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REVIEW:LAST MONTH: OCTOBER
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SPEAKER INFOTUESDAY 11 NOV 2025
6 PM sign in for ZOOM Meeting begins at 6:30 PM SHARP KAY ENGELHART introduces: JANNA HELSHTEIN
on GENEALOGY FOR YOUR DESCENDANTS: A Legacy of the Heart Janna Helshtein’s journey into genealogy started over 25 years ago prompted by an innocent question from her (then) toddler about people in the family. This journey took a turn into genetic genealogy over a decade ago as she discovered her ex-partner’s biological parents and uniting him with a family he never knew. So, all beginnings were close to heart. She is the founder of DNA AT EYE LEVEL, and besides helping others in their search for bio-family, she helps the Hebrew-speaking community access the world of DNA through teaching, counselling and public speaking. She believes everyone deserves to know their truth and have the tools to do it at hand.
Hi, I’m Janna Helshtein.
I am a genetic genealogist and speaker who lives at the exact meeting point of 'science and story'. My journey began at home, with two searches that changed my life and how I see family, identity, and memory: the search for my father’s biological mother, and the search for my children’s father’s biological parents. From these deep, delicate places grew a mission that connects data to the heart, turns results into conversation, and transforms complex questions into hope you can touch. Over the past decade I have studied nonstop, delivered hundreds of talks in Israel and abroad, in person and on Zoom, and guided many people as they received closure for their search, and found new words for their old stories. I discovered that the real work does not end when an answer appears. It begins right here. We need to place these "FINDS" gently within the family, understand the implications, build rapport that respects everyone involved, and remember that every DNA test rests on a beating heart and a full life. This is a professional responsibility, as much as it is a human duty. I look forward to meeting your group! FROM THE EDITOR:
HELLO EVERYONE: This December ZOOM meeting has been cancelled, due to not just myself, but others who have had surgery and need time too rest. But this webpage (and soon the TTL) will be coming out to you very quickly. I had hoped to bring a talk to you this DECEMBER on ZOOM but I am still not UP TO SNUFF....I am healing every day, and grateful for that, along with the plethora of cards, and well wishes. THANK YOU ALL! (DEBRA SHEETS) |
NEXT MEETING: JANUARY
As December is cancelled, the next Meeting will be on: TUESDAY, 13 January 2026 and sign in for ZOOM will be at 6 pm. Meeting begins at 6:30 sharp.
SEE CALENDAR ROOTSTECH:
ROOTSTECH 2025 VIDEOS...Learn and be inspired by these selected videos on popular topics. You can also search the full library.
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FREE PHOTO STORAGE:There is ONE safe place to store all your photos and stories... FOREVER.
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To get the most out of Civil War Stories, you need to know who in your tree might have a story! We show you how in just 6 steps to find those people. MILITARY RECORDS:MILITARY RECORDS-ANCESTRY.COM
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YOU MAY FIND HELP HERE FOR YOUR SEARCH! GENEALOGY NEEDS: AT YOUR LOCAL FSC!
WE are the SAGINAW FamilySearch Center, sponsored by the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, an international organization dedicated to helping ALL people worldwide discover their family story.
ARE you looking for help in YOUR Family tree? HERE, you will be shown how to begin a FREE TREE that will be placed online for any of your family members to help share more information about your deceased ancestors. That will enable family around the world to easily retrieve and use this information in search of their family members. FOR over twenty years FamilySearch.org has helped millions of families gather their ancestors. Since it's inception, on May 24, 1999. There are now over 7 million page views each day on www.FamilySearch.org YOU can contribute towards finding your family by starting a FREE ONLINE TREE and gathering and documenting your family for your loved ones. ALWAYS, at FamilySearch we believe connections to our family members past-present-and future can be a source of great joy that helps us to understand our own personal identity and may even help us overcome some of our own challenges in life. WE WANT TO HELP YOU save and share your FAMILY MEMORIES before it’s too late, and they disappear, never to be found again. IT'S FREE, IT'S EASY AS... 1,2,3 ! FOR ONLINE HELP AT:
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ALL VISITORS OR NEW MEMBERS
MUST PRE-REGISTER! Please note: The Invite LINK is sent the day BEFORE the meetings. SO REGISTER TODAY! SQUARE IS HERE FOR YOU
Pay your SGS membership or donate,
with just a few clicks. SQUARE is EASY, SAFE, AND NO HASSLE! (click the SQUARE icon above to pay) MICHIGAN GENEALOGICAL COUNCIL
ANNOUNCEMENT!!
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THE SAGINAW FSC IS OPEN!
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TIMBERTOWN LOG
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A PLACE TO ASK QUESTIONS
This guide shows you how to find BILLIONS of FREE birth, death, marriage and census records!
ANCESTRAL FINDINGS
Oral histories are a valuable genealogical resource. This is what you need to know about the value of oral histories, where to find them, and how to do them yourself with your own relatives. Click below to learn.
MICHIGAN LIBRARY CARDS
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SAGINAW PUBLIC LIBRARIES
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Brick wall? Stumped?
Lost?
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AND READY
TO HELP YOU!
Lost?
WE ARE HERE,
AND READY
TO HELP YOU!
With the combined efforts of our
board-members
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
OR GO TO: ASK MISS BETTY
and fill out the form.
We don't charge for the help
(but we DO take donations).
board-members
we try to find you an answer for
Saginaw County Ancestors.
Click above on the Miss Betty Icon.
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REMEMBRANCE FUND
PLEASE REMEMBER US,
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MICHIGAN-STATE GENEALOGY
The website for all things pertaining to HISTORICAL RESEARCH
and documents for the
STATE OF MICHIGAN.
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DID YOU KNOW?
NEWSBANK can be used for FREE with your public library card ID number. This website has newspapers to search thru for obituaries!
GIVE IT A TRY!
GIVE IT A TRY!
FREE HELPS
17 ALL FREE GREAT
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
3. SO MUCH TO SEE AND DO HERE!
WEBSITES FOR GENEALOGY!
1. CREATE A FREE ACCOUNT.
2. PACK A LUNCH. (JUST KIDDING)
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FREE GENEALOGY SITES
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AND YOU RECEIVE:
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Suitable for framing, or documentation for your ancestors who lived in Saginaw County
along with their VETTED pedigree.
MORE HELP
How SideView™ Technology Splits Your DNA Results by Parent
When YOU first read your DNA, ...you don’t know which parts of your DNA came from each parent. Ancestry® developed a technology called SideView™ to sort this out using DNA matches. Because a match is usually related to you through only one parent, your matches can help us “organize” the DNA you share with them.
