and Europeans are the minorities. Genealogical records are in both the Danish and Greenlandic archives. Matter of fact, Danish missionaries started recording Greenlandic births, baptisms, marriages, and deaths in the 1700s.

7 Resources to Begin Genealogical Research

1.  Popular Databases for Greenland Genealogy
My first stop is familysearch.org Greenland,  ancestry.com and My Heritage. I find the MyHeritage index/translations superior, but the search feature is not as inclusive when looking for Greenland born. Keep in mind that the collections are per site database, so researchers will want to use all three. 

ancestry.com

2. Digitized Church and Census records

•  Family search, by far, has the most comprehensive digitized collection of Greenland historical documents. After using your free login (no credit card needed), just enter "Greenland" in the site Catalog for a full listing.

1845 Census, Greenland, ancestry.com (These are also on familysearch.org )

• Greenlandic and Danish family trees: www.myheritage.com/research

3.  Danish Government Records
The Danish government conducted censuses from 1787 onward, listing Greenlandic names, families, and birth years in its Census. The name of the census records is Greenland, Denmark Census, 1834 - 1870. These are digitized (not translated), so better brush up on those Danish words: Danish to English Genealogical Word List. Know that Greenlandic, as it is commonly known, is the referenced language. This is one of the online dictionaries I use: Greenlandic - English. The elite speak Danish. These records may be difficult to decipher depending on the data collector.

Kögel, Missionary, 1840

• Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet)
• Danish Demographic Database (DDD)

4.  Church Records (Kirkebøger) - Birth, Baptism, Marriage, and Death
When looking for Inuit ancestors, the Danish missionary records are your best source in the church "Kirkebøger."

• Danish National Archives (Rigsarkivet)
• Arkivalieronline (Digital Church Books)
  
  Researchers may find additional birth, baptism, marriage, and death records in Greenland:
• Greenland National Museum & Archives (NKA)

5. Local Parish & Town Archives in Greenland

• Some Greenlandic town offices and parishes still hold old birth records, especially for those born before modern digital record-keeping. Here is a listing of the various Parishes.

• Contact Nuuk Municipality Archives or other local parish offices for direct access.

6. Colonial Administrative Records - Trade & Population Data

.

Greenland was a Danish colony for centuries, and government officials recorded vital statistics, trade data, and settlement populations

• Rigsarkivet - Colonial Record

7. Oral Histories & Inuit Genealogies
Inuit genealogy was traditionally passed down orally. Some of these oral histories have been recorded through interviews and missionary accounts.

• Ethnographic records at the Arktisk Institut (Arctic Institute, Denmark)

• Kalaallit Nunaata Radioa (KNR) – Features oral history interviews. I translate using the Google Translate option in the upper right-hand corner. Mostly, I appreciate this site for keeping abreast of present day news. 

Note: Kalaallisut, is spoken by the majority of Greenlandic Inuit as it is the official language of Greenland  Kalaallisut is a member of the Inuit languages within the Eskimo-Aleut family.

In addition to the resources outlined above, Inuit-Specific Studies & DNA Projects. Academic research and DNA studies have been conducted on Inuit populations, which can help with genealogy. Here are two recourses: 

• Arctic Studies Center (Smithsonian Institution)
• Copenhagen University’s Arctic Research Division

Kathleen Brandt

DNA Spring Cleaning: Safeguard Your Data!

Warning Since October 2023
As we've mentioned, repeatedly, on the podcast and social media, all must safeguard their DNA data.  If you haven't been keeping up with 23andMe. The summary is they announced the filing of Chapter 11 Bankruptcy on 23 Mar 2025. We've been waiting!

What Does This Mean to the Consumer
Your data will most likely be part of sell-off or financial recovery and it can be used for any purpose, not just genetic family DNA connections.

 Remember unlike medical, DNA companies' genetic data are not part of  HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act laws. This suggests that your data is not patient data but consumer data without federal "safeguards." If you did not' know this fact, you probably haven't listened to th Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen podcast episodes.  You will want to subscribe and join the fun, information and research tips!

Below, I have provided further information on how you can safeguard your 23andMe DNA and/or backup any of your DNA results. Once you back up the data you paid for on your personal computer device, you may wish to transfer this data for free to a more solvent DNA testing company/ 

California Attorney General issued a consumer alert on March 21 advising users to delete their data and destroy any stored genetic samples. “Given 23andMe’s reported financial distress, I remind Californians to consider invoking their rights and directing 23andMe to delete their data,” Bonta said.

