So, you’ve taken one of these… And, you got back your results that look something like this… What do you do with it now that you have it? I was roaming around the internet this week looking for information on autosomal DNA. I came across the Wheaton Surname Resources websites. Here I found the free…
The Danger of Surname Research with Portuguese Ancestry
From time to time, I get asked whether I have a connection with someone. It usually goes like this: “I have Pacheco’s too. We must be related!” In the beginning, when we are naive, we don’t fully grasp how many different families there really are. Just because there is a similar surname doesn’t mean there…
52 Ancestors Week 15: The Curious Spelling of Jozimas
Onward to week 15 of the 52 Ancestors in 52 Weeks Challenge. This week is all about spelling. The question was posed as thus: How Do You Spell That? What ancestor do you imagine was frequently asked that? Which ancestor did you have a hard time finding because of an unusual name? Picture if you…
Organizing My DNA Results
As those who read this blog regularly know, I had an autosomal DNA test done in July 2014. Since then, I have played with my results many times. I’ve written many emails to possible new cousins. But, I haven’t really been able to deal with the enormity of the data and how to organize it…
Figuring Out a DNA Relationship with Research
Last month, I contacted a person who came up on my FTDNA match list. FTDNA suggested them as a 2nd to 4th cousin match. The person’s name was not familiar to me and they did not post a family tree. I contacted them but as of today I received no response. Last night, I decided…