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
SideView™ technology powers your ethnicity inheritance—the portions of each region you inherited from each parent. This enables us to provide your ethnicity inheritance without testing your parents (though we don’t know which parent is which).
SGS is looking for new members. We have devised a way to save YOU money. Join in the 3rd quarter and save as a new member for only $5.00 you will still get the online News on this page, plus have online access to the TTL plus access to ZOOM. WHAT A DEAL!!
SPREAD THE WORD!
SPREAD THE WORD!
NEED GENEALOGY GIFTS?
BEV PALMER used to live in Saginaw, she is a fellow genealogist and has started this business. Lots of cool stuff - from babies to bags, and from T-shirts to tags, she's got it all!
check it out below!
check it out below!
LINKS FOR OUR READERS
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GENEALOGY HELPS
What is ThruLines?
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be PUBLIC, and linked to your DNA test.
To check this, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. Follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the ANCESTRY family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
ThruLines shows identified descendants of a given ancestor who have tested with AncestryDNA, and share DNA with the tester whose results are being reviewed.
ThruLines replaces Shared Ancestor Hints, and greatly expands upon the data provided by those hints.
ThruLines provides the opportunity to view connections that would take a great deal of research to find manually.
ThruLines is accessible from “Your DNA Results Summary” under DNA in the top menu bar on Ancestry. To have access to ThruLines data, your family tree must be PUBLIC, and linked to your DNA test.
To check this, do these 3 steps:
1. Go to Your DNA Results Summary, and
2. Click on the Settings button (near the top right corner of the screen).
3. Follow the instructions in the Family Tree Linking section.
AncestryDNA® ThruLines®
ThruLines® shows you how you may be related to your DNA matches.
We use the ANCESTRY family tree linked to your test to find people who are in your tree and are also in your matches's linked trees. If your tree is private and not searchable, you won't be able to see ThruLines, and information from your matches' trees that are private and not searchable won't be available to you. DNA matches may appear in more than one of your ThruLines.
ThruLines are available for ancestors through 5th great-grandparents.
SORRY, ThruLines won't appear for 6th great-grandparents and beyond.
FREE WEBINARS
FamilySearch - Family Search Library Free Online Webinars
2025 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
See the table of webinars below for more details.
2025 classes are now online!
No registration is required.
Class size for webinars is NOT limited.
See the table of webinars below for more details.
If you cannot attend a LIVE EVENT, most sessions are recorded and can be viewed later at your convenience at the following link:
SEARCH TIPS
6 Ancestry Search Tips
1. Pinpoint your ancestor’s location from the census, on a MAP, and then look for churches, cemeteries, and other places where your ancestor may have left records.
2. Be sure to locate your ancestor’s ADULT SIBLINGS in census records. It was common for extended family to live in the same household or near other family members. You may find a parent, grandparent, or other family members living either with them or nearby.
3. If you’re having a difficult time locating your ancestor, try searching, using only GIVEN names and other details like birth year, residence, family members, place of birth, etc.
4. Occasionally, census takers only recorded initials in place of the given name. Using only a FIRST INITIAL will bring up these records.
5. Census takers didn’t always have the best penmanship, so if you’re having a hard time locating your ancestor, write out the NAME and try replacing some of the letters, with letters that look similar. (Try an O for an A, try an J for a P, try a F for an S.)
6. The U.S. federal censuses for the years 1900 TO THE 1930 include a DATE OF IMMIGRATION for immigrants. Use that date to narrow your search for your ancestor’s passenger arrival record in the Immigration Collection.
FMH TOOL KIT
click below How do I keep track of my Family Medical History?
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider. For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
If possible, look at DEATH CERTIFICATES and FAMILY MEDICAL RECORDS. Collect information about your parents, sisters, brothers, half-sisters, half-brothers, children, grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews. How you make your request will depend on your provider's processes. You may be able to request your record through your provider's patient portal. You may have to fill out a form — called a health or medical record release form, or to request for access—send an email, or mail or fax a letter to your provider. For more info click below on:
https://www.healthit.gov/how-to-get-your-health-record/get-it/#:~:text=How%20you%20make%20your%20request,a%20letter%20to%20your%20provider.
Family members share genes, habits, lifestyles, and surroundings.
These things can affect health and the risk for illness. Most people have a relative with a chronic disease or a health condition such as high cholesterol. If you have a close family member with a chronic disease, you may be more likely to get that disease.
BE INFORMED!
How far back should I go for family medical history?
The CDC recommends taking a family health history that includes at least three generations. You should include your grandparents, parents, brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews, and cousins on both sides of your family. If you have children, include them, too.
MAKE SURE TO RECORD THIS INFO!
What if I don't know my family's medical history?
If you have your birth parents' names, public records such as birth or death certificates may give you more insight into your family's background. Also ask your adoptive parents or the adoption agency whether they have any information that could give you more information about YOUR family medical history.
YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO KNOW!
Your family health history plays an important role in your health.
Download FREE copies of our family health history toolkit to share with your family, friends, and colleagues. Take this important step for YOUR health. DO IT NOW!
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
SO HOW OBSERVANT ARE YOU?
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
turkey legs?
HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
Sorry, turkeys only have two!
WHAT DID YOU SEE?
DID YOU NOTICE THE:
turkey legs?
HOW MANY DID YOU FIND?
Sorry, turkeys only have two!
SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST
(for those with glasses)
IF IT'S NOT OKAY, IT'S NOT THE END.
IF IT'S NOT OKAY, IT'S NOT THE END.
THE SGS
Is looking for new members.
We have devised a way
to save
ALL NEW MEMBERS
money.
Join in the 3rd quarter and
save as a new member for only
$5.00
You will still get the
Online News on this page,
plus have online access to the
TTL (TIMBERTOWN LOG)
plus access to
ZOOM MEETINGS.
WHAT A DEAL!!
SPREAD THE WORD!
Is looking for new members.
We have devised a way
to save
ALL NEW MEMBERS
money.
Join in the 3rd quarter and
save as a new member for only
$5.00
You will still get the
Online News on this page,
plus have online access to the
TTL (TIMBERTOWN LOG)
plus access to
ZOOM MEETINGS.
WHAT A DEAL!!
SPREAD THE WORD!
FOOD & FAMILY:
Did you know...family recipes are a tradition!?!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
GO AHEAD...Make it with family!
50 TURKEY DAY RECIPES
IN MEMORY OF:
NO ONE FROM SGS PASSED TODAY.
JUST REMEMBER YOUR FRIENDS, BE THEY TWO LEGGED OR FOUR ! |
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MILITARY:
MILITARY SERVICE:
Key Military Stories and Observances in November
- Veterans Day (November 11): Originally called Armistice Day, this holiday marks the end of World War I hostilities on November 11, 1918. The name was changed to Veterans Day in 1954 to honor all American veterans from all eras.