To delete your data, log in to your 23andMe account, navigate to “Settings,” click “View” under the “23andMe Data” section, and select “Permanently Delete Data.” Confirm the action via a link sent to your email. Users can also delete stored saliva samples and revoke research consent through their account settings.  Source 

Before deleting your 23andMe you may wish to keep the data. 

You should keep the data, if not for now, for later or for your children. 

If you have already tested at 23andme, you do not want to lose your 23andMe data, so download your Raw Data to your desktop or a safe space. Perhaps you didn't know that if you have paid for one DNA kit from ancestryDNA, MyHeritageDNA, 23andMe, FamilyFinder of FamilyTreeDNA or LivingDNA you can share those results for free on other DNA testing sites. So you pay for one, but can get up two of results. This results in two new testing databases (MyHeritage and FamilyFinder at FamilyTreeDNA , plus you will get tw new re-analysis of ethnicity regions/data, two sets of new cousins to analyze.

It's easy.
>Set up a free account on the new site
>Download the DNA Raw Data (DNA Data) from your paid kit to your computer. Don't open it, just download.
Need help finding RawData?ancestryDNA
23andMe
myHeritage
FamilyFinder, of FamilyTreeDNA

Upload your DNA Raw Data (DNA Data) from your paid kit to other sites following one of the instructions below. Why not? It's Easy and free.

Upload to Myheritage

Upload to FamilyTreeDNA

Upload to LivingDNA (strong in European connections)

Note: You cannot upload to ancestry.com or 23andme, but you can use the Raw data generated to upload to myHeritage, FamilyTreeDNA, and LivingDNA. without purchasing another DNA test, but still have a connection with DNA cousins. 

Cancel 23andMe

Once you have downloaded your DNA Raw Data from 23andMe, don't forget this next step. this is most important if you only wanted your DNA - OTC kit for DNA genealogical research.It can also be used for other purposes, some nefarious. 

Therefore, some may wish to completely sever ties with 23andMe and have their sample of your DNA (yes they save them) deleted from their assets. However, you are the consumer here, so you must explicitly request that your account be deleted (do this after downloading raw data to your desktop).  Verify that you receive a confirmation email stating that your account has been removed.

Here's an earlier post dated 18 Mar 2024: Spring Cleaning Newsleter: DNA Must Do

As we expected this outcome for 23andMe, a3Genealogy since Oct 2023-early 2024, we have not been recommending that OTC (Over the Counter) DNA testing kit. So if you didn't take precautions then, now is the time to take heed to this recommended action. 

Take Action NOW

Kathleen Brandt

Early Paternity Suits Explain Surname Conflicts?

 

Waiting for Court Date

When the Court Determines the Father, 1800's

Let's take a look at how our ancestors determined paternity using this 1807 Bedford, VA Chancery Court case of  David Thompson and  Hannah Ayers. This kind of case can explain why your y-DNA results failed you. We don't know to which surname a baby may be assigned. The baby could have been later adopted the surname of a step-father. But know that the baby's surname was not the purpose of the paternity suit. It's all about the financial burden that a baby out of wedlock can put on the community. Someone has to pay for its staples.

The Reason for the Paternity Suit
Paternity court records voided the need for romance and mystery novels in the 1800's. Court records told us all of their little secrets, their dalliances, their fights, their finances, and the financial burden that a "bastard" child put on a community? Hold on to your pearls, because the truth can be shocking!

Unmarried mother Hannah Ayers needed the child's biological father to pay for his support or the community to help. That's what they did back in (1807 -1808 Virginia and all of the states and territories!). The community fund from the townsmen or parish had a budget for the poor. The funding had to be approved, usually by a court order.

In this case, Hannah confessed that she could not afford her ill-gotten 'bastard' child." Her assertion was his biological father or the Parish feed and clothe him until he would be old enough to fend for himself (seemingly age seven (7). 

"...she the said Hannah Ayers was delivered of a male bastard child, and the said Bastard child is
likely to become chargeable, to the said County and that David Thompson, of the said County did get
her with of the said Bastard child."

Nothing gets the courts and community to become more proactive than allocating money for a child born out of wedlock. So the practice was to gather testimony, witnesses, circumstances, and character to determine a biological father. (DNA existed, but DNA analysis didn't). David's attorney did try to sway the court, but the court denied such questioning as "who else could be the father?"

