Checking Out the Family Tree – One Branch at a Time

The genealogist in me got curious this week about the DNA tests we’ve done in the past few years, so I spent a bit of time on both Ancestry and FTDNA. Both are good sites for researching ancestors. Ancestry provides much more in the way of linking one to their past by generations. FT, or Family Tree, is heavy on DNA.

MAJOR GENEALOGY SITES

I’ve been an Ancestry user for many years. It remains fairly easy to use, though I wish they’d ask me before they make changes. Some things are difficult to navigate when one has gotten accustomed to them being one way and now, they are another. Insert heavy sigh here.

I don’t do as much on FT. Honestly, much of the information and many of the tools and features are above my level of understanding. I’ve done the Big Y-700 test as well as the mtDNA test on Hubby at FT. Well, I tested him first on Ancestry and I was able to upload his raw DNA to FT.

If you’re into genealogy even on an entry-level you’ve probably heard about the major breach in security at 23&me, one of the main 3 testing sites. It was huge. Someone got into all manner of information over there, so I’d steer clear of that site for a while if not forever. I know it could happen to any of them, but this was a major issue for them. They’re still trying to sort it all out. Go here for information about it.  https://dna-explained.com/2023/10/24/the-23andme-data-exposure-new-info-considerations-and-a-pause-strategy/ If you tested on this site and you’ve not yet changed your password, by all means, do that now. And do not use a password you’ve used anywhere else or there in the past. Always, always create new passwords for all your sites. So, so important in these days of so many bad guys and bots out there.

Checking Out the Family Tree - One Branch at a Time @DDuPreeWilliams #genealogy #familyresearch #writing Share on X

FINDING MAMA’S ROOTS

One of the most interesting things I’ve done in the line of testing lately is to do my mtDNA. This tells me my mother’s DNA from me to Mama, to her mother, to her mother, to her mother and on back, going from mother to mother. And of course, the company says it goes back to a person they call Eve.

We’d been told for years through family word of mouth and research (a paper trail) that Mama likely had Ashkenazi somewhere in her line. Turns out she has very, very close matches who are either Ashkenazi or Sephardic Jews. Interesting that she seems to have both. It also said she has Native American ancestry. Mama never knew any of this. I’m sure she’s met many of those ancestors up in heaven.

TESTING FOR NATIVE AMERICAN ROOTS

Now, there is no test for Native Americans or indigenous people. At least not yet. They simply do not test at the same rate as the rest of us. They really have no reason to test as they know their Tribe and heritage for the most part. And many have multiple tribal heritages.  Proving one’s link via a DNA test could be an impossibility for quite a long time to come. Who knows?

Mama’s 6-times-great-grandmother was Elizabeth the Nansemond. She was born in 1618 and married John Bass in 1638. Many Basses have been the Chief of the Nansemond Indian Nation since that time. But if you are a Bass, don’t get your hopes up. Their roles are closed, likely forever. Again, who knows?

NANSEMOND INDIAN NATION

I’d have to say, it would be an honor to become a member of this fabulous group of people, many of whom I met at the Pow Wow held on their Tribal lands in Mattanock Town near Suffolk Virginia in 2019. Cousins I’d never known before. But I’m happy with knowing my heritage.

The NIN is doing so many good things for indigenous peoples and for their communities. They have wonderful working relationships with many of the other Tribes in their area of coastal Virginia and beyond. It would be a blessing to learn more about them and their culture and to jump in and help do some of the things they are doing for their community. Here is a link to the Tribe’s webpage.  https://nansemond.gov/  Be prepared to see some amazingly beautiful photos. The young man in the first photo that pops up is Kalen Anderson, son of Chief Keith Anderson. What an amazing young man! Such an asset to the Tribe and the community.

TESTING? WHICH ONE?

If you should decide to do a DNA test, I’d suggest you begin with Ancestry. It’s easy and millions of people have tested here. The test is autosomal, so it tells you both sides of your family’s DNA—what you got from your mother and your father. Their match feature will tell you who you are related to and even suggest to what degree. It even tells which side they are on, mom’s or dad’s. I’m not aware of any issues of security with Ancestry or FT. But user beware. I’m going to close down one of the sites I’ve used in the past. I just don’t trust it. It isn’t the one I mentioned above.

Look for sales. They have them with some frequency. The lowest price I’ve seen lately is $59. They may offer this price at Christmas. For sure, they do on Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Not a bad price for some amazing knowledge. Besides, as I said, it’s so much fun.

If you have questions, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m no professional genealogist. Far from it, but I know a thing or two. If I can help you navigate, I’ll be glad to try.

Blessings, y’all!

 

From 1968! Bill Gaither with his wife Gloria, and Danny Gaither. What a trip to the past. Aren’t you glad you’re part of the family of God?