DNA Match parameters

+9 votes
204 views

I have a dozen males who match 67 yDNA markers between perfect and 3 distances.  Our pre-DNA testing years discovered all of our paper trail records link them together in one way or another and we have been able to "build" our branches this way.  Some obviously are stronger than others.

We have several females who choose to link when there is actually no record indicating they are from that MRCA but they base it on auDNA.

When this happens, how should it be managed? They show up linked to the male MRCA indirectly - often by using other undocumented or word of mouth research.

When I have a question about authenticity (weight of all facts) should I select Confident for the father but also select "Uncertain" ?  How is this handled?  I understand enough about au and yDNA and what they can and can't do but it is minimal.  My males are asking if they should upload their yDNA results.  I have read some of the Wikitree DNA guidelines too.

Thanks for any input,  Barb

WikiTree profile: John McManus
in WikiTree Tech by Living Breece G2G6 Mach 4 (45.4k points)
retagged by Julie Ricketts
Barbara,

While material on FTDNA is good, the tools to work with the information are not as convenient as those of GEDMatch.  I find that I need to use both sites but whenever possible I use GEDMatch.  As GEDMatch is free there is absolutely no reason not to transfer FTDNA data for all of the kits that you manage and it is worth the time to convince anyone else to do the same.  Once you look at a solid 3 way match on GEDMatch you will appreciate how valuable the site is.
Many thanks Philip, conversation like this makes it easier and not so scary. I'll go to work on encouraging the GedMatch!  Barb

Gedmatch is a website for comparing autosomal DNA test results.  As such, you can't upload Y-DNA test results there.  If you have numerous females that have had autosomal tests, you should encourage them to upload to Gedmatch.  The link is here:  https://www.gedmatch.com/login1.php

Strange, I thought I'd seen GedMatch (maybe its a yDNA equivalent) on FTDNA.  In Fact, I uploaded one member to it.  Thank you for this info.  I have difficulty following how the female tests can point to a male lineage without including sourced paper trail documentation.  Guess I need to understand triangulation and segment matching to be certain??
Darlene, I will encourage the females to upload to GedMatch!  Thanks!

I'm right that Wikitree also can upload yDNA, correct?  Barb
Barbara, I think you're just mistaking Gedmatch (the website) with something else.  But the Gedmatch to which Philip, Peter and I are referring is a website.  People that have tested with 23andMe, FamilyTreeDNA or AncestryDNA can upload to Gedmatch.com and then see other people that match your kits, as opposed to only seeing people that tested on a particular testing site.
Ah, did not realize that.  I went to the website and it says "you will need to upload your DNA and/or your GEDCOM.  What is someone only uploads their database GEDCOM and no DNA?  How can DNA then be a part of the matching process?  Or am I completely lost?
You have to upload your DNA test results.  That's what it's for.  It's what I call a 'central clearing house' for people that have tested their DNA and want to locate more matches.  You can upload your DNA test results and then your gedcom.  A lot of people haven't uