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Genetic Genealogy, Historic Figures and Your DNA

The world of genealogy is filled with family history stories connecting us to famous ancestors. After all, who wouldn’t want to include a celebrated historical figure in their family tree?

What if DNA testing could add fact to family fiction?

Recently I ran across a few websites that offered DNA testing for the purpose of matching clients DNA to that of famous historical figures. While I understand the allure of such testing, I have to admit that the skeptic in me was rather doubtful.

Among the historical figures listed were:

• King Tut
• Napolean Bonaparte
• Marie Antoinette
• Jesse James
• Genghis Khan
• Zar Nicholas Romanov
• Sven II Estridsen (Viking King of Denmark)
• Luke the Evangelist
• Petrarca  (Italian Poet)
• Thomas Jefferson – Sally Hemmings

 

How it Works

In the case of some of the notables listed above, DNA samples have been gathered through various methods.

For instance, Marie Antoinette’s DNA was extracted from a lock of her hair and remains of one of her children. Jesse James DNA came from hair and bone fragments collected after an exhumation of his body.  The DNA samples used for comparing DNA profiles with Napolean Bonaparte and Thomas Jefferson came from known descendants of these legendary figures.

So, how can they tell if you are a descendant of Genghis Khan, or ancient Irish and Scottish kings? The process of determining this comes from testing (on a very broad scale) to determine matches – or at the least – strong associations among DNA signatures and surnames. For example in the case of ancient Irish king, Nial of the Nine Hostages, geneticists studied 17 STR markers on the Y-chromosomes of a broad selection of Irish men. What they found was a connection between the DNA signature and several surnames.

Using DNA to establish your relationship to a famous historical figure works best in a controlled setting such as a one-name study. A good example of this is a study that already has a sample of DNA belonging to someone with a solid paper trail…AKA…a known descendant.

While these sites claim that they can match clients with historical figures, in most cases, they can only determine the likelihood of a relationship or tell if you share a common ancestor. The truth is that while genetic genealogy is a great tool…you will also need to do things the old-fashioned way and establish a paper trail.

Family Tree: New Genealogy Spoof by HBO

Genealogy buffs and family history fanatics are going to want to tune in to HBO’s upcoming new series spotlighting our favorite pastime.

The new series aptly named Family Tree is the latest project from screenwriter-director Christopher Guest (Best in Show, Waiting for Guffman and a Mighty Wind).

 

 

The story centers on the character of Tom Chadwick. A man who after losing both his job and his girlfriend receives a mysterious box from an equally mysterious great aunt: the box containing curious stories starts Chadwick on a quest to research his family tree.

Cast of characters include:

Tom Chadwick:  Chris O’Dowd (“Bridesmaids”)

Tom’s father, Keith:  Michael McKean (Hairspray, The Homecoming)

Uncle Andy:  Ed Begley Jr. (November at the Mark Taper Forum, “St. Elsewhere”)

Andy’s neighbor:  Fred Willard (“Anchorman”)

A friend of Tom’s cousin:  Don Lake (“Return to Me”)

HBO has ordered eight episodes of the mockumentary style British comedy, which will air in 30-minute episodes on BBC 2. No word yet on when the series will begin.

 

Genealogy and Disasters

It may very well be the desire to know who we are and where we come from that leads us into family tree research…but it is often the family history stories that keep us going.

The clues we find in the written record such as an accidental or unusual cause of death can take us on a journey into the past: a journey that sometimes concludes in the discovery of an ancestor’s tragic end.

 

Such was the case with Clara Rawson whose 1908 death certificate stated the cause of death as “burnt in fire in Fernie”.  A little digging through newspaper archives revealed that in August of 1908 there occurred a forest fire of epic proportions.  The 1908 fire that killed Clara blazed hundreds of miles down a valley wiping out several communities and resulted in over 600 deaths.

Gendisasters.com

If you find hints that your ancestors perished from a disaster such as a fire, flue epidemic, earthquake, mine explosion, tornado, train wreck or landslide…not to mention a more famous one such as the sinking of the Titanic: Gendisasters.com is a site you will want to visit ASAP.

