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My Biological Grandfather and DNA Results

Brick Walls

Tim Firkowski

Wednesday, 07 May 2014

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In my previous Blog post about my research into identifying my biological grandfather, I had found the smoking gun which I had been able to find the proof to my grandfathers identity. I wanted to make sure that I covered one more base before my final conclusion. My mother had agreed to take a DNA test so that her DNA would be on file and if there was any question came up in the future as to her being a descendant of William D. Bond, I would have the genetic proof.

While I was in Dallas, TX the end of March, I met with my parents and during the visit and had them both do cheek swabs so I could get both their DNA recorded. I used Family Tree DNA to have an atDNA (Autosomal DNA) test done. My main concern was recording my mothers DNA for confirmation of my research into her biological father, but while I had my father there it only made sense to have him tested as well,

I sent in the test kits and recently received the results on my mothers DNA test. There were over 500 matches that were listed.Those matches were not close relatives, listing 2nd-4th cousins as the closest suggested matches. What was interesting about what I saw is there were a number of matches with families in GA and VA. This is important because my mothers maternal ancestry is French Canadian going WAY back to France. William D. Bond and his ancestry is in GA and VA. I also noted that some of the matches had the BOND family in their ancestry. I don't think I can get more conclusive than that.

I know FTDNA is updating their "Population Finder" tool soon which will be called "My Origins", but those results said that my mothers ancestry is 85% Western European (Orcadian) and 15% Middle Eastern (Palestinian, Bedouin, Jewish). Although this information has to be taken with a grain of salt, it is still interesting. As Family Tree DNA builds a bigger sample base, these results will become more accurate.It should be noted that doing a DNA test itself has no value.

As I wrote this post, Family Tree DNA release its new My Origins. The new resuls show that my mother is 98% European (52% European Coastal Plain, 24% European Northlands, 18% European Coastal Islands, 4% North Mediterranean Basin) & 2% Middle Eastern (Anatolia & Caucasus). FTDNAMyOrigins1

DNA testing is only one tool to help research your ancestry. There must be someone else in the family who has tested and you must have some kind of documentation of your ancestry to go along with it. Those things go hand in hand and combined allows for better avenues in which to continue your research.

If you are interested in including DNA as part of your research, I recommend attending a presentation on DNA at one of the many genealogy conferences around the US. This will allow you to familiarize yourself with DNA. Family Tree DNA also has free webinars from time to time, that allows you to learn more.

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About the author

Tim Firkowski

I have been doing genealogy research since 2002 & have worked full time as a Professional Genealogist since 2008. I specialize in Polish and American-Canadian Genealogy. As a member of APG, I was the 2010/2011 President of the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (NEAPG). I have Certificates of Completion for studies in "Foundations of Forensic Genealogy" and "Advanced Forensic Genealogy Techniques". I have been a volunteer librarian at the local Family History Center, and a genealogy research consultant at “Ask the Expert” Ancestry Road Shows. I have traveled to Poland numerous times & researched in churches and archives. At conferences and special events, you may find me dressed up in my Sherlock Holmes outfit, or my Kujawy (the folk costume from the region in Poland where my ancestors came from).