"The Defendant's counsel wished to ask the witness Hannah Ayers after she had sworn that David Thompson was the father of the child if no other person had the opportunity of getting the said child, but the court would not permit the question to be asked..."

So in the end, David accepted paternal obligations for the child.

How Did This Happen?

The Paternity Suit, 1800

Well, we know Hannah didn't go dancing at a Taylor Swift concert so where are the details? Oh...let's just keep reading this 9-page court record because Hannah tells it here.

..."that at the time he got the child he lived in her father's house where also she resided, that she did not like him & that he had never cohabited with her but once and then by force and against her consent and threatened to kill her if ever she -- should mention it."

Proof? Witnesses?

So this sounds like she was accusing him of rape. But could it be proven?
Actually yes. There were at least two witnesses -not of the rape - but coming from David's braggadocious mouth. Here's a peek at the detailed testimony of witnesses. Use this link with your free FamilySearch.org account to read the entire case: The Witnesses.

"Another Witness swore that Thompson was heard to say he had cohabited with Hannah Ayers. 
A third witness swore as follows Viz . 26 Aug 1807 - At Joseph Kenneths [?] house at the request of David Thompson I was present at an interview between said Thompson and Hannah Ayers where the following conversation took place. David Thompson proposed to the said Hannah Ayers that provided she would deny his having any communication with her in any respect he would give her his bond for $50 payable on demand which bond she agreed to accept on the above Conditions, but on Joseph Kenneth [?] saying he would not do it for $500 for she would contradict a report that her father and mother had propagated of the said Thompsons having got her with child, on hearing which she refused to accept the bond, saying she has caused enough grey hairs on her fathers head on a former like occasion..."

So Bribery Was Involved, but what was the "former like occasion?"

As we know, once the court is involved it can become a tell-all event. Let's look at the new dirty laundry being shared. David Thompson was 21, and Hannah Ayers was abt 25 -26 years old. The "former-like "occasion" resulted in her having "one child before the present." David and his counsel introduced this fact in the court records as they tried to legitimize his actions.
(Please don't ask me to explain, that!). 

It is here we learn Hannah Ayers had birthed one child before the present. The court did not factor this into their decision, as it was irrelevant to answering who would financially support this "baby boy."

The Final Judgment

"David Thompson should give security for the maintenance of Bastard child charged by Hannah Ayers to have been begotten by him, of her, with all things touching the same as fully and wholly as the same now exist among the Records of the said County Court."

As I said, he only was required to support the child for seven years.

It is the opinion of the court that the said David is the father of the said Bustard child and that the same is likely to become chargeable to the parish . Therefore it is ordered that the said David Thompson find security for the payment of twenty dollars annually for seven years from this date ( being the sum considered sufficient by the court for the said child maintainance , & the time it will be chargeable to the parish )

To read full case: Determined Papers (Chancery Court) 1808. Franklin County, VA, 1808

As mentioned, clients are always distraught when they realize their ancestral surname changed through history. There are various scenarios of how this could have happened. We must also consider such nefarious cases like that of Hannah Ayers' son. Let's not jump to conclusions before finding the truth. 

Kathleen Brandt

Thanks Listeners for Our Success!

8 Tips: Puerto Rican Research

Hispanic Heritage Month (Sep 15 - Oct 15, 2024

Let's feature Puerto Rican Family Research for Hispanic Heritage Month. In our latest Under the Umbrella genealogy newsletter, we touched on Mexican research. Other Hispanic countires are Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru,  Spain, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

 

World War II Era 

In 1918, the U.S. A. government began recruiting its new Puerto Rican citizens (as of March 1917) as mainland laborers. The idea was to place workers in New York and other states to assist with the shortage of war time in manufacturing, railroad, agriculture, construction, etc. Initially the goal was to register approximately ten thousand people, but that increased to over seventy-five thousand registered Puerto Ricans agreeing to the .35¢ per hour plus military housing/boarding and transportation via military vessels. Your ancestors may have been one of these registered laborers.

What is Puerto Rican DNA
Take a listen to this podcast highlight on Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen as she explains in 48 seconds the DNA when conducting Puerto Rican and other Hispanic DNA. and you will learn there's really no DNA that designates Puerto Rican!