Gendisasters is a genealogy site dedicated to recording and publishing information involving histories disasters both natural and man made. The site allows family history hunters to search through their database by:

• Year (1755-2011)
• Location (within Canada and the US)
• Disaster

Finding Ancestors

The depth of the genealogical information included on the site ranges from sparse to quite rich in detail. For example, information on the 1903 landslide in Frank, Alberta, Canada gave the names of 55 victims along with occupation and in some cases family information. Such is the case with WILLIAM WARRINGTON, a miner whose wife and six children also perished in the disaster.

The site also contains newspaper stories of accidental deaths that are a little out of the ordinary such as:

• The tragic death of two young boys in Rosier Mo, who were attacked and eaten by wolves in 1898

• The Powell, WY man who was attacked and killed by a buck sheep (Ram) in 1929

• The boy from Arlington, MN who perished when a tombstone fell on him during a grave decorating party

• The 1920 death of two men who were killed by an elevator that fell 10 stories

If you find an unusual cause of death for one of your ancestors, Gendisaster may be the ideal site for you to flesh out the details of the event.  Best of all…this genealogy site  is free!

Genealogy Just Got Easier

If you have been keeping your eye on MyHeritage.com, you already know that genealogy just got a little easier.

Why?

Because MyHeritage has an amazing new software that can help you find ancestors while you sleep.

 

 

The new software called Record Matching is constantly working to compare every individual entered in a family tree on their site to over 4 billion historical records. For users of My Heritage, Record Match will notify you when it has found matching documents such as:

• Birth, Marriage or Death documents
• Census records
• A tombstone photo
• A newspaper article
• Books

All of this information is found automatically using semantic analysis…and…it is in addition to the automatic matching that checks for your ancestors in other user’s family trees.

Family Tree Tools

Possibly the most phenomenal thing about this search software is…not only does it match Robert & Bob it can actually translate languages to find matches. Each match found comes with a confidence score using a star system so you can check out the most likely matches first, which is  huge time saver.

Another little tool that family history hunters are going to love is the option to confirm or reject a match. However, one word of caution here, if you do find a match you will have to manually transfer the data y to your family tree and create your source citation to go with it. 

The Price of an Ancestor

By now, you are probably wandering how much this is going to cost. Well here is a little good news – bad news. First, the good news; the Record Match feature is free to users with one or more family trees on my heritage. What this means is that you will be automatically notified of matches and given a short transcript or extract of the matching record. The bad news…viewing the full record or document requires a subscription. However, you do have a pay as you go option if you do not want to purchase a full subscription.

Visit MyHeritage Record Matches to find out more about this cool genealogy tool…but before you go, make sure you are ready with some genealogybeginner.com Family Tree Charts and Research tracking forms: available with your 30-day free trial.

Will Genealogy Solve the Mystery of Richard III?

This week a team of archeologists from the University of Leicester discovered what may be the remains of Richard III, the last of the Plantagenet kings.

Trails of clues gleaned from medieval documents lead them to a car park in Leicester once thought  to be the choir area of Grey Friars Church: where the English king was purportedly buried. Here the archeologists unearthed the remains of a man in what appears to be a high status burial.

 

The team will attempt to positively identify the remains using a combination of documented evidence describing Richard III, genealogy and DNA testing.

 

 Why do they believe this could be Richard III?

The skeletal remains appear to be in line with contemporary descriptions of both Richard’s physical characteristics and accounts of injuries at his death in the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

University of Leicester director of corporate affairs, Richard Taylor stated that the remains show signs of the spinal deformity Scoliosis. This is consistent with a physical description of the king from Sir Thomas More’s “History of King Richard the Third” which reads:

 little of stature, ill fetured of limmes, croke backed, his left shoulder much higher then his right,

 Additionally, historical accounts of Richard’s injuries at death from manuscripts and chronicles provide at least circumstantial evidence that the body may indeed be that of the king.

