DNA Test - Family History
I recently received the Y-DNA 111 test results from ftdna and am trying to gain a better understanding of this type of test. Previously, I took the Ancestry autosomal DNA test and have built an ancestorial family tree on FamilySearch which seems to agree with what I know of our family history. Although my surname has been around since early days, I have not found any common ancestors between the two types of DNA test. Can anyone offer a plausible explanation for this?
Answers
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You've done some very impressive work and found out much from DNA testing. Please read the statement below about FamilySearch and DNA. A suggestion is that you can try RootsTech coming March 3-5. It is free and they may have discussions on using DNA in ancestral research. Make sure that you sign up. You may sign up on the FamilySearch web page. Good luck in your quest for information.
DNA testing has become a big part of genealogy and family history. DNA matches, sometimes referred to as cousin matches, can be the link to overcoming brick walls in family history research, help adoptees find their birth families, and lead to exciting new family history discoveries.
On FamilySearch.org, you will find a free, user-friendly resource to provide simple, beginner-level answers to common DNA questions, such as:
What is DNA?
How can DNA help me find my ancestors?
Which DNA test options are available?
What should I do after completing a DNA test?
DNA testing does not replace traditional forms of family history research. Rather, it can complement a well-documented family tree.
Please note that FamilySearch does not endorse or recommend any commercial DNA applications for genetic genealogy. Nor does our Family Tree provide specific features to post or link DNA groups based on DNA matches.
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John
Welcome to the "Community.FamilySearch" Forum.
I am just another 'lowly' User/Patron ...
Just in passing ...
Further to; and, in support of, what has already been proffered ...
Unfortunately ...
'FamilySearch', currently, DOES NOT, have the capabilities to record DNA.
[ We can but live in hope ... ]
As far as I am aware, there are OTHER 'On-Line' Websites, with such capabilities.
And ...
Here is a "Knowledge Article" in 'FamilySearch':
Using DNA in family history research
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/article/using-dna-in-family-history-research
Where it states, among other things:
Quote:
------------------
Please note that FamilySearch does not endorse or recommend any commercial DNA applications for genetic genealogy.
Nor does our Family Tree provide specific features to post or link DNA groups based on DNA matches.
------------------
But ...
That Said ...
'FamilySearch' does suggest, that DNA Testing, DOES NOT replace traditional forms of Genealogical/Family History research; BUT, rather, that DNA Testing CAN complement a well-documented "Family Tree".
And ...
Certainly NOT forgotten ...
'FamilySearch' provides information and recourses to help navigate DNA in Genealogical/Family History research.
Here are just some of the resources:
==================
'FamilySearch' "Blog":
=================
What Is DNA?—A Molecule That Links Generations
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/what-is-dna
Using DNA to Discover Your Deep Ancestry
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/using-dna-to-discover-your-deep-ancestry
Overcoming Brick Walls in Your Family Tree with a Genealogy DNA Test
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/genealogy-dna-test
How DNA Testing Can Help Your Family History
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/how-dna-testing-can-help-your-family-history
Connecting with Your Biological Family through DNA Testing
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/how-to-find-birth-parents-through-dna
DNA Cousin Matches Can Lead to Family History Discoveries
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/dna-match
DNA Testing at Family Reunions
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/dna-testing-at-family-reunions
DNA 101: Back to the Basics
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/dna-101-back-to-the-basics
Creating a DNA Testing Plan
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/creating-a-dna-testing-plan
Untangling the Centimorgans on Your DNA Test
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/centimorgan-chart-understanding-dna
Resources for the DNA Enthusiast
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/resources-for-the-dna-enthusiast
Healing and Family History: The Emotional Side of DNA
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/healing-and-family-history-the-emotional-side-of-dna
Advancing Your Genealogy Research with DNA: Part 1
And, a couple of 'Oldies' ...
Has My Family's DNA Been Tested?
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/has-my-familys-dna-been-tested
Can Your Genes Tell Your Family Story?
https://www.familysearch.org/en/blog/can-your-genes-tell-your-family-story
=====================
'FamilySearch' "Lessons"
====================
DNA: An Introduction to Genetic Genealogy
[ x6 Lessons ]
▬ 1. Introduction
▬ 2. What is DNA?
▬ 3. Why is DNA Valuable?