Must Use Record Collections

1.  New York National Archives (NARA). The Guide to Puerto Rican Records in the National Archives, New York City, is a great place to begin your Puerto Rican ancestor research. 

2.  Newspapers. The New York Puerto Rican newspapers reported news of its community. Although much was in Spanish, these OCR digitized copies are easily available with the New York Public Library database resources, or other comprehensive historical/genealogical libraries that hold newspaper database subscriptions (i.e. Midwest Genealogy Center, MO. -  library card will get you home access).

- La Democracia

- La Correspondencia de Puerto Rico

- El Tiempo y Union Obera

3.  Passenger Lists.
--Puerto Rico, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1901 – 1962, ancestry.com
--National Archives Record Group (RG85) Manifests of Ship Passengers Arriving at San Juan, PR in Transit to Other Destinations, 07/01/1921 – 06/30/1947 (microfilm only)
--RG 85.3.1 Passenger Lists of Vessels Arriving at San Juan PR 10/7/1901 – 6/30/1948

4.  Military Records. Selective Service System draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 are digitally available on FamilySearch.org or ancestry.com.

5.  Passports. Many Puerto Ricans worked in neighboring countries, (i.e. Dominican Republic).  For easier entry and exist many applied for their U. S. passports. Visit U.S. Passport Applications, 1795-1925 on ancestry.com. For Puerto Rico, this collection holds records from 1907-1925. This is a good place to begin your passport research.

6.  Consular Records. 

Did your ancestor travel overseas for work, missionary work, U.S. government work? Was a child of an American citizen born overseas? This occurred frequently with customary long overseas visits. The Department of State records, various records of death notices of US citizens abroad should be scoured for your elusive ancestor. Don’t dismiss these records as only for those who were naturalized USA citizens and returned to their native land to visit family. Vacationers fell sick, were victims of violence, automobile accidents, or were imprisoned, etc. These records also included deaths that occurred in Canada and the Americas.

7.  Guide to Puerto Rican Records in the National Archives NYC, (these records may be transplanted to Pennsylvania 

8. Puerto Rico Civil Registration, familysearch Wiki

Be sure to review our Sept - Oct Under the Umbrella genealogy newsletter.

Looking for the podcast episodes? linktr.ee/hittinthebricks
Help our Fund Grow: tracingancestors.org
Donate Here:

Zeffy for Hittin' The Bricks with Kathleen
TracingAncestors.org                         

Kathleen Brandt, a3Genealogy

History: Powered By Her Story

New Speaker Series

In 2014 I gave two presentations at Stephens College, a fabulous woman's university (1833) in Columbia Mo. on just this topic:"Her Story!" It's amazing how ten years past reflects today, how history reflects today. The presentation titles at the time were 1) You Are a Pioneer 2) The Invisible Staircase. I have presented these titles for ten years for corporations, colleges, and for associations and societies. 

I was justing thinking I need to update and offer a NEW title for today's environment to remind us how we got here for the Revolutionary War to today. Not a history lesson, but the power of women ensconced in history; forgotten in history books and texts. Yesterday,  I received an inquiry that generated this NEW Title, and NEW presentation: HISTORY: Powered by Her Story

However, I'm always around authors. You probably heard that on our Hittin the Bricks with Kathleen two part podcast with David W. Jackson. Somewhere along the line artificial intelligence (AI) eventually comes up in writing conversations as it did on this episode. So I thought I'd give it a try to check my preface for accuracy and to make sure I incorported a little something for everyone! Here's the AI ChatGPT review. And, yes, I knew and purposely added a perspective-driven angle. It's my presentation about "Her Story!" It's designed to be fun and informative. All stories shared in the presentation are true cases, with historical proof.

My Request was for  to "Please analyze this for accuracy." I then just copied and pasted the text above. Of course, we can't rely 100% on ChatGPT, but it did what I asked with high accuracy. This is the unredacted review.

ChatGPT Review 

"Here's an analysis of the text for accuracy, focusing on the biological and historical claims made:

Biological Claims

1. X-Chromosome Inheritance:

   • Accurate: Both males and females inherit an X-chromosome from their mother.
   • Accurate: Daughters inherit an X-chromosome from both parents (XX), while sons inherit one X from their mother and one Y from their father (XY).

2. Essential Nature of the X-Chromosome:

   • Accurate: The X-chromosome is essential for life. Individuals with at least one X-chromosome can develop normally.
   • Accurate: The Y-chromosome, which determines male sex, is not essential for life since females (XX) do not have a Y-chromosome.

