ancestry.com migraine....

**Lyle1** · 18th April 11, 12:18 PM

Yes, there are many projects using DNA for genealogical purposes. Google the name and "DNA Project." DNA can be used to connect you to family groups, but it won't tell you who your immediate relatives are, unless the DNA information for those relatives is in the database. You can connect with other people (whose DNA is in the database) who share your DNA, but it won't tell you exactly how you are related.

Personally, I would not send a DNA sample unless you are positive that your privacy will be protected and that the sample will not be tested for anything other than genealogical matching without your expressed permission. I would also want assurances that your information will deleted from the database if you request that it be removed.

I am currently trying to read a book on DNA testing for genealogical purpose, but it is the season for gardening and some painting that my wife wants finished before expected guests arrive. I might finish the book by Christmas if we have an early fall.

**Burly Brute** · 18th April 11, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Lyle1

Yes, there are many projects using DNA for genealogical purposes. Google the name and "DNA Project." DNA can be used to connect you to family groups, but it won't tell you who your immediate relatives are, unless the DNA information for those relatives is in the database. You can connect with other people (whose DNA is in the database) who share your DNA, but it won't tell you exactly how you are related.

Personally, I would not send a DNA sample unless you are positive that your privacy will be protected and that the sample will not be tested for anything other than genealogical matching without your expressed permission. I would also want assurances that your information will deleted from the database if you request that it be removed.

I am currently trying to read a book on DNA testing for genealogical purpose, but it is the season for gardening and some painting that my wife wants finished before expected guests arrive. I might finish the book by Christmas if we have an early fall.

Are there any companies/researchers you would recommend? And this question goes out to all the rabble, I don't want to meet a clone of myself on the street years from now if I can help it! haha

**Father Bill** · 18th April 11, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

Are there any companies/researchers you would recommend? And this question goes out to all the rabble, I don't want to meet a clone of myself on the street years from now if I can help it! haha

Well . . . I guess one is "bad" enough!

**Burly Brute** · 18th April 11, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by Father Bill

Well . . . I guess one is "bad" enough!

Haha I am pretty sure that is a violation or two of the rules!

**Father Bill** · 18th April 11, 02:44 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

Haha I am pretty sure that is a violation or two of the rules!

Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa.

**Lyle1** · 18th April 11, 07:23 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

Are there any companies/researchers you would recommend? And this question goes out to all the rabble, I don't want to meet a clone of myself on the street years from now if I can help it! haha

I doubt that you'll meet a clone, but if the wrong people have access to your DNA information you might not be able to buy insurance, or get a mortgage, or even get a job that you apply for. I'm not saying that anything bad will happen, I am well aware of the possibilities.

That said, if you are really interested, start on Ancestry.com. On the Ancestry tool bar at the top of the page is a button labeled "DNA." Click to go to the page that discusses DNA in genealogy.

Good luck!

**gilmore** · 16th August 11, 08:07 PM

Originally Posted by Burly Brute

Are there any companies/researchers you would recommend? And this question goes out to all the rabble, I don't want to meet a clone of myself on the street years from now if I can help it! haha

By far the best genetic genealogy testing company is Family Tree DNA at www.familytreedna.com. They have the largest database and therefore you are more likely to get matches with them than anywhere else. Their prices are the most reasonable also. Their FAQ explains DNA tests and what it is reasonable to expect using them.

**RAF** · 6th September 11, 08:05 PM

I've been working on (my) family histories on and off since High School. More on than off the last 4-5 years. I've had a lot of luck with Ancestry.com, largely because I had a fairly decent foundation of information from grandparents and a great great aunt who herself, was a family history buff. It's definitely a good idea to contact relatives far and near who could give some insight. Always try to cross reference "facts" given from various sources. Especially when from oral or remembered histories. More than once I've received "hints" on Ancestry.com where the supposed mother of the person I was researching was born after her child. So carefully reading over the information can take time. I find it helpful to work on one small branch at a time. And take breaks from the research and then go back to it days (or weeks) later with new eyes. Good luck with the search and the journey. And, yes, Genealogy can be very addictive. Enjoy it!

**flyrod6057** · 6th September 11, 09:02 PM

My mother has been cruising her way through ancestry.com for he past few years. Since she retired, she's dedicated herself to it almost full time. She's traced branches back to the 1200's and possibly further. Additionally, she's managed to contact a bunch of distant relatives and corroborate her information. Thus, while I knew for years that we were McFaddens, I was surprised to find that we were also MacDonnells, Stewarts, and Bruces. Pretty cool...

That brings up an interesting question: what clan do you claim when your family history goes back 25 generations through at least 4 clans??