▬ 4. Types of DNA
▬ 5. DNA and Genealogy
▬ 6. Testing Companies
DNA: I've Tested, Now What?
[ x6 Lessons ]
▬ 1. Introduction
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/dna-ive-tested-now-what-introduction
▬ 2. First Steps
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/dna-ive-tested-now-what-first-steps
▬ 3. Cousin Matches
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/dna-ive-tested-now-what-cousin-matches
▬ 4. Match Clusters
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/dna-ive-tested-now-what-match-clusters
▬ 5. DNA First Approach
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/dna-ive-tested-now-what-dna-first-approach
▬ 6. Research First Approach
How Genealogists Use DNA
https://www.familysearch.org/en/help/helpcenter/lessons/how-genealogists-use-dna
============================
This "Community.FamilySearch" Forum
'Groups'
===========================
Home > Groups > Genetic Genealogy Research
Genetic Genealogy Research
Description: Research questions and sharing of best practices related to genetic genealogy
https://community.familysearch.org/en/group/85-genetic-genealogy-research
Home > Groups > Genealogy and the Y Chromosome
Genealogy and the Y Chromosome
Description:
Y-DNA has become one of the most important items in the genealogist's toolkit. Unlike the other DNA types, it's prefect for surname studies. It's true that only men can test, but women can test male relatives. Join and learn the methodology.
https://community.familysearch.org/en/group/83-genealogy-and-the-y-chromosome
Home > Groups > Kendall One-Name Study & DNA Project
Kendall One-Name Study & DNA Project
Description:
The Kendall One-Name Study is a group of genealogists, family historians and hobbyists collaborating and sharing information on the Kendall surname.
https://community.familysearch.org/en/group/112-kendall-one-name-study-dna-project
Now ...
After ALL That ...
Just saying ...
NOT included ...
But, certainly NOT forgotten ...
I hope, that some of this may help/assist, somewhat
Brett
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I'm certainly no expert on DNA and genealogy and there are sites all over the internet where you probably could ask this question to actual experts, but I do have one theory for you. You are probably running into a situation of just insufficient testing.
Two of the most well known DNA testing companies, Ancestry and My Heritage do not even offer a Y DNA test. You tested with FamilyTreeDNA whose basic test which costs $80 does not include Y DNA. To check that you had to pay an extra $250. I suspect that very few of the people you are matching with through the basic autosomal testing have gone farther and spent that extra money.
With no testing, you will have no matching and no chance at determining a common ancestor.
Also, Y-DNA testing is very narrow.
Looking at autosomal testing, you are looking at DNA contributed by two people one generation back, four people two generations back, eight people three generations back, potentially 256 people eight generations back, a random selection of people out of a pool of up to 512 people nine generations back. (Beyond that contributions get so small that you can't do much with it). So you potentially could match with any of the descendants of any of those 512 people.
With Y DNA testing, there is only one person in each generation back a step that contributed to the result. You will only match with male descendants of that one person. Closer than eight generations, that will be a much smaller pool. Farther back than eight generations you share so little autosomal DNA there is little likelihood any of your Y-DNA matches will show up in your group of autosomal DNA matches.
To take my own DNA testing results and to take my surname as a substitute for Y-DNA as an example, I have 13,524 autosomal matches. Only 8 of them have the last name of Collett. Only 4 of those are male. One of those is my brother and one is my son. That leaves only 2 other individuals out of the 13,524 that I would share the same Y-DNA with. The likelihood that those specific two have done Y-DNA testing? Probably zero.
Also, keep in mind that a surname is not a very good clue for assuming a Y-DNA match. All it takes is one adoption, one son taking on his mother's surname instead of his father's, one change in a surname, or one non-paternal event in that direct son to father line to break any association with your personal surname.
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JohnHumphries6 I am not quite certain what your question is. Are you really confused ONLY because you cannot find common ancestors? This may be considered an outlandish and impertinent suggestion, but have you considered that among your autosomal DNA test matches lurks not just two separate families, but also the descendants of multiple women who were victims of violent crime? I have an acquaintance who spent quite a bit of money on not only DNA tests but lawyers. Said acquaintance ended up having not only a dad but a granddad who were lifelong predators and were in and out of jail their entire lives. The crimes went back over 100 years. It took pricey help to sort that out, and lawyers to bang down some doors.
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