- U.S. Marine Corps Birthday (November 10): On this day in 1775, the Second Continental Congress passed a resolution to establish the Continental Marines, marking the birth of the U.S. Marine Corps.
- National Veterans and Military Families Month: The entire month of November is dedicated to honoring the service of veterans and the sacrifices of their families. This month-long observance recognizes the challenges military families face while supporting their loved ones.
- Stories of heroism: Numerous resources, such as Wounded Warrior Project and Warrior Allegiance, share stories of military members' resilience, bravery, and healing journeys. For example, stories like that of Medal of Honor recipient David Bellavia are highlighted to showcase post-9/11 veterans' courage.
WAR STORIES
The Rediscovered Life of the 'Lost Soldier of Chickamauga
Henry Thomson was living on a farm in Pearlette, Kansas, when a Springfield, Ohio newspaper published a one-column piece on May 3, 1887, about his relentless search to recover his identity.
The Civil War veteran wanted his memories back. He sought his family, his former comrades, any details to fill in the recent decades since he developed amnesia after a blow to the head in the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. The Champion City Times article, would become a catalyst for Thomson to learn his given name--Hugh Thompson—and unfurl much of his past. His entire pension file is now digitized for the first time and available online in the National Archives Catalog; at more than 2,000 pages, the Thompson file is the largest Civil War pension record found in the National Archives to date.
Three boxes and nine folders of records told much of Hugh Thompson’s story: how he left his father’s farm to fight in the Civil War as a private in Company H, 15th Ohio Infantry Regiment; he was identified as missing in action and presumed dead after his head injury; then disappeared for more than 20 years. When he resurfaced, he faced a bureaucratic fight with his one-time wife Jane for his pension, which his father was also trying to obtain.
“With its photographs, depositions, newspaper clippings, and other documents, this pension file is an amazing find for historians and genealogists,” said Catherine Brandsen, head of the National Archives Innovation Hub, where the digitization took place. “Getting this file online helps us share Hugh Thompson's story with everybody.”
The investigation to determine whether the veteran would be eligible for a pension—if he was even the real Hugh Thompson—took years. Skepticism surrounded his story. His uncertainty about life events, his varying stories of who his children were, and his numerous marriages made investigators leery.
"A remarkable story is told by the claimant," one investigator wrote in 1890. He described a man who roamed the Midwest in the early 1870s, working whatever jobs he could get, "all the time keeping up an effort to learn who he was" (National Archives Identifier: 165322564, pp. 94–95). The case, he added, was “loaded with doubts and suspicions. (p. 115).
Over the 35-page report, the agent comes to believe that Henry Thomson and Hugh Thompson were indeed the same person, "beyond a shadow of a doubt.” That assessment and granting the pension, however, took an arduous reconstruction of his life “from 1866 or 1867, down to the present time” (National Archives Identifier: 165322564, p. 115).
“This leaves a gap of four years, which I do not believe will ever be bridged," the investigator concluded. An analysis of photographs and a lengthy investigation solidified the proof that the soldier nicknamed ''Shorty” was indeed the same man as the Kansas resident.
The drama of the soldier’s story was not what first drew staff’s attention, however. It was the novelty of the file’s size. For archives technician Emily Zurlo, the project began as an assignment from a supervisor. A member of the public requested the pension file for an Ohioan named Hugh Thompson. The researcher knew the file was long, but she didn’t realize just how long it is—more than 2,000 pages. The average pension file is around 150 pages. Incredulous, Zurlo said she went to the stacks to verify the size of the request. “I couldn't believe that a pension could be that long,” she said.
Zurlo carved time from her daily work over three months to digitize the pension records. Like nearly all National Archives employees, she is currently working from home full time, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is now focused on transcribing the documents.
The pension file remains in fragile condition at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Read more from the National Archives staff members about what can be learned from these records here. To view Hugh Thompson’s pension file, or help tag and transcribe the documents, visit the National Archives catalog.
Hugh Thompson (Civil War)
The Civil War veteran wanted his memories back. He sought his family, his former comrades, any details to fill in the recent decades since he developed amnesia after a blow to the head in the Battle of Chickamauga in 1863. The Champion City Times article, would become a catalyst for Thomson to learn his given name--Hugh Thompson—and unfurl much of his past. His entire pension file is now digitized for the first time and available online in the National Archives Catalog; at more than 2,000 pages, the Thompson file is the largest Civil War pension record found in the National Archives to date.
Three boxes and nine folders of records told much of Hugh Thompson’s story: how he left his father’s farm to fight in the Civil War as a private in Company H, 15th Ohio Infantry Regiment; he was identified as missing in action and presumed dead after his head injury; then disappeared for more than 20 years. When he resurfaced, he faced a bureaucratic fight with his one-time wife Jane for his pension, which his father was also trying to obtain.
“With its photographs, depositions, newspaper clippings, and other documents, this pension file is an amazing find for historians and genealogists,” said Catherine Brandsen, head of the National Archives Innovation Hub, where the digitization took place. “Getting this file online helps us share Hugh Thompson's story with everybody.”
The investigation to determine whether the veteran would be eligible for a pension—if he was even the real Hugh Thompson—took years. Skepticism surrounded his story. His uncertainty about life events, his varying stories of who his children were, and his numerous marriages made investigators leery.
"A remarkable story is told by the claimant," one investigator wrote in 1890. He described a man who roamed the Midwest in the early 1870s, working whatever jobs he could get, "all the time keeping up an effort to learn who he was" (National Archives Identifier: 165322564, pp. 94–95). The case, he added, was “loaded with doubts and suspicions. (p. 115).
Over the 35-page report, the agent comes to believe that Henry Thomson and Hugh Thompson were indeed the same person, "beyond a shadow of a doubt.” That assessment and granting the pension, however, took an arduous reconstruction of his life “from 1866 or 1867, down to the present time” (National Archives Identifier: 165322564, p. 115).
“This leaves a gap of four years, which I do not believe will ever be bridged," the investigator concluded. An analysis of photographs and a lengthy investigation solidified the proof that the soldier nicknamed ''Shorty” was indeed the same man as the Kansas resident.
The drama of the soldier’s story was not what first drew staff’s attention, however. It was the novelty of the file’s size. For archives technician Emily Zurlo, the project began as an assignment from a supervisor. A member of the public requested the pension file for an Ohioan named Hugh Thompson. The researcher knew the file was long, but she didn’t realize just how long it is—more than 2,000 pages. The average pension file is around 150 pages. Incredulous, Zurlo said she went to the stacks to verify the size of the request. “I couldn't believe that a pension could be that long,” she said.
Zurlo carved time from her daily work over three months to digitize the pension records. Like nearly all National Archives employees, she is currently working from home full time, amid the COVID-19 pandemic and is now focused on transcribing the documents.
The pension file remains in fragile condition at the National Archives Building in Washington, DC. Read more from the National Archives staff members about what can be learned from these records here. To view Hugh Thompson’s pension file, or help tag and transcribe the documents, visit the National Archives catalog.
Hugh Thompson (Civil War)
- Service: Private, Company H, 15th Ohio Infantry Regiment
- Incident: Suffered a blow to the head during the Battle of Chickamauga in September 1863, which caused amnesia.
- Aftermath: Was reported missing in action and presumed dead, disappearing for more than 20 years.
- Rediscovery: His identity was eventually discovered after a newspaper article in 1887 about a "Henry Tomson" who served in the same regiment.
- Legacy: His pension file is the largest Civil War pension record in the National Archives and is available online.
But wait.....
DID YOU KNOW THERE WAS ANOTHER GUY BY THE SAME NAME WHO SERVED IN VIETNAM?
Hugh (Clowers) Thompson Jr. (April 15, 1943 – January 6, 2006)
was a United States Army officer, serving as a warrant officer in the 123rd Aviation Battalion of the 23rd Infantry Division. He is credited with ending the My Lai massacre of the South Vietnamese village known as Sơn Mỹ on March 16, 1968, alongside Glenn Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn.
During the massacre, Thompson and his Hiller OH-23 Raven crew, Andreotta and Colburn, stopped many killings by threatening and blocking American officers and enlisted soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division. Additionally, Thompson and his crew saved a number of Vietnamese civilians by personally escorting them away from advancing United States Army ground units and assuring their evacuation by air.
Thompson reported the atrocities by radio several times while at Sơn Mỹ. Although these reports reached Task Force Barker operational headquarters, nothing was done to stop the massacre. After evacuating a child to a Quảng Ngãi hospital, Thompson angrily reported to his superiors at Task Force Barker headquarters that a massacre was occurring at Sơn Mỹ. Immediately following Thompson's report, Lieutenant Colonel Frank A. Barker ordered all ground units in Sơn Mỹ to cease search and destroy operations in the village.
In 1970, Thompson testified against those responsible for the Mỹ Lai massacre. Twenty-six officers and enlisted soldiers, including William Calley and Ernest Medina, were charged with criminal offenses; many were either acquitted or pardoned, notably excepting Calley, who was convicted and served a commuted sentence of three-and-a-half years under house arrest.
Thompson was condemned and ostracized by many individuals in the United States military and government, as well as the public, for his role in the investigations and trials concerning the Mỹ Lai massacre. As a result of what he experienced, Thompson experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, divorce, and severe nightmare disorder. Despite the adversity he faced, he remained in the Army until November 1, 1983, then continued to make a living as a helicopter pilot in the Southeastern United States.
In 1998, 30 years after the massacre, Thompson and the two other members of his crew, Andreotta and Colburn, were awarded the Soldier's Medal (Andreotta posthumously), the United States Army's highest award for bravery not involving direct contact with the enemy. Thompson and Colburn returned to Sơn Mỹ to meet with survivors of the massacre at the Sơn Mỹ Memorial in 1998.
In 1999, Thompson and Colburn received the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award.
was a United States Army officer, serving as a warrant officer in the 123rd Aviation Battalion of the 23rd Infantry Division. He is credited with ending the My Lai massacre of the South Vietnamese village known as Sơn Mỹ on March 16, 1968, alongside Glenn Andreotta and Lawrence Colburn.
During the massacre, Thompson and his Hiller OH-23 Raven crew, Andreotta and Colburn, stopped many killings by threatening and blocking American officers and enlisted soldiers of Company C, 1st Battalion, 20th Infantry Regiment, 11th Brigade, 23rd Infantry Division. Additionally, Thompson and his crew saved a number of Vietnamese civilians by personally escorting them away from advancing United States Army ground units and assuring their evacuation by air.
Thompson reported the atrocities by radio several times while at Sơn Mỹ. Although these reports reached Task Force Barker operational headquarters, nothing was done to stop the massacre. After evacuating a child to a Quảng Ngãi hospital, Thompson angrily reported to his superiors at Task Force Barker headquarters that a massacre was occurring at Sơn Mỹ. Immediately following Thompson's report, Lieutenant Colonel Frank A. Barker ordered all ground units in Sơn Mỹ to cease search and destroy operations in the village.
In 1970, Thompson testified against those responsible for the Mỹ Lai massacre. Twenty-six officers and enlisted soldiers, including William Calley and Ernest Medina, were charged with criminal offenses; many were either acquitted or pardoned, notably excepting Calley, who was convicted and served a commuted sentence of three-and-a-half years under house arrest.
Thompson was condemned and ostracized by many individuals in the United States military and government, as well as the public, for his role in the investigations and trials concerning the Mỹ Lai massacre. As a result of what he experienced, Thompson experienced post-traumatic stress disorder, alcoholism, divorce, and severe nightmare disorder. Despite the adversity he faced, he remained in the Army until November 1, 1983, then continued to make a living as a helicopter pilot in the Southeastern United States.
In 1998, 30 years after the massacre, Thompson and the two other members of his crew, Andreotta and Colburn, were awarded the Soldier's Medal (Andreotta posthumously), the United States Army's highest award for bravery not involving direct contact with the enemy. Thompson and Colburn returned to Sơn Mỹ to meet with survivors of the massacre at the Sơn Mỹ Memorial in 1998.
In 1999, Thompson and Colburn received the Peace Abbey Courage of Conscience Award.
- Service: Warrant Officer and helicopter pilot
- Incident: During the My Lai Massacre in 1968, he and his crew intervened to stop American soldiers from killing unarmed Vietnamese civilians.
- Actions: He landed his helicopter between the soldiers and civilians and ordered his crew to provide covering fire for civilians, as his crew helped evacuate survivors.
- Aftermath: He was initially ostracized for reporting the incident but was later awarded the Soldier's Medal in 1998 for his heroism.
- Legacy: He became a symbol of moral courage for defying orders and doing the right thing, and later worked as a Veterans Administration counselor.
SLAVE STORY FROM CIVIL WAR
Confederate Slave Payrolls Shed Light on Lives of 19th-Century African American Families (2020): The digitized documents furnish African American genealogists, local historians, and researchers on slavery during the war with names and locations of enslaved people.
Enslaved people in the Confederacy were forced into various support roles for the Confederate army, such as building fortifications, mining, and manufacturing munitions, and serving as cooks, teamsters, and body servants. These roles were essential to the war effort, with thousands of enslaved individuals conscripted or "impressed" to provide labor, and thousands more serving as personal servants to officers and soldiers.
