Brick Wall Research

 I work with your DNA match results to identify your ancestors, with the goal of smashing down brick walls that have defied traditional genealogical techniques.  Perhaps your great-grandfather was adopted, or you have a woman in your tree whom you know only by her first name.  Often, DNA can help us discover not only her family surname, but her parents as well.

Some demographics are not as easily researched as others.  For example, my English Colonial ancestors moved around a lot, making them quite easy to research with DNA.  My Palatinate German ancestors who emigrated before the Revolutionary War are a little more complicated due to endogamy (intermarriage within a community), but still workable.  On the other hand, my Bavarian ancestors who emigrated in the 1880s are difficult to trace with DNA, and my Irish great-great grandfather seems to be adopted, but the records don’t exist that would help me identify a common ancestor between the matches, and adoptions weren’t registered until 1922. 

If a population was particularly affected by various forms of oppression, that work can be more difficult.  Some populations do not have a lot of people who have tested, and some locations do not have records available for various reasons.  If your ancestors have been in North America for a century, it is likely we can make great progress.

Even if we cannot solve the mystery yet, my research and theories often provide hints that can guide traditional research.  It may not be “Solved” but you will have more information and insight; and that is progress.

I don't sell packages.  I offer a complimentary consultation in which you and I collaborate to define your research goals and establish a milestone (2 to more hours of research).  Once you submit payment and follow my instructions to share your DNA and tree on the platforms we agree we will use, I will begin working.  When I reach the milestone, I will share what I have learned and we will establish a new milestone.  I want you to feel like we are a team: I don’t run the clock during our consultations.

I’m looking forward to hearing about your project!