Theories, Trees, Brick Wall Ancestors

Last week, My Heritage announced their new DNA tool, Theory of Family Relativity. When I first looked at the Theories for my DNA kit, I was a little disappointed. I only had a few. Then some greater voice in the genealogy world reminded me why I only had a few.

My tree is basically a U.S. tree. The majority of DNA testers on My Heritage are European. Thus, I won't have as many matches on My Heritage and thus will have fewer Theories.

When I re-looked at one of those theories, I discovered a major clue -- not in the DNA itself -- but in the Theory paths. I hadn't noticed that a theory could have different paths.

Upon studying those paths, I discovered that they were using different trees to show a connection between myself and my DNA match. At times, the connection between the trees was with our common ancestor.

Other paths connected the trees at a descendant of the common ancestor.

Because of these various paths to connect ONE DNA match, I now have four more researchers that have my brick wall ancestor in their trees.

Since I don't do the bulk of my research in My Heritage, I doubt I would have found these connections on my own. 

Thank you My Heritage for introducing this new tool!