They were not soldiers in the Confederate army, though some were forced to work cannons at the threat of death.
Military and labor roles:
Enslaved people in the Confederacy were forced into various support roles for the Confederate army, such as building fortifications, mining, and manufacturing munitions, and serving as cooks, teamsters, and body servants. These roles were essential to the war effort, with thousands of enslaved individuals conscripted or "impressed" to provide labor, and thousands more serving as personal servants to officers and soldiers.
They were not soldiers in the Confederate army, though some were forced to work cannons at the threat of death.
Military and labor roles:
- Construction and mining: Enslaved people were forced to build and repair fortifications, dig trenches, and construct and repair rail lines. They also mined necessary materials like potassium nitrate to produce gunpowder.
- Manufacturing: Many were forced to work in ordnance factories and arsenals.
- Support services: They served as teamsters, blacksmiths, carpenters, cooks, laundresses, and mechanics.
- Camp and personal service: Thousands of enslaved men served as body servants and camp slaves to officers and soldiers, performing duties like cooking, cleaning, and carrying messages.
- Forced labor: Enslaved people were forced into these roles through various means, including legal requirements for owners to provide slave labor to the military.
- Wage payments: Payrolls were created for this forced labor, though the wages went to the slave owners, not the enslaved individuals themselves.
- Lack of agency: These roles were performed under compulsion, and while some stories of loyalty exist, enslaved individuals often had their own motivations and some ran away or resisted.
- Harsh conditions: Camp slaves faced grueling conditions, disease, and separation from their families.
AMAZING STORIES:
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Every Wednesday The Weekly Genealogist provides readers with news and information about NEHGS and the genealogical community. Features include a description of the latest database
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
on AmericanAncestors.org, a spotlight, an editor’s column, a survey question, stories of interest, and announcements about bookstore items, educational opportunities, and special offers.
MONTH BY MONTH: NOVEMBER
Nov 1 Saturday All Saints' Day -Christian
Nov 1 Saturday First Day of Native American Heritage Month Annual Monthly Observance
Nov 2 Sunday All Souls' Day -Christian
Nov 2 Sunday New York City Marathon -Sporting Event
Nov 2 Sunday Daylight Saving Time ends
Nov 4 Tuesday Election Day
Nov 4 Tuesday Election Day State Holiday -New York
Nov 4 Tuesday Election Day State Holiday -New Jersey, Virginia
Nov 10 Monday Marine Corps Birthday -Observance
Nov 10 Monday Barack Obama Day - Alabama**
Nov 11 Tuesday Veterans Day -Federal Holiday
Nov 19 Wednesday George Rogers Clark Day - Ohio
Nov 27 Thursday Thanksgiving Day -Federal Holiday
Nov 28 Friday State Holiday State Holiday -Georgia
Nov 28 Friday Presidents' Day (Observed) - New Mexico
Nov 28 Friday Lincoln's Birthday - Indiana
Nov 28 Friday Black Friday -State Holiday
Nov 28 Friday American Indian Heritage Day - Maryland
Nov 28 Friday Native American Heritage Day - Washington
Nov 29 Saturday Nellie Taylor Ross' Birthday - Wyoming
Nov 30 Sunday First Sunday of Advent - Christian
Nov 1 Saturday First Day of Native American Heritage Month Annual Monthly Observance
Nov 2 Sunday All Souls' Day -Christian
Nov 2 Sunday New York City Marathon -Sporting Event
Nov 2 Sunday Daylight Saving Time ends
Nov 4 Tuesday Election Day
Nov 4 Tuesday Election Day State Holiday -New York
Nov 4 Tuesday Election Day State Holiday -New Jersey, Virginia
Nov 10 Monday Marine Corps Birthday -Observance
Nov 10 Monday Barack Obama Day - Alabama**
Nov 11 Tuesday Veterans Day -Federal Holiday
Nov 19 Wednesday George Rogers Clark Day - Ohio
Nov 27 Thursday Thanksgiving Day -Federal Holiday
Nov 28 Friday State Holiday State Holiday -Georgia
Nov 28 Friday Presidents' Day (Observed) - New Mexico
Nov 28 Friday Lincoln's Birthday - Indiana
Nov 28 Friday Black Friday -State Holiday
Nov 28 Friday American Indian Heritage Day - Maryland
Nov 28 Friday Native American Heritage Day - Washington
Nov 29 Saturday Nellie Taylor Ross' Birthday - Wyoming
Nov 30 Sunday First Sunday of Advent - Christian
GENEALOGY GEMS
THE LONGEST BLOODLINE
The oldest verifiable, continuous bloodline is the Kong family, direct descendants of the Chinese philosopher Confucius, recognized by Guinness World Records for having the longest family tree. Guinness World Records recognizes the Kong (or Kung) family, descendants of Confucius, as having the longest continuous family tree, traced back for over 83 generations and continuously documented since the time of Confucius (551–479 BCE).
Confucius is best known for his philosophy, Confucianism, which emphasizes personal and governmental morality, social harmony, justice, sincerity, and the importance of education. His teachings, particularly those focused on ethical behavior, respect for elders and authority, and filial piety, have deeply influenced Chinese culture and governance for over two millennia, as documented in texts like The Analects.
The Japanese Imperial House is another contender for one of the oldest documented lineages, tracing its imperial line back to 660 BCE.
For the oldest family tree reconstructed through DNA evidence, a group of individuals buried in a 5,700-year-old tomb in the UK has been identified as a single extended family, though this is not a "bloodline" in the same continuous, hereditary sense.
NOTE: 'THE ANALECTS' IS FOUND AT WALMART FOR $9.97
Confucius is best known for his philosophy, Confucianism, which emphasizes personal and governmental morality, social harmony, justice, sincerity, and the importance of education. His teachings, particularly those focused on ethical behavior, respect for elders and authority, and filial piety, have deeply influenced Chinese culture and governance for over two millennia, as documented in texts like The Analects.
The Japanese Imperial House is another contender for one of the oldest documented lineages, tracing its imperial line back to 660 BCE.
For the oldest family tree reconstructed through DNA evidence, a group of individuals buried in a 5,700-year-old tomb in the UK has been identified as a single extended family, though this is not a "bloodline" in the same continuous, hereditary sense.
