Discovering Hidden Family Connections Through DNA Testing

Have you ever found a long-lost relative through DNA testing? The experience of uncovering hidden family connections can be both thrilling and profound, as illustrated by my personal journey with 23andMe and Ancestry. DNA testing has not only enhanced my knowledge of my family history but also led me to some jaw-dropping revelations.

A Surprise Discovery

I recently discovered a branch of my family that was previously unknown. A great-grandmother's relative, who lived in Russian Poland, emigrated to the USA. Through 23andMe and Ancestry, I found matches with his descendants. This opened up a whole new chapter in my family history, enriching my understanding of past relatives and their lives.

The Puzzle of Matches

By June, I had over 10,000 DNA matches on Ancestry, which helped me place around 250 of them in my genealogical tree. Many of these matches were related to a father I previously knew nothing about. In July, I was contacted by someone I matched with on GEDmatch, which prompted me to dive into genealogy. We confirmed she is a third cousin from my maternal grandfather's side.

The genealogical exercise has been fascinating. I’ve discovered numerous hidden family secrets, including bigamous and fake marriages, 1st/2nd and 2nd/2nd cousin marriages, numerous illegitimate children, and half-siblings that had no idea of each other's existence. I've also uncovered a great great aunt from an otherwise respectable family who was pregnant in the workhouse, a 52-year-old groom pretending to be 39 for his 22-year-old bride, and the incredible contrast of when children survived to their 90s while others died young. This is just within the last 120 years, and there are many more hidden skeletons in the closet further back in time.

Locating the Missing Great-grandfather

One of the most fascinating discoveries I made was finding my missing great-grandfather. My paternal grandmother's birth certificate did not list a father's name. Through a group of six Shared Matches on Ancestry, I was able to trace five genealogies and discover a common ancestor, Robert Boardman (1831-1872). He was an engineer who built railways in India and the Victoria Bridge at Montreal. Robert had children with two different women, leading to half of the Shared DNA Matches descending from each woman. The sixth match turned out to be Robert Alfred Boardman (1889-1964), who could explain the strong Lancashire roots shown by 23andMe. Additionally, he could account for why my grandmother, born in Bromsgrove in 1910, was not in the 1911 census, as he may have been working on the railways at the time.

To manage the overwhelming amount of information and uncover the truths behind these clues, I recommend leveraging various genealogical tools and keeping a detailed record of any findings. Share your findings with relatives and don't hesitate to reach out for help or collaboration. The process of detective work in genealogy is as rewarding as it is complex.

Conclusion

Through DNA testing and thorough genealogical research, I have discovered not just distant relatives but also hidden truths about my family's past. These revelations not only provide a deeper understanding of my heritage but also offer a window into the lives and struggles of my ancestors. The journey is ongoing, and there will surely be more to uncover in the future. If you are curious about your family's past, consider using DNA testing and genealogical services to explore your roots.