DearREADERS,Ol' Myrt's recent public post to Facebook friends includes "I'm just about ready to hire a professional to decipher my AncestryDNA and FTDNA results and assist in my understanding what to do next." (sigh) Never would I have dreamed so many others feel the same way.
From the ensuing conversation, Angie Bush writes "DNA is just another complex source like land records or probate records. Judy G. Russell has written two excellent posts about using DNA as a source in our research. The same principles apply in using DNA - ask a focused research question - then apply the GPS [Genealogical Proof Standard] to that question."
I believe that failing the time or opportunity to study a specific topic in any field of study, it's worthwhile to pay an expert to either do the work for me or to mentor me in future research.
Before we go into details, a few definitions and links are appropriate:
- AncestryDNA - (testing service) www,ancestry.com/DNA
- FTDNA - (testing service) www.familytreedna.com
- yDNA - DNA inherited from one's father http://www.isogg.org/wiki/YDNA
- mtDNA - (mitochondrial DNA) inherited from one's mother http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Mitochondrial_DNA
- atDNA - (autosomal DNA) http://www.isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA
- 23andMe - (testing service) https://www.23andme.com
What follows is a partial transcript of responses to date.
Angie Bush Let me know if there is something I can help you with. Luana Darby is getting pretty good with these things, too.
Susan Clark Huge learning curve on the DNA testing, but I found it began to make sense the more I worked on it. I did actually hire someone to help me with interpret my aunt's results because they were not what I expected.
Harold McClendon Jr To me there is no reason for DNA to be complicated unless you are primarily interested in the science. All DNA does for me is to tell me that I am related to another individual. No matter how closely matched you are you must have the genealogy research to determine exactly how you are related. Without the genealogy research, DNA results are of little value.
Pat Richley-Erickson I hear you Harold and couldn't agree more. I have probably done pretty well in the genealogy department, but haven't yet attended DNA institute courses.
Judy G. Russell But Harold,
you *do* need to understand a little bit of the science to be able to
discern where in your family tree the intersect is for you and your
match. It's not exactly nuclear physics, no, but it's not Isaac Newton
sitting under the apple tree waiting for gravity to drop it into our
laps either.
Michele Simmons Lewis I have been watching the videos from the 2014 International Genetic Genealogy Conference. There is just so much to learn!
Pat Richley-Erickson Judy's right. Getting tested was the easy part. Now to figure out priorities for who to test next and understand why. I think it may be my brother Mike and my half brother Dave, and my Dad's brother Jack - to pull in the yDNA
Angie Bush You
only need to do one Y-DNA test for your paternal side. I would do atDNA
testing on your uncle, then half brother, then full-brother.
There is currently a paper in process in which the authors demonstrate reconstruction of pedigrees for over 1800 individuals with nothing other than genetic information - no traditional genealogy involved. Additionally, I believe there will come a time that we will be able to identify certain individuals by their DNA only, as there isn't a paper record to identify them by. Blaine T. Bettinger has written about this here: Genetic Genealogy in 2050 (or Maybe 2015?) - The Genetic Genealogist
There is currently a paper in process in which the authors demonstrate reconstruction of pedigrees for over 1800 individuals with nothing other than genetic information - no traditional genealogy involved. Additionally, I believe there will come a time that we will be able to identify certain individuals by their DNA only, as there isn't a paper record to identify them by. Blaine T. Bettinger has written about this here: Genetic Genealogy in 2050 (or Maybe 2015?) - The Genetic Genealogist
Pat Richley-Erickson Funny thing. My father, a physician, warned me not to get my DNA tested. Wonder what story went with him to the grave?
Diane MacLean Boumenot I'm
with you, Pat (in fact very relieved to see you say that). But maybe
it's like genealogy itself, confusing at first, and a lot more of a
learning curve than a person would think - and, the more you know, the
more you realize you don't know. I would ALWAYS love some help from
someone more knowledgeable, but I don't regret learning to do things
myself. Hopefully DNA will be the same.
Debra Anderson I
have heard that some DNA testing can only go so far and it can't take
us back to the early 1800 or even 1700's how would we be able to find
all of that out. I have only sisters, my father i don't talk with, my
mom is dead and so is my grandfather. My aunt and uncle on my mom's
side are very far from me and we really don't talk. any suggestions on
that matter.
Debra Anderson I agree that as it goes on and more people are doing it the easier it will become to read and understand.
Pat Richley-Erickson After following the DNA research story unfold on Michael D Lacopo's blog, I'm not so shy to just ask in a matter of fact way. [See Michael's recent post titled Hoosier Daddy? Soliciting DNA from Strangers.]
Angie Bush Using
DNA for genealogy is just like most things in genealogy - best to start
with yourself and work your way back. If I were in your shoes, Debra
(and I nearly am - with sisters and father that doesn't speak to me), I
would test myself with AncestryDNA,
transfer the raw data to Family Tree DNA and then test with 23andMe.
Next, I would look for a male cousin that might be willing to do a Y-DNA
test for the surname lines I'm interested in. After getting a handle on
that information, I'd expand my circle of people to test based on my
specific genealogy questions.
Lauren Maehrlein Years
ago we had my husband's uncle tested. He was the last of the line for
that family name and I wanted to see if I could hook in to one of the
Connecticut Chapman lines. Well, eight years later I'm still waiting for
my first close match. While we
waited I told Uncle Jack that we hadn't gotten any positive results. He
was quite upset for a while until I explained that it didn't mean his
father wasn't actually his father. This got me thinking that maybe
your dad didn't want you to uncover a family secret???
Pat Richley-Erickson Lauren Maehrlein, we just never know. But my family is my family, no matter what.
Susan K Howard Like
Michele Simmons Lewis, I also have been watching the videos from
Genetic Genealogy Ireland 2014, recently held in Dublin. Lots of good
info. Here's a link to one. There were 14 sessions posted at last count. [See] Emily Aulicino - Who’s Your Cousin? atDNA Knows!
Georgia Genealogist Pat,
I find DNA chromosome mapping even more addictive than traditional
genealogy research. When you find the first common ancestor with a match
through mapping, well, you're doomed. It just goes on and on and on and
on... I never knew I'd enjoy science so much!
Lauren Maehrlein That's right Pat Richley-Erickson. We genealogists revel in the "surprises" that might horrify others!
Debra Anderson I
agree that a family secret may or may not be hiding in the closet.
However, i have to admit that family isn't just bio it is who you decide
to have as a family.
Susan K Howard I
agree, it is a bit overwhelming, even for me who was a biology major
long ago. I think I understand most of the science but, like you, don't
know how to approach, the steps I should take and in which order. I am
also overwhelmed with the number of "matches" on the atDNA tests I've
taken. Have found a few "for real" cousins, though.
Georgia Genealogist I'm
partial to chromosome mapping, and I don't believe we can fully
understand how important a tool DNA can be until we actually *see* the
matches with overlapping HIRs. When I was able to visualize the matches,
it made more sense to me.
Debra Anderson I
think that with my family if the cost wasn't so out there. they would
probably do it with no problem. but since most are on a fixed income $99
or even $50 is a lot to them. maybe in time the cost will come down.
hopefully before they pass. LOL. Thanks for all the input everyone.
Susan K Howard BTW,
I firmly believe there is money to be made for anyone who can develop
software tools to decipher DNA test results. There is a definite lack
of products in that area. I cannot tell you the number of people I have
talked to who have had various DNA
tests and have no idea what to do with the results. (Or the number of
people who have asked me "What's the best DNA test for me to take?"
without having a real problem or question that can be solved by DNA
testing.)
Pat Richley-Erickson Debra, I figure I'll be paying for the tests, but either way, I don't want to spend $$$ for the "wrong" tests.
Debra Anderson that
is all true. we need something that we can attach to our computers,
and the cost need to come down. because if you get the wrong test you
have wasted a lot of money.
Georgia Genealogist Pat, this graphic on Roberta Estes'
DNA Explained site is a great way to understand how DNA is inherited and
about types of DNA tests. Y-DNA is inherited through the blue lineages,
mtDNA through the red lineages, and atDNA is red, white, and blue. X has
a different inheritance pattern, but there are worksheets available on Blaine T. Bettinger's site to help us determine which families are included in our X matches. 4 Kinds of DNA for Genetic Genealogy
Jenny Lanctot This
exact topic is on my to-do list for after the first of the year. I'm
getting a TON of mtDNA results from FTDNA, but they all seem to say the
same thing ... 그것은 나에게 모든 그리스어
So ... yeah.
So ... yeah.
Angie Bush Pat Richley-Erickson
- I am doing a couple of presentations at the Riverton FHC on November
15th. They will be pretty basic and I plan to include a lot of genealogy
in the presentation.
Pat Richley-Erickson Thank you Angie Bush. I still will be hiring someone. I think an HOA series analyzing my results might be a good idea to push my dear readers into the world of DNA. I think many are too shy to get their feet wet. (Like me.)
I believe in hiring professionals to fill in the gaps. I don't know what I don't know.
Shelley Murphy I think that is a good idea, I think I will do the same. But how are you selecting who to hire...what are your standards etc.
Deborah Lord Campisano Pat Richley-Erickson I can recommend a good one--just attended a 3+ hour DNA workshop she presented here in Louisville. Debra Smith Renard of Eureka! Genealogy.
Pat Richley-Erickson Shelley, one criteria is to locate a DNA specialist that isn't employed by a specific DNA company. I don't want a conflict of interest to arise.
Pat Richley-Erickson A second criteria is that the person understand sound genealogy research principles.
Angie Bush Genetic
counselors deal with inherited genetic traits and possible medical
implications. Most of them are not genealogists, and you need to be
referred to one through your health insurance or doctor.
Pat Richley-Erickson I'd like to transfer this post to my blog, and wonder if anyone in this public forum objects to that. It's just that Facebook does such a good job of losing things, and I think the questions raised in this discussion would help my dear readers.
Colleen Method The
ones I've been around - do medical genealogy research and most of them
are not bad at determining these things. Also, figure out just what you
need to know directly. Do not just walk in and ask for the everything
under the sun about the DNA results. Had my DNA tested and the results
were read by my Doctor. Yes, he is into genealogy too.
Pat Richley-Erickson The honest truth? I don't have genetic health issues. My father kept tabs on that for us. Another honest truth? I don't know the right questions to ask a genealogy-focused DNA professional.
Colleen Method Just a final note - I liked this article on the subject. Very interesting - How to Use DNA Testing for Genealogy.
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| IMAGE: http://people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/genealogy/use-dna-testing-genealogy-research.htm |
Angie Bush DNA is just another complex source like land records or probate records. Judy G. Russell has written two excellent posts about using DNA as a source in our research. The same principles apply in using DNA - ask a focused research question - then apply the GPS [Genealogical Proof Standard] to that question.
See: DNA and the GPS.
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| IMAGE: http://www.legalgenealogist.com/.../10/26/dna-and-the-gps-2/ |
Sherry Hall One challenge our family is facing is "adoptees." It's not a as easy when genealogy is unknown.
Fiona Tellesson That's how I got started...my brother was born a hemophiliac, with no history of it in the family. Genetics fascinate me!!!
Sharon Varnum Sergeant Pat,
I am also following the DNA pioneers, but so far I find that
interpreting the results and planning next steps mirrors what we have to
learn in the paper records and GPS -"It depends." LOL Tom Jones:)
Wendy Grant Walter I
just asked a cousin last night if she would be tested. I expected her
to say no but she had no hesitation and said she didn't even need to be
anonymous!
Happy family tree climbing!
Myrt :)
DearMYRTLE,
Your friend in genealogy.
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Pat,
ReplyDeleteI want to let you know that your blog post is listed in today's Fab Finds post at http://janasgenealogyandfamilyhistory.blogspot.com/2014/11/follow-friday-fab-finds-for-november-14.html
Have a great weekend!
THANKS for the shout-out, Jana. I hope to resolve these issues over the next few months. :)
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