NOTE: 'THE ANALECTS' IS FOUND AT WALMART FOR $9.97
THE BOOK NOOK: FOR THIS MONTH
HISTORICAL, GENEALOGICAL & RESEARCH BOOKS
Confucius: The Man and the Way of Gongfu
BY PEIMIN PI
BY PEIMIN PI
Through a systematic introduction of Confucius as a historical figure, a spiritual leader, a philosopher, a political reformer, an educator, and a person, this book offers a comprehensive, lucid, and in-depth articulation of Confucius and his teachings for Western students. It explains how his ideas are different from their Western counterparts as well as challenging the orthodox Western understandings of Confucianism. The book reveals clearly how Confucius’s insights can be a rich resource for addressing contemporary problems and re-enchanting the world and the contemporary life.
FOR DECEMBER
Organizing Your Family History Search
by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
Organizing Your Family History Search
by Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
This book is EXACTLY what you should get before you really get "into" doing your genealogy research. Wish I had! Instead I found myself being overwhelmed with what I had found and my various tries at organizing it just wasn't working! I did my research and this book looked like it had the most of what I wanted. That was an understatement! I have a LOT of work to do to organize my 1+ years of research ... but this book is really helping me get my act together. One of the things I like best is she does NOT offer "THIS IS THE WAY TO DO XYZ" ... instead she offers several ways to accomplish a specific task. She also states why you might want to use one way over another and why she uses a specific one now. Well written, easy to understand. Written as if she was sitting at your kitchen table just talking to you. I highly recommend BUYING it!
As genealogists everywhere will testify, few hobbies generate more paper work than genealogy. This guide successfully tackles the process of organising family research, from filing piles of paper to streamlining the process as a whole.' ONLY $5.29 at ThriftBooks
As genealogists everywhere will testify, few hobbies generate more paper work than genealogy. This guide successfully tackles the process of organising family research, from filing piles of paper to streamlining the process as a whole.' ONLY $5.29 at ThriftBooks
LEARNING CENTER:
GENETICS 101
How DNA can answer your questions?
(click on gray titles below for more info)
Your results generally provide two main types of information:
The identification of close biological relationships is highly accurate (often over 99%). However, predictions for more distant relationships (e.g., fifth cousins or beyond) are less certain due to the random way DNA is inherited (you may not inherit enough DNA from a distant ancestor to show up as a match). Ethnicity estimates are less precise and can be influenced by the company's reference populations and historical migration patterns.
4. Can DNA testing alone build my family tree?
No. DNA testing is a powerful tool that must be combined with traditional genealogical research using historical documents like birth certificates, census records, and marriage records. DNA results provide biological evidence and new leads (like unknown cousins), which you then use traditional methods to verify and build upon.
5. What if my DNA results reveal unexpected family information?
DNA tests can sometimes uncover sensitive information, such as adoptions, non-paternity events (NPEs), or previously unknown half-siblings. It's important to be prepared for the possibility of unexpected results and approach the situation with sensitivity and care. There are support groups and resources available to help navigate these situations.
6. Can I use my results from one company with others?
Yes, most companies allow you to download your raw DNA data and upload it to other databases (like MyHeritage or GEDmatch) for free or a small fee. This is recommended to maximize your matches, as each company has a unique database of users.
(click on gray titles below for more info)
- Autosomal DNA (atDNA): Best for recent generations (within 5-7 generations), this test provides "cousin bait" and is great for finding a wide range of relatives on both your maternal and paternal sides.
- Y-DNA: Can only be taken by males, as it follows the direct paternal line through the Y-chromosome. It helps trace your direct paternal line of descent.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Follows the direct maternal line (from mother to all her children). Both males and females can take this test.
- Ethnicity estimates vs. matches: While ethnicity estimates provide a general idea of your ethnic background, the shared matches with other people are more useful for solving specific genealogical questions and relationships.
Your results generally provide two main types of information:
- Ethnicity estimates: These reports estimate the percentage of your DNA that matches reference populations from different geographic regions around the world. These estimates are fun but considered the least valuable aspect for detailed genealogy research, as they are estimates and can vary between testing companies and over time.
- DNA matches (relative finder): This is the most valuable part for genealogists. You receive a list of other people in the company's database who share DNA with you, with predictions of how you might be related (e.g., second cousin, fourth cousin). By comparing family trees and shared matches, you can identify common ancestors and make new connections.
The identification of close biological relationships is highly accurate (often over 99%). However, predictions for more distant relationships (e.g., fifth cousins or beyond) are less certain due to the random way DNA is inherited (you may not inherit enough DNA from a distant ancestor to show up as a match). Ethnicity estimates are less precise and can be influenced by the company's reference populations and historical migration patterns.
4. Can DNA testing alone build my family tree?
No. DNA testing is a powerful tool that must be combined with traditional genealogical research using historical documents like birth certificates, census records, and marriage records. DNA results provide biological evidence and new leads (like unknown cousins), which you then use traditional methods to verify and build upon.
5. What if my DNA results reveal unexpected family information?
DNA tests can sometimes uncover sensitive information, such as adoptions, non-paternity events (NPEs), or previously unknown half-siblings. It's important to be prepared for the possibility of unexpected results and approach the situation with sensitivity and care. There are support groups and resources available to help navigate these situations.
6. Can I use my results from one company with others?
Yes, most companies allow you to download your raw DNA data and upload it to other databases (like MyHeritage or GEDmatch) for free or a small fee. This is recommended to maximize your matches, as each company has a unique database of users.
LIFE IS FULL OF LAUGHS
GENEALOGY NEWS: FOR DECEMBER OR ...
WHAT MY TALK WOULD HAVE BEEN
by Debra Sheets
Genealogy questions fall
into 3 main categories:
1. Asking about family and life stories
2. Researching specific ancestor facts
(birth dates and places)
3. Critically evaluating record evidence.
*For personal interviews: focus on details like parents' occupations, family traditions, and memories of grandparents.
*For research: ask specific questions such as "When and where did my great-grandfather immigrate?" or "Did my ancestor serve in the military?".
*When examining a record: consider its source, accuracy, and how it aligns with other information you have.
Remember: Memories fail, Documents remember always!
For interviews with living relatives:
into 3 main categories:
1. Asking about family and life stories
2. Researching specific ancestor facts
(birth dates and places)
3. Critically evaluating record evidence.
*For personal interviews: focus on details like parents' occupations, family traditions, and memories of grandparents.
*For research: ask specific questions such as "When and where did my great-grandfather immigrate?" or "Did my ancestor serve in the military?".
*When examining a record: consider its source, accuracy, and how it aligns with other information you have.
Remember: Memories fail, Documents remember always!
For interviews with living relatives:
- What are some common family stories?
- Where was our family originally from?
- What did your parents and grandparents do for a living?
- What were their political and religious beliefs?
- What were your family's favorite traditions and foods?
- Do you have any favorite family photos, (and can you tell the stories behind them?)
- How were you affected by major historical events?
