Genealogy research and using DNA to find an unknown ancestor
Taylor Investigations provides various investigation services as well as genealogy research, led by our genealogist and researcher, Michelle.
Case 1
A gentleman recently contacted us, hoping to solve a lifelong mystery for his father, who, now in his 80s, yearned to know who his own father was. Both father and son had taken DNA tests through Ancestry and had even engaged an expert from the platform. Despite these efforts, the identity of the unknown father remained elusive, though they had uncovered hints of possible cousins.
With access to both of their DNA results, Michelle took on the challenge. She meticulously worked through their DNA matches, building a family tree based on shared connections. The closest match was a second cousin, which allowed her to deduce that the unknown grandfather came from Wales. She eventually narrowed down the possibilities to one of four brothers.
Our next step was to trace the descendants of each brother. Most were grandchildren, though one brother still had a living daughter in her 90s. Out of respect for her age and wellbeing, we decided not to approach her directly, as learning about a potential unknown sibling could be unsettling.
Instead, we reached out to the grandchildren of the remaining three brothers, sending consent letters that explained our search and invited them to take a DNA test through Ancestry. We knew that DNA results would confirm or eliminate each brother based on the amount of shared DNA, which reflects the closeness of a relationship.
The very next day, we received a call from one of the granddaughters. She was open to taking the test, although she was convinced her grandfather couldn’t possibly be the missing link. Nevertheless, she was happy to help us clarify and was even curious to connect with our client, as she hadn’t realised the extent of her grandfather’s family—three brothers and three sisters. She was eager to learn more about her extended family.
The client arranged for a priority DNA test, which was dispatched directly to her. She completed and returned it promptly, and within three weeks, we had the results.
We monitored the DNA matches of our client and his father, eagerly awaiting the appearance of this new potential connection. Then, finally, there it was.The granddaughter matched as a half-cousin to our client and a half-niece to his father. Our search was complete: her grandfather was indeed the unknown father and our client’s biological grandfather. The joy and relief shared by our client and his father were palpable—they finally had the answers they’d sought for so long.
As for the granddaughter, her initial shock gave way to curiosity and, ultimately, delight. She wished her own father had lived to meet the half-brother he’d never known existed.
We wish them all the best as they embark on this new chapter of family connection and discovery.
Case 2
We were recently approached by a client who needed help building a family tree to support his application for a Lithuanian passport. To qualify, he had to prove his lineage and believed he was eligible because of his grandfather, who he understood to be a Jewish man born in Lithuania.
Our client had taken a DNA test and shared his results with us. Reviewing his ethnicity estimate, Michelle was surprised to see that his DNA composition was 80% English/North European, with the remaining 20% being Scottish and Irish—yet there was no trace of Jewish ancestry. Typically, one would inherit around 25% of their DNA from each grandparent, with a margin of 20-30%, so some evidence of Jewish heritage would be expected if his grandfather were indeed Jewish.
Michelle then began working through the client’s DNA matches, identifying a first cousin as the closest relative. This discovery led to a surprising conclusion: our client’s grandfather was not who he had always believed.
Through careful research, Michelle uncovered the identity of his actual grandfather, an English-born man with no Jewish heritage. The delicate task of sharing this revelation with the client was left to Charlotte.
Charlotte made the sensitive call, and the client received the news calmly. He noted that everyone involved in the story had since passed away but realised he’d need to sit down with his son, who had recently joined the Jewish society at University.
Fortunately, our client could still proceed with a passport application, though not for Lithuania. It turned out his grandmother had been born in Ireland, which allowed him to apply for Irish citizenship—a detail he hadn’t known before.
Curious about discovering an unknown ancestor? A DNA test could reveal the answers paired with our genealogy research. Get in touch with us today to find out more!
[email protected] | 01603 904031 | www.taylorinvestigations.co.uk