 

 Genealogy to the Rescue

Without the help of genealogy and the technology of DNA testing this discovery would likely remain in the realm of speculation for generations to come. However, the Richard III Society claims an ancestor has been identified.

Micheal Isben of London, the apparent 17^th great grand nephew of the infamous king has consented to provide a sample of DNA. Ibsen’s relationship to Richard III is through his mother, a descendant of the kings sister Anne. To solve the mystery, geneticists from the Leicester University will attempt to extract a sample of mitochondrial DNA From the skeletal remains and compare them to Isben’s mtDNA.

Of course, this is all dependent upon how reliable the genealogical records are for Isben’s Family Tree.

Hispanic Heritage Month

September 15 marks the start of Hispanic Heritage Month. A month long celebration of Hispanic culture that recognizes the role Hispanic Americans played in the forming of North America.

From Columbus’s discovery of the “New World” under the patronage of Spanish monarchs to the earliest continuous North American settlement in St. Augustine, Florida. Hispanic people have played an important part in the shaping of a nation.

 

Hispanic Heritage Month began, as a week long celebration first made official by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968.  In 1988, President Ronald Reagan expanded it to a month long salute beginning on 15 September and running through to 15 October.

Today, an estimated 14% of US citizens claim Hispanic roots. That adds up to approximately 42.7 million Americans with a heritage that can be traced back to Mexico, Spain, the Caribbean and both Central and South America.

For genealogy beginners with an interest in learning more about their Spanish American ancestry here are a few great places for you to begin climbing the branches of your family tree.

Spanish American Genealogical Association (SAGA)

Founded in April 1987, SAGA is a non-profit organization interested in collecting, researching, indexing and digitizing genealogical resources related to the earliest Spanish and Mexican settlers in Texas.

Hispanic Genealogy Facebook Page

A fantastic page where you can go to ask questions related to Hispanic genealogy.

FamilySearch.org

Family Search has a total of 174 collections related to Hispanic Genealogy including Catholic Church records, Census, Civil Registrations and Immigration, in addition to some very early birth, baptism, marriage and death records.

Celebrations

If you want to get in on some of the Hispanic Heritage events this month, visit the Library of Congress site where you can start your celebrations with Family Day: Central American Traditions at the American History Museum, Smithsonian Institution: which promises to be a day filled with music, dance and art.

While you are there spend a little time learning about the culture-hero and deity, Quetzalcoatl, Hispanic American war veterans  and Hispanic genealogy. All part of this month’s special exhibits and collections.

Do Genealogy Specific Search Engines Simplify Your Family Tree Research?

 Have you ever wished for a genealogy exclusive search engine that could:

Organize and simplify your family tree research?
Cut out all of the garbage returns and zero in on your specific search criteria?
Do it FAST and FREE

 

A search engine like this is on the top of my family history wish list and while  it seems that every other genealogy search engine I come across is making claims that their tools use the ultimate in “Intelligent Search” or “Smart Technology”:  I have yet to find one that fulfills all promises made.

In reality, what I have found is that most sites that make these claims simply redirect you to the major known genealogy sites or query boards.

While Mocavo comes close and Google does an excellent job with the right search terms   the best strategy is simply gather up your family tree templates and go straight to a reputable record source such as Family Search, Ancestry.com or the archive/repository for the area you are searching.

In fact, if your search is geography specific it may be more worth your time and money to join the family history society that covers your specific location.

Finding the all the time you want to spend researching your family tree can be hard enough without wasting it on useless searches that yield few results.

Medieval Scottish Roots

If you are ready to start digging for ancestors that go way-way back …all the way, back to medieval times on the British Isles.

 Here is a website that you should put at the top of your family history list.

 

 

 

People of Medieval Scotland is an amazing database containing 8600 records. This database consists of all known people of Scotland from 1093 to 1314 and it is the culmination of two projects funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

The Projects

The Paradox of Medieval Scotland is a study of the social relationships before the wars of independence. This will be riveting for those who have traced their British ancestry back to Anglo-Norman origins. The information drawn from over 6000 charters provides biographical data for all known Scottish peoples between 1093 and 1286.