- When and where was my ancestor born, married, or buried?
- What was my ancestor's full name, and how was it spelled?
- Where did my ancestor immigrate from?
- Did my ancestor serve in the military or hold public office?
- What was their occupation?
- Are there other records that mention my ancestor?
- When and where was this record created?
- Who provided the information for this record?
- Is this a primary or secondary source?
- Does the information in this record contradict information in other sources?
- What information is missing from the record?
- Is the record trustworthy, or could there be errors?
NEED HELP? CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW FOR MORE INFO:
Answers to Mysteries
Genetic Genealogy has been instrumental in solving a wide array of family mysteries
...from identifying unknown parentage to breaking through "brick walls" in ancestral lines that traditional research could not penetrate. Here are 5 examples of how people have used genetic genealogy to solve these mysteries:
1. Identifying an Unknown Biological Parent or Grandparent
One of the most common applications of genetic genealogy is identifying biological parents in cases of adoption, foundlings, or unknown parentage:
Finding Birth Parents: Adoptees often use autosomal DNA testing to find close matches (siblings, first cousins). By working with a genetic genealogist, they analyze shared DNA segments and use the matches' family trees to narrow down a potential birth family, eventually identifying the biological parents. Organizations like DNA Detectives have popularized methods for this process.
The "Foundling" Mystery: A man who was abandoned as a baby and had no identifying information used DNA testing. A close cousin match helped him determine his parents' identities and connect with a large biological family he never knew he had.
2. Breaking Through Ancestral "Brick Walls"
Traditional paper-trail research often hits dead ends due to lost records, name changes, or migration patterns. DNA can provide new clues:
Confirming a Paternal Line with Y-DNA: A researcher had a long-standing "brick wall" on his direct paternal line in the 1800s, with multiple potential candidates for his ancestor's father based on location. By having several male relatives from different branches of the potential family lines take Y-DNA tests, he could compare their results to his own. Matches on the Y-chromosome confirmed a shared common ancestor, ruling out other possibilities and validating a specific lineage that was previously unprovable with documents alone.
Using Autosomal DNA for 19th Century Migration: A woman was unable to find documentation for her great-great-grandfather's parents, who seemed to appear suddenly in a specific US state. Through autosomal DNA matches, she found several distant cousins who all shared the same rare surname in a different state. By researching those shared matches, she discovered her ancestor had migrated with his family from that second state, revealing census records and wills that finally confirmed his parentage.
3. Solving Paternity and Sibling Mysteries:
DNA tests can clarify ambiguous relationships within recent generations:
Confirming Paternity: In cases where a father's identity was uncertain, DNA tests on the child and potential father (or his close relatives) can definitively confirm or deny the biological relationship, providing clarity and peace of mind.
The Case of the Secret Sibling: A man took a DNA test and found he had a full sister he never knew about, who had been placed for adoption decades earlier. Their high degree of shared DNA confirmed the full sibling relationship.
4. Identifying Victims and Historical Figures
Genetic genealogy has even been applied to historical and forensic cases:
Identifying the "Buckskin Girl": In a high-profile criminal case, advanced genetic genealogy techniques were used to identify an unknown murder victim from 1981, whose remains had gone unidentified for decades. Law enforcement used her DNA profile to find distant cousins, build a family tree, and ultimately identify her by name.
Tracing Famous Descendants: DNA has been used to confirm the remains of historical figures like King Richard III and identify descendants of historical individuals (such as the children of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson) through analysis and comparison with known descendants.
Genetic genealogy has been a game-changer, helping individuals solve personal family mysteries (like adoptions or unknown parentage) and aiding law enforcement in cracking decades-old cold cases.
Here are examples of how people have used genetic genealogy to solve these mysteries:
5. Personal Family Mysteries and Brick Walls
Finding unknown birth parents/grandparents: Many adult adoptees have used autosomal DNA testing to identify biological family members. By testing their DNA and connecting with cousins in a database, they can work backward through shared matches' family trees to find common ancestors and eventually pinpoint their birth parents. One person, for example, successfully used the DNA matches for their child (whose paternal grandfather was unknown) to build out family trees of distant cousins and identify the biological grandfather's family.
Confirming or disproving family lore: DNA testing can confirm long-held family stories or, sometimes, reveal that they are incorrect. One user learned their great-grandfather was not raised by his biological parents, and the surname they had been using since the 1830s was made up. In another case, a woman discovered her maternal line had Native American ancestry (mtDNA haplogroup A2), which she was able to trace back to her mother using an autosomal test, confirming a new branch of her heritage.
Breaking through "brick walls" in research: When traditional records (like birth certificates or census data) are missing or destroyed, DNA can provide the necessary clues. In one instance, researchers spent 20 years looking for the parents of an ancestor named Willie Mae Harris. By using DNA from her descendants and finding a match with a person who had a family tree including William E. Harris and Fredonia Aust Harris, they were able to confirm the parentage and find a photo of the couple.
Identifying unknown family members: DNA tests can reveal half-siblings or other close relatives people never knew they had, leading to new family connections and support systems.
Law Enforcement Cold Cases (Forensic Genetic Genealogy)
The "Golden State Killer" case: This is perhaps the most famous example. Investigators uploaded crime scene DNA to a public genealogy database (GEDmatch), found distant cousins of the perpetrator, and then built extensive family trees using public records to narrow down the suspects. This led to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo in 2018, who was linked to multiple murders and rapes spanning decades.
The "Boy in the Box" (Joseph Augustus Zarelli): For 65 years, the identity of a young boy found murdered in a box in Philadelphia remained a mystery. In 2022, forensic genetic genealogy was used to identify his name as 4-year-old Joseph Augustus Zarelli, providing closure to a long-standing case.
Identifying unknown victims: The non-profit DNA Doe Project uses genetic genealogy to identify unknown deceased people. They successfully identified the "Buckskin Girl," a woman found strangled in Ohio in 1981, as well as several victims in the "Bear Brook Murders" case, restoring names to the unidentified.
Solving decades-old murders: In 2019, the murder of 8-year-old April Tinsley from 1988 was solved when police identified a suspect, John D. Miller, through a distant cousin match on GEDmatch. His DNA was confirmed via a discarded item, leading to his confession.
...from identifying unknown parentage to breaking through "brick walls" in ancestral lines that traditional research could not penetrate. Here are 5 examples of how people have used genetic genealogy to solve these mysteries:
1. Identifying an Unknown Biological Parent or Grandparent
One of the most common applications of genetic genealogy is identifying biological parents in cases of adoption, foundlings, or unknown parentage:
Finding Birth Parents: Adoptees often use autosomal DNA testing to find close matches (siblings, first cousins). By working with a genetic genealogist, they analyze shared DNA segments and use the matches' family trees to narrow down a potential birth family, eventually identifying the biological parents. Organizations like DNA Detectives have popularized methods for this process.
