The study of DNA in the field of genealogy is relatively new, but it is already providing insights and surprises that could never have been known previously.
In our study of Y-DNA, for example, we have uncovered the likelihood of a doctor having an affair with his neighbor and family friend back in the 1870’s. It is a story that may never have been known or told beyond those two people. More importantly, it has helped verify relationships that we thought were likely to be true, and it has helped us add generations to the family tree that would otherwise have never been known.
Family DNA, or autosomal DNA as it is called by the scientists, is less precise, but still helpful in verifying family lines and proving relationships we thought to be true.
DNA is never something we rely on alone, but when combined with conventional genealogical research, we have powerful new tools that break down the brick walls, and put the lie to some old family myths.
It is an exciting adventure for this generation, and we expect that the next generation will be using it to clarify and correct what we have learned so far.