The Breaking of Britain is concerned with the period extending from Alexander II’s attempted revival to the abolition of cross border, land holding by Robert the Bruce.

The Database

The database as a whole is a collection of information on every known individual mentioned in documents relation to Scotland between the death of Malcolm III in 1093 to Robert the First’s parliament in Cambuskenneth in 1314. What makes this database so special is that it is based on the relationships between the people named in the documents.

The next feature that separates this database from so many others is the database tutorial, which makes navigating it easy…even for a genealogy beginner. Searching the database can be done using a broad base of criteria such as Institutions, factoids, people, sources, relationships, transactions and terms of tenure.

For example, a search for the surname Sinclair under the “Factoid” search returns a list of Sinclair’s by name ranging from 1093-1314. Clicking on one these will bring up a pop up box that gives you a short biography and an option to view the full record.  Choosing to view the full record will move you to page with a total number of associated factoids such as:

Transaction factoids: Lists transactions such as gifts of land, general correspondence, oaths of fealty and much more

Relationship Factoids: Names relationships connected to the individual, for instance both familial and guardianships

Title Factoids: Lists all titles and offices held by the individual

Witness Factoids: Documents on which the individual is listed as a witness

 Family Tree

After browsing through the available documents users also have the option of looking at the listed family tree for the individual. Under my Sinclair search, I found the family tree for the line on a tab at the top of the page. Clicking on this menu item the family tree listed three trees in which this individual could be found: Scottish Royal Family, Earl David descendants, English royal family and Manx royal family.

Although the database covers all territory, which was to become part of Scotland prior to the death of Alexander III, those looking for specific genealogy information on individuals from Orkney or Shetland will be disappointed if they try a geographic search, However if you know who your ancestors are from those areas there certainly is a great deal of information included.

The last two points that should convince you to put this site in your favorites is that the database is free and there is no need to register to use it.

Before you head off to visit this amazing website, be sure to download your free Family Tree Charts, available with your 30-day free trial membership to genealogybeginnner.com.

 

 

Volunteers Needed at FamilySearch

FamilySearch is in the news again with a new project that promises to be one of the most exciting yet for genealogy beginners.

 

 

 

 

The new project focus is to index U.S. Immigration and Naturalization records as well as passenger lists, border crossing records and passports. The ultimate objective to indexing these records is to make them freely available for family tree enthusiasts looking for their immigrant ancestors.

The variety of information family history hunters can hope to discover from these records includes:

• Ancestor’s Names
• Names of Family or Friends they traveled with
• Place of birth
• Date of immigration
• Date and location of naturalization
• Port of origin
• Port of entry
• Name of ship

To reach this goal FamilySearch is once again inviting the genealogy community to join in and help with the indexing. You do not have to be a professional genealogist, in fact, all you need to do if you would like to become a volunteer on this project is register, sign in and download the indexing software.

To find out more details visit https://www.familysearch.org/us-immigration-naturalization/?icid=fsHomeUSImmNatTxt

Family Search adds even more New Records for 2012

With the 1940s, Census indexing project finished you might think the team at FamilySearch.org would want to take a little rest.  They certainly deserve one!

Instead, they are still busy adding new records and updates.

For the month of August 2012, they have added 50 sets of new records and updates covering North America, South America, Great Britain, Europe and more.

 

Among the new additions are court papers, cemetery transcriptions, obituaries, immigration information, probate records, passenger lists, mortality schedules, civil war records, census and civil registrations as well as marriage, birth, baptism and death records.