The "Foundling" Mystery: A man who was abandoned as a baby and had no identifying information used DNA testing. A close cousin match helped him determine his parents' identities and connect with a large biological family he never knew he had.
2. Breaking Through Ancestral "Brick Walls"
Traditional paper-trail research often hits dead ends due to lost records, name changes, or migration patterns. DNA can provide new clues:
Confirming a Paternal Line with Y-DNA: A researcher had a long-standing "brick wall" on his direct paternal line in the 1800s, with multiple potential candidates for his ancestor's father based on location. By having several male relatives from different branches of the potential family lines take Y-DNA tests, he could compare their results to his own. Matches on the Y-chromosome confirmed a shared common ancestor, ruling out other possibilities and validating a specific lineage that was previously unprovable with documents alone.
Using Autosomal DNA for 19th Century Migration: A woman was unable to find documentation for her great-great-grandfather's parents, who seemed to appear suddenly in a specific US state. Through autosomal DNA matches, she found several distant cousins who all shared the same rare surname in a different state. By researching those shared matches, she discovered her ancestor had migrated with his family from that second state, revealing census records and wills that finally confirmed his parentage.
3. Solving Paternity and Sibling Mysteries:
DNA tests can clarify ambiguous relationships within recent generations:
Confirming Paternity: In cases where a father's identity was uncertain, DNA tests on the child and potential father (or his close relatives) can definitively confirm or deny the biological relationship, providing clarity and peace of mind.
The Case of the Secret Sibling: A man took a DNA test and found he had a full sister he never knew about, who had been placed for adoption decades earlier. Their high degree of shared DNA confirmed the full sibling relationship.
4. Identifying Victims and Historical Figures
Genetic genealogy has even been applied to historical and forensic cases:
Identifying the "Buckskin Girl": In a high-profile criminal case, advanced genetic genealogy techniques were used to identify an unknown murder victim from 1981, whose remains had gone unidentified for decades. Law enforcement used her DNA profile to find distant cousins, build a family tree, and ultimately identify her by name.
Tracing Famous Descendants: DNA has been used to confirm the remains of historical figures like King Richard III and identify descendants of historical individuals (such as the children of Sally Hemings and Thomas Jefferson) through analysis and comparison with known descendants.
Genetic genealogy has been a game-changer, helping individuals solve personal family mysteries (like adoptions or unknown parentage) and aiding law enforcement in cracking decades-old cold cases.
Here are examples of how people have used genetic genealogy to solve these mysteries:
5. Personal Family Mysteries and Brick Walls
Finding unknown birth parents/grandparents: Many adult adoptees have used autosomal DNA testing to identify biological family members. By testing their DNA and connecting with cousins in a database, they can work backward through shared matches' family trees to find common ancestors and eventually pinpoint their birth parents. One person, for example, successfully used the DNA matches for their child (whose paternal grandfather was unknown) to build out family trees of distant cousins and identify the biological grandfather's family.
Confirming or disproving family lore: DNA testing can confirm long-held family stories or, sometimes, reveal that they are incorrect. One user learned their great-grandfather was not raised by his biological parents, and the surname they had been using since the 1830s was made up. In another case, a woman discovered her maternal line had Native American ancestry (mtDNA haplogroup A2), which she was able to trace back to her mother using an autosomal test, confirming a new branch of her heritage.
Breaking through "brick walls" in research: When traditional records (like birth certificates or census data) are missing or destroyed, DNA can provide the necessary clues. In one instance, researchers spent 20 years looking for the parents of an ancestor named Willie Mae Harris. By using DNA from her descendants and finding a match with a person who had a family tree including William E. Harris and Fredonia Aust Harris, they were able to confirm the parentage and find a photo of the couple.
Identifying unknown family members: DNA tests can reveal half-siblings or other close relatives people never knew they had, leading to new family connections and support systems.
Law Enforcement Cold Cases (Forensic Genetic Genealogy)
The "Golden State Killer" case: This is perhaps the most famous example. Investigators uploaded crime scene DNA to a public genealogy database (GEDmatch), found distant cousins of the perpetrator, and then built extensive family trees using public records to narrow down the suspects. This led to the arrest of Joseph James DeAngelo in 2018, who was linked to multiple murders and rapes spanning decades.
The "Boy in the Box" (Joseph Augustus Zarelli): For 65 years, the identity of a young boy found murdered in a box in Philadelphia remained a mystery. In 2022, forensic genetic genealogy was used to identify his name as 4-year-old Joseph Augustus Zarelli, providing closure to a long-standing case.
Identifying unknown victims: The non-profit DNA Doe Project uses genetic genealogy to identify unknown deceased people. They successfully identified the "Buckskin Girl," a woman found strangled in Ohio in 1981, as well as several victims in the "Bear Brook Murders" case, restoring names to the unidentified.
Solving decades-old murders: In 2019, the murder of 8-year-old April Tinsley from 1988 was solved when police identified a suspect, John D. Miller, through a distant cousin match on GEDmatch. His DNA was confirmed via a discarded item, leading to his confession.
IN CASE YOU MISSED THIS....
November: “LEGACY OF THE HEART: Genealogy for your Descendants” The speaker is Janna Helshtein from Israel. A professional speaker known around the globe. This is one speaker you don’t want to miss! We spoke with her previous to her talk and BOY did we learn stuff! Notes to follow in January.
December: Sorry everyone, I am still healing and my surgeon got a little upset with me and said I was not resting enough. Truth be told, I was not. (IT’S BECAUSE REST IS JUST TOO DARN BORING!) But I did promise to take it easy for one more month.
So that’s why December was cancelled. And I hate to argue with Karen, (mostly because she’s right). Besides Karen said a lot of people are healing from previous surgery or just aren’t feeling well. So, go work on your Genealogy! We’ll catch you in January!
November: “LEGACY OF THE HEART: Genealogy for your Descendants” The speaker is Janna Helshtein from Israel. A professional speaker known around the globe. This is one speaker you don’t want to miss! We spoke with her previous to her talk and BOY did we learn stuff! Notes to follow in January.
December: Sorry everyone, I am still healing and my surgeon got a little upset with me and said I was not resting enough. Truth be told, I was not. (IT’S BECAUSE REST IS JUST TOO DARN BORING!) But I did promise to take it easy for one more month.
So that’s why December was cancelled. And I hate to argue with Karen, (mostly because she’s right). Besides Karen said a lot of people are healing from previous surgery or just aren’t feeling well. So, go work on your Genealogy! We’ll catch you in January!
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