In praise of Ancestry DNA

[Asa]

I know some people are, understandably, sceptical or cautious about the whole DNA thing but for me it’s been a totally positive experience. It’s helped me to confirm several connections, including that the reputed father of my great grandmother was actually the right man.

Recently I had a surprise match to someone in the first cousin range. I thought I knew who all my biological first cousins were and we were completely unknown to one another but it is indeed a first cousin and we’re both delighted about the discovery. It’s not without its complications of course but after a week of emailing we met up and it’s been a delightful time.

So for me, the DNA has been invaluable in confirming genealogical connections but also in expanding my family. Not for everyone I realise but personally I recommend it.

[Merry]

Pleased to hear that Asa.

I need more time to get to grips with my results.

[James18]

I'm honestly quite worried about what I might discover. :|

[Merry]

Like what, James?

Originally Posted by James18

I'm honestly quite worried about what I might discover. :|

I can understand that but I think if you do Family History you probably know a lot already and it wouldn't throw up anything too shocking unless there is a specific worry.

Personally I would rather know anything and everything but that is the type of person I am. I don't believe things should be pushed under the carpet, hidden away or anything. Secrets and lies, they have a tendency to out themselves anyway and in my mind the sooner the better.


Anyway mine is in the post I had been thinking about it for a long time - cost was a factor but I took the £49 offer just before Christmas.

[kiterunner]

Originally Posted by maggie_4_7

I can understand that but I think if you do Family History you probably know a lot already and it wouldn't throw up anything too shocking unless there is a specific worry.

DNA testing can absolutely give shocking results even if you have no worries beforehand! There are plenty of stories around of people who never suspected that one or other (or both) of their parents was not their biological parent until they had a DNA test and found out that way.

Originally Posted by kiterunner

DNA testing can absolutely give shocking results even if you have no worries beforehand! There are plenty of stories around of people who never suspected that one or other (or both) of their parents was not their biological parent until they had a DNA test and found out that way.

True but how many stories have we heard about in reality, I don't doubt there are a lot more out there than we realise that we will never know and what is the chances they do FH or would even consider a DNA test to further that research.

It is a chance, there is always a chance you are going to find out something you don't want to but then I say don't do it. When we hear those stories do we get told why they had a DNA test to start with, a couple I read were about FH that I recall.

I have a philosophy about biological fathers, any father can 'donate' their sperm but it takes a Dad to bring you up, nurture you, educate you, feed you and more importantly love you and nothing should change that not even a DNA test.

There was a report about this some years ago:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/...ervices.uknews

[Kit]

Originally Posted by James18

I'm honestly quite worried about what I might discover. :|

If you haven't done the test then maybe you shouldn't do it, although it sounds like you have suspicions. If you aren't prepared to have the suspicions confirmed, don't do it.

Personally I couldn't stand not knowing so I would do it, but I guess it depends on the consequences of knowing.

[Olde Crone]

Wish I could discover something! With 4 illegitimate great great grandfathers, you would think there was a chance.

OC

[Mary from Italy]

Has anyone had any luck with Irish connections? I'm a bit tempted to try it, because I'm stuck with my two Irish lines.