3. Role of Men in Reproduction:

   • Accurate: Men are necessary for fertilization since they provide either an X or a Y chromosome, determining the sex of the offspring.

4. X-Chromosome from Ancestors:

   • Accurate: The statement about the X-chromosome being passed down from maternal ancestors is correct, though it's more complex in genetic terms, involving recombination and inheritance patterns.

Historical and Social Claims

1. Role of Women in History:

   • Subjective: The role of women in history has often been underrepresented or dismissed. The text encourages recognition of women's contributions, which aligns with modern efforts to highlight their historical significance.

2. Power of Women in Reproduction:

   • Subjective: The text emphasizes the biological power of women in reproduction. This viewpoint is valid but reflects a perspective that celebrates women's roles rather than strictly scientific evidence.

3. Superior Design:

   • Opinion-Based: The notion that women are "designed to power the human race" is more philosophical or opinion-based rather than a scientific fact. Biological roles do not imply superiority.

Summary

The text contains accurate biological information about X and Y chromosomes and their roles in human reproduction. It effectively highlights the importance of the X-chromosome and acknowledges the essential role of both sexes in reproduction. However, some statements about women's "design" and "power" are more philosophical and subjective, reflecting a viewpoint that seeks to celebrate and recognize women's contributions and importance in both biological and historical contexts. These should be understood as perspective-driven rather than empirical claims."

I love feedback. Especially constructive feedback. Feel free to drop me a note. 

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy

a3Genealogy@gmail.com    

Spring Cleaning Newsletter: DNA Must Do

We say "test as many as we can, but wisely." This has been the a3Genealogy and the DNA Community mantra since about 2009. Now it's time to do some Spring Cleaning.

Don't Lose Your DNA Testing Results
I've heard many of you have not securely saved or downloaded you Raw DNA. You will want to do that and here's why...

If you have tested, or have had elder relatives tests, be sure to download your Raw Data to your personal computer. Why, because if  a company goes defunct, so might the DNA testing results along with the RawData on that company - never to be retrieved again. A good example is that I would want to preserve my deceased mother's DNA results.

Why Mention Now?
Have you been keeping up with the 23andMe Security Breach Debacle? 

Wired: 5 Dec 2023

Wall Street Journal, Rolfe Winkler, 31 Jan 2024 

FastCompany, 31 Jan 2024

  

Will they recover? The stock shares are now, at best, Penny Stocks. Will they survive? If they fail, will the DNA Raw Data of your loved ones be accessible?  

Here's the latest update:
23andMe files for bankruptcy

What Can You Do?
In addition to downloading your DNA Raw Data to a secured file, you will want to upload your Raw Data to MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA.  Besides expanding your cousin matches to analyze, you will receive additional resources.  

How to download from 23andMe?
You can access your raw genetic data within your 23andMe account one of three ways:
First: Login to 23andMe

1. Navigate directly to you.23andme.com/tools/data/
2. Click on your profile name on the top right-hand corner of your homepage, and select Resources from the dropdown menu.Then select “Browse Raw Genotyping Data” and then “Download” at the top of the page.
3. Visit your Account Settings and click on “View” under 23andMe Data.

Here are full instructions if needed: Accessing Your Raw Genetic Data

Upload to MyHeritage

linktr.ee/hittinthebricks

Once on your computer, you can upload this data for free on MyHeritage.com.  Just create a free account and follow these instructions:Upload DNA Data to MyHeritage.

By the way did you know our partner Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen podcast are giving away a Free MyHeritage Complete Package for a year (value $300). To learn more about the Free MyHeritage Complete Package Giveaway, just subscribe to the linktr.ee/hittinthebricks site. It's a monthly drawing, no newsletters, no selling, just a drawing for our subscribers. 

Upload to FamilyTreeDNA

Go to this link to Upload your DNA data

What About AncestryDNA

Note: You cannot upload to ancestryDNA.  

But, you should download your Raw Data from the AncestryDNA kits also and store in a secured place for a backup. Here Is that Downloading DNA Data from AncestryDNA instructions. 

Be sure to share this post with your DNA testing cousins. 

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Podcast: Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen

Did you Know? ... MyHeritageDNA

Have you uploaded your DNA data to MyHeritage? What are you waiting for? It's free. 