Here is a list of new records thus far this month:

New Additions and Updates at Family Search: August 2012	Images Included	Date Added
Alabama, Jefferson County Circuit Court Papers, 1870-1916	YES	14 Aug 2012
Alabama, Sumter County Circuit Court Files, 1840-1950	YES	20 Aug 2012
California, San Mateo County Records, 1855-1991	YES	14 Aug 2012
Idaho, Obituaries, 2007	YES	14 Aug 2012
Illinois, Cemetery Transcriptions, 1853-2009	YES	14 Aug 2012
Illinois, County Naturalization Records, 1800-1962	YES	7 Aug 2012
Indiana, Marriages, 1811-1959	NO	16 Aug 2012
Kentucky, Probate Records, 1792-1977	NO	17 Aug 2012
Maine, County Naturalization Records, 1800-1990	YES	10 Aug 2012
Maryland, Probate Estate and Guardianship Files, 1796-1940	NO	15 Aug 2012
Montana, Yellowstone County Records, 1881-2011	YES	16 Aug 2012
New Hampshire, County Naturalization Records, 1771-2001	YES	15 Aug 2012
New Jersey, Probate Records, 1678-1980	YES	15 Aug 2012
New York, New York Passenger and Crew Lists, 1925-1942	YES	22 Aug 2012
Ohio, Births and Christenings, 1821-1962	NO	24 Aug 2012
Ohio, County Births, 1856-1909	NO	24 Aug 2012
Ohio, County Marriages, 1789-1994	NO	16 Aug 2012
Ohio, Jefferson County Court Records, 1797-1940	YES	23 Aug 2012
North Carolina, Estate Files, 1663-1979	NO	2 Aug 2012
Texas, Deaths (New Index, New Images), 1890-1976	NO	11 Aug 2012
Texas, Deaths, 1977-1986	NO	21 Aug 2012
United States Census (Mortality Schedule), 1850	NO	23 Aug 2012
United States Census, 1850	NO	23 Aug 2012
United States Census, 1940	NO	18 Aug 2012
United States Social Security Death Index	NO	17 Aug 2012
United States, Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files	NO	15 Aug 2012
United States, World War One Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918	NO	8 Aug 2012
Quebec Notarial Records, 1800-1900	YES	22 Aug 2012
South America
Chile, Santiago, Cementerio General, 1821-2011	YES	15 Aug 2012
Mexico, Baptisms, 1560-1950	NO	24 Aug 2012
Mexico, Marriages, 1570-1950	NO	24 Aug 2012
Peru, Amazonas, Civil Registration, 1939-1995	YES	20 Aug 2012
Peru, La Libertad, Civil Registration, 1903-1998	YES	15 Aug 2012
Peru, Lima, Civil Registration, 1874-1996	NO	21 Aug 2012
Philippines, Civil Registration (Archives Division), 1902-1945	YES	14 Aug 2012
Portugal, Braga, Catholic Church Records, 1530-1911	YES	21 Aug 2012
Portugal, Castelo Branco, Catholic Church Records, 1714-1911	YES	15 Aug 2012
Portugal, Viseu, Catholic Church Records, 1523-1989	YES	21 Aug 2012
Eastern Europe
Czech Republic, Land Records, 1450-1889	YES	15 Aug 2012
Hungary, Civil Registration, 1895-1980	YES	9 Aug 2012
Poland, Roman Catholic Church Books, 1600-1950	NO	24 Aug 2012
Western Europe
Italy, Torino, Civil Registration (State Archive), 1802-1813	YES	6 Aug 2012
Italy, Vicenza, Casoni, Parocchia di San Rocco, Catholic Church Records, 1597-1941	YES	17 Aug 2012
Spain, Consular Records of Emigrants, 1808-1960	YES	6 Aug 2012
Spain, Cádiz, Civil Registration Records, 1870-1960	YES	20 Aug 2012
Spain, Province of Barcelona, Municipal Records, 1583-1902	YES	22 Aug 2012
Sweden, Södermanland Church Records, 1604-1900; index 1640-1860	NO	2 Aug 2012
Great Britain
England, Northumberland, Miscellaneous Records,1570-2005	YES	15 Aug 2012
Great Britain, Births and Baptisms, 1571-1977	NO	21 Aug 2012
Australia & New Zealand
New Zealand, Probate Records, 1878-1960	YES	14 Aug 2012

 

Before you dive into all of these new family history records make sure you are prepared to record all of the new information.  On your free Research Tracking Forms and Family Tree Charts: available with your 30-Day FREE TRIAL MEMBERSHIP to Genealogy Beginner.

 

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