A Fresh Look At DNA For Genealogy: Re-Discovering The Lost

#TwiceRemoved

Expert genetic genealogist, Michelle Leonard (Genes & Genealogy) shares amazing DNA discoveries and family history stories. From identifying the bodies of WWI soldiers to personal feelings on a grandmother that died tragically young. Michelle's stories give a fresh perspective on using DNA for family history.

Resources:

• Support the podcast & buy me a cup of coffee Ko-fi.com/genealogystories
• www.genealogystories.co.uk/a-fresh-look-at-dna-for-genealogy
• https://www.facebook.com/genesandgenealogy

Podcast Notes:

[00:35] I ask Michelle what got her started with tracing her family history

Michelle explains how she lost her grandparents before she was born or during her infancy. She grew up listening to stories about these people she could never meet.

[01:58] Michelle tells us about an incredible discovery of forgotten photographs and her uncanny resemblance to an ancestor.

We talk about the importance of photographs and memorabilia.

[06:00] What led you to using DNA for genealogy?

Michelle explains her work on a WWI genealogy project, trying to identify the bodies within a mass grave. She explains how different combinations of historical research techniques worked together to try to identify the soldiers.

[10:25] Michelle shares how she learnt about DNA through using it in earnest. Including, Y-DNA and mitrochrondial DNA.

[14:20] I explain the things that I found most difficult when I started using DNA to investigate my family tree.

Michelle re-iterates the importance of continually re-reading or re-watching information about DNA and continually using it in practice.

[17:14] Michelle talks about the soldiers that haven't yet been identified and the on-going work to ID them.

[18:07] I share a WWI story about a Pither family that I discovered and the need I felt to lay them to rest.

[20:00] Michelle shares some of the stories she discovered about WWI soldiers. She explains the joy of finding descendants of these very young men that, in some cases, had been forgotten.

[21:50] I ask Michelle about her heritage and Michelle shares her Scottish and Irish roots.

[23:00] How has DNA helped you with your family tree?

Michelle explains some of the ways in which DNA has helped her to trace her family tree, including identifying where in Ireland her family originated from.

[26:08] I explain a "mis-attributed" parental event that I discovered upon my Nan doing her DNA test.

We discuss the importance of talking to your family members and sharing your discoveries.

[29:44] I ask Michelle about some of her more surprising DNA finds

Michelle shares some of her favourite finds, such as an adoptee within her own tree.

[34:22] I explain how I've used DNA to break down walls caused by illegitimate ancestors.

Michelle explains the importance of testing as many descendants as possible and of "fishing in all the ponds" for DNA matches.

[36:50] We talk about how interconnected our ancestors were, endogamy and pedigree collapse.

[38:47] Have you ever worked with a DNA client and had a "Danny Dyer" moment (i.e. discovered a connection to someone royal or famous)?

Michelle shares a story of a unexpected link to a celebrity. She solved the case by reading the celebrities biography!

[42:30] I describe my 'blue blood' story and link to the De Crespigny family that are meant to be descended from Richard III.

[43:57] We chat about how we feel more connected to some family tree lines than we do others - and how there is often no logic to these feelings.

[46:50] I ask Michelle if she can pick a favourite ancestor.

Michelle explains her feelings about her grandmother and how love for someone you never met can be passed along by those that did know them.

[50:00] We talk about the joy of passing on stories, even those that aren't your own.

[50:33] I ask Michelle what she would say to someone that is sitting on the fence about looking into their family tree.

Michelle shares her ideas on why you should trace your family tree. She explains how none of our ancestors are boring and how digging into a wide variety of records can help you build up a great picture of your ancestors' lives.