Those who have tested with another service (ancestryDNA, familytreeDNA, 23andMe, etc.) can upload their data.  

Follow this link for instructions: https://www.myheritage.com/dna/upload

Upload to MyHeritage 1-2-3:

Create a Free Account on My Heritage Use this link: https://www.myheritage.com/dna/upload

Ask a3Genealogy about DNA Analysis Packages

Be Historically Correct 

Kathleen Brandt

a3genealogy@gmail.com

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Were Ancestors Native American?

Can You Prove it Using DNA?

If you were told your great-grandpa or great-grandma were Native Americans raise your hand. 

Although all the data on applications were not correct, the applicants told their story. Again, often based on folklore, they may have failed to get their information collaborated within the required timeframe, but even then, we can extract as much form a rejected application as that of an accepted admittance.  Know that sometimes, the applicant and family were rejected on a technicality. Such was the case on the Tyesky project.  

Cherokee Connection?

Before you claim Native American ancestry, let's do some Fact Checking. Sometimes with DNA, we can prove or disprove our the family lore. Not sure what the Freedmen Applications are? Read here: Dawes Rolls and Enslaved Practices.

Years ago I penned this Preface for my own family book that uncovers the fact that 2^nd Great Grandpa Tobe was not Native American after all:

For as long as I can remember, I would boast, to any victim who would listen,…[about] the Indian blood I possessed…  To me, these stories were a necessary reality of unproven truths that defined the “me” of me.  I willingly accepted the twisted family stories, spinned them and massaged them into epoch size fairy tales that defied logic. Perhaps under microscopic review, one could find 20% reality but the other 80% was clearly muddied by the storyteller’s liberty.                                                             

I continued to explain that in less than two months of research, I came to some “mouth-dropped-open realities.  Tobe wasn’t Tobe,[and] we had no Indian blood…”  This scene was repeated with Dina on the Hittin' the Bricks with Kathleen podcast (S2: Ep11). As Kathleen walked  through her DNA and her presumed Tyeskey Native American bloodline, you could feel it everytime she exclaimed "WHAT?" "WAIT A MINUTE."

DNA and Native American

If your 100 percent Native America was 6 generations back, your inheritance from that Mative American will be less than 2%.  This is not to say "4th Great-Grandpa" was not Native American, but that you are so removed that your inheritance can't be detected. In Dina's case though, even with abt 2% reported in her mother's DNA test results, we could prove it wasn't from the expected line (a Tyeskey Native) as she thought. She did, however,  carry detectable amounts of Native American inherited through the Harnage line. 

The family historically claimed both names. 

DNA Inheritance

Native American Bloodline	Expect
Tyeskey (first name unknown)	100%	Mother of Jeff Tyeskey born 1816, was Cynthia Harnage	4g-gp
Jeff Tyeskey, 1816	50%	Jeff Tyeskey and Alzie Harnage were the parents of Joshua	3g-gp
Joshua Tyeskey, 1843	25%	Joshua was father of Jeff B Tyeskey 1843-1897. Wife of Joshua was Sealy Chariton (Harnage).	2g-gp
Jeff B. Tyeskey, 1874	12.5%	Parents of Stanford were Jeff B husband of Mary Thompson (as per 1910; Rusk, Tx Marriage	g-gp
Stanford B Tyeskey, 1895	6.25%	Son of Jeff B Tyeskey. Stanford & Rose Moore are the parents of Mary B Tyeskey	g-parent
Mary Bernice Tyeskey,1918	3.125%	Married to Edward Austin	par
Dina's Mother, 1938	1.56%	2% reported

5 Pointers
So before any others suffer from the embarrassment of a genealogical morass, know that there are a few key points to remember when searching your Native American Connection: 

1. Just because your ancestor lived in the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma) does not make them an “Indian”
2. Facial features and hair texture are not valid arguments for Native American heritage.
3. Not all Cherokee ancestors were properly listed on the various rolls. Others were rejected.
4. As many Freedmen Indians already know: just because you aren’t officially a member of the Cherokee Nation, doesn’t speak of your bloodline. We’ve proven a few DNA connections to Native American bloodline, but more data is needed to claim tribal status.  
5. And finally, don’t confuse family lore with fact.

For more information be sure to reference the Native American tab on the a3Genealogy blog.

Kathleen Brandt

a3Genealogy@gmail.com

Accurate, accessible, answers