More Than A Family Tree: What DNA Reveals
The use of DNA testing in genealogy has exploded in the last decade or so. We use DNA testing on a regular basis and it’s been a game changer. What could take years to find with traditional genealogy methods is uncovered, seemingly overnight. We were able to make connections between several Shaw Families in Falls County with the DNA results of the late Bishop King Moore Jr., grandson of Priscilla Shaw Moore. In 2017 while in Kingstree, South Carolina we DNA tested Geneva Shaw who matched all of our Shaw elders in Marlin. Last May, we also tested Pauline Shaw while in Kingstree. She too matched the Shaws in Marlin. This was concrete proof of our South Carolina connection.
We must give a word of warning. You might find out something surprising or completely unexpected regarding your ancestry. Whether you take a DNA test or not, remember all families have secrets. It’s not a matter of if you will find something you didn’t know. It’s just a matter of when you will find something you didn’t know. As the family historian you want to use DNA along with documentation to find your roots. You will gain strength, wisdom and discretion on your genealogical journey.
Keep in mind, DNA will provide your biological lineage. However, family consists of the people who’ve loved and cared for you. The ones you’ve shared holidays, birthdays, weddings, funerals, reunions, tears and the joys of life. Our family position on DNA is, if you were a Shaw before you took the test, you’re still a Shaw after the test. No matter what the results show. We use DNA to bring people into the family, never to push anyone out.
It’s best to test the oldest family members first. They carry more of the ancestral DNA you seek. Test as many of the elders as possible. Next test yourself and your siblings. DNA is not distributed evenly between all siblings. It’s common for one sibling to match people that another sibling does not. Testing everyone gives you a better chance of finding more matches.
One unwritten rule of genealogy pertains to elders. If the test results for one of your elderly relatives reveals something which may be devastating, it’s not absolutely necessary to say anything to them or anyone else. Unless they are specifically asking because they’ve always wondered about their heritage, allow them to live the rest of their lives in peace. Be kind. You can prayerfully decide how to handle any other situations which may arise. This is when wisdom and discretion will be your guide.
If you are concerned about privacy, be aware, you can make up any name to use for your results. You can setup a new email address just for use with your DNA results.
There are many companies offering DNA tests. Among them are Ancestry. com, 23andMe, MyHeritage DNA and more. If money is no object, test with all of them. If you can only test with one, we suggest Ancestry.com. More people have tested with Ancestry. com than all the other companies combined. More people give you more matches and a better chance to find your family.
Ancestry.com usually run sales on their kits for every major holiday. The kits, which normally sell for $100, are offered for $30 or $40. If possible, purchase several at the same time. When you ask someone to test, it’s best to have a kit on hand to avoid delays.
The results normally take about six weeks to come in. For assistance with reading your results, speak with someone who is familiar with the process, watch a video on the Ancestry Academy website, visit the FamilySearch Center in Waco or Killeen after calling them for their hours of operation or contact us.
We believe DNA will be a game changer for you and your family. We want to help you in this endeavor. We endeavor to find living descendants of the 435 Freedmen who migrated from Kingstree, South Carolina to Marlin, Texas in 1867. This newspaper will print groupings of these names on a biweekly basis. If you believe you may be a descendant, please contact us. Sharon, Sharon.kay@sbcglobal.net or Angela, honey_be_2001@yahoo. com.