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cant find 4th great grandfather

DianeParker6
DianeParker6 ✭
August 16, 2021 edited July 10, 2024 in General Questions

Hi

i've researched for a couple years trying to find my 4th great grandfather...i have accurate records through my 3rd great grandfather from family. There has been mention that he changed his name somewhere down the line...does anyone have any suggestions? i've really hit a block and i'm frustrated! Thank you

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Best Answer

  • Graham Buckell
    Graham Buckell mod
    August 18, 2021 Answer ✓

    For the DNA link to be useful in your case, you need someone descended from David W Alexander but not via John. If there is someone out there in that category, you are unlikely to know about them. For this to stand a reasonable chance of working, you need to build your tree as much as possible on the website of the organisation providing the DNA test. This will allow the website to try to identify common lines between you and someone else to whom you have a DNA link.

    Looking at the names above, I checked them in FamilySearch. I see you have added Leo Earle Alexander but with a different father to that listed above.

    I also found a possible match for John L Alexander with id 9MNJ-RLF. He has a son Abner with slightly different information but a father with a different name. Take a look and see what you think.

    In the meantime, I recommend continuing to build your tree on Family Tree and try to link as many records as you can using the research suggestions on the right hand side of the screen.

    It may be that you have to put finding your 4th great grandfather on the back burner for a while as you fill in the details of his descendants. It may well be that, in the course of doing this, you may find additional clues to finding David.

    1

Answers

  • Graham Buckell
    Graham Buckell mod
    August 16, 2021

    Without knowing more details, it is difficult to offer more than general hints.

    Inevitably you will hit blocks in your tree for any number of reasons. A change in name may be one as you mention. Records may not exist or have been destroyed. Records may exist but you have not found them yet. Records may exist but record incorrect information (wrong ages is a common one).

    It is worth creating a record of everything you know about him. Include a note of where you have searched and when, even if negative, so you do not repeat the same search.

    A possibility to try is looking for a DNA link with someone that shares the same ancestor. This can be difficult but can also be rewarding. A few weeks ago I was able to find the christening record of my 3rd great grandmother after over 35 years searching (not continuous!) via a DNA link.

    0
  • DianeParker6
    DianeParker6 ✭
    August 18, 2021

    Thank you for the info -- i have created a record of what i've found, etc.

    i wasn't sure if i could post the specifics

    Leo Earle Alexander - grandfather

    B:13 Jul 1913 Muskogee, Muskogee, Oklahoma, USA

    D:25 Jun 1959 Monterey, California, USA

    Alfred P Alexander - great grandfather

    B:9 Jul 1891 Waco, McLennan, Texas, USA

    D:14 OCT 1964 San Mateo, California

    Abner W Alexander - 2nd great grandfather

    B:26 November 1861 Anniston, Alabama, USA

    D:25 July 1892 Alabama, USA

    John L Alexander - 3rd great grandfather

    B: abt 1839 Alabama, USA

    David W Alexander - 4th great grandfather

    B:abt 1808 South Carolina

    D:Abt 1882 Alabama, USA


    i do not know anyone in my family that's done the DNA test

    0
  • DianeParker6
    DianeParker6 ✭
    August 19, 2021


    0
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