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==''Using DNA to Solve a Brick Wall: A Case Study''== | ==''Using DNA to Solve a Brick Wall: A Case Study''== | ||
Some brick wall research problems can be solved using a combination of sound, genealogical research coupled with DNA testing. To do so, you will want to follow these steps. These steps assume that you have taken a DNA test and have built a family tree. The case study for this presentation was done entirely using Ancestry DNA matches, but you can apply the same principles using other DNA companies. | |||
'''Identify and Isolate your Matches''' | |||
For those close matches, you may recognize their names or profiles. For other matches you will need to look at any tree information they have attached to their DNA profile. Do you recognize any of the names as being also found in your family tree? Or perhaps their ancestors lived in the same location as yours. Once you’ve identified how you are connected to a match, use the Shared Matches feature on Ancestry, to identify any other matches that share the same DNA. This process helps you to place all shared matches in one common cluster. Follow this procedure until you are able to isolate matches you are connected to along the brick wall line. See '''Grouping DNA Matches''' above for more ideas on how to identify and isolate your matches. | |||
Depending on how far back the Brick Wall ancestor is you will want to make sure you isolate your match clusters to include only those who will share the same DNA. Those who connect to the children of the brick wall ancestor will also share the DNA of the spouse of the brick wall ancestor. Ideally you will want to identify matches who descend from possible siblings of the brick wall ancestor, and share the same parents. | |||
'''Build Trees for your Matches''' | |||
Next you will want to start building more fully the family trees of your identified and isolated matches. You can do that by using trees found online or by doing your own original research. These don’t have to be perfect at this point but rather provide a good basis for helping to craft a theory. It is most helpful to put all the matches in one shared tree and link the DNA match in your shared matches tree. As you start to unite these trees, you may see a pattern developing or a theory or two rise to the surface. Make notes regarding possible theories. | |||
'''Craft a Theory''' | |||
Based on the information you have put in your Shared matches tree, how are these matches connected? Where is the most likely place to find the Most Recent common Ancestor or the MRCA? | |||
'''Confirm your Theory''' | |||
In this case study, the information from the matches tree was entered in the [https://dnapainter.com/tools/probability What Are the Odds Tool] found on [https://dnapainter.com/ DNAPainter.com]. Once the data is entered you can test your theories by entering hypothesis or using the suggest hypothesis option. The WATO tool will tell you how likely your theory is to be true. The higher the number, the more likely you have a match. | |||
Once you have your theory, do more research to determine if the theoretical MRCA lived in the area or associated with some of the same people as your ancestor. You may also need to reach out to other descendants of the MRCA to invite them to test to help confirm your hypothesis if you need more confirmation and regular genealogical research sources are not providing conclusive evidence. | |||
===Additional Resources=== | ===Additional Resources=== | ||
There are many videos online that may provide further assistance to your Brick Wall research and using DNA. Here are a few from [https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/home RootsTech Connect] held in February 2021. | |||
* | *[[Tracing Ancestral Lines in the 17ahttps://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/series/tracing-ancestral-lines-in-the-1700s-using-dna00s Using DNA|Tracing Ancestral Lines in the 1700s Using DNA]] RootsTech Connect Video series by Tim Janzen | ||
*[https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/series/the-case-for-dna The Case for DNA] RootsTech Connect Video series by Renate Yarborough Sanders | |||
*[https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/series/discovering-african-ancestry-through-dna Discovering African Ancestry through DNA] RootsTech Connect Video series by Andre Kearns, Joanna Mountain, Steven MIcheletti, Sherman McRae, Yetunde Moronke Abiola, Fonte Felipe, Jerome Spears | |||
*[https://www.familysearch.org/rootstech/rtc2021/session/i-found-you-methods-for-finding-hidden-family-members I Found You: Methods for Finding Hidden Family Members] RootsTech Connect Video by Barb Groth | |||
==Past DNA Day Celebrations== | ==Past DNA Day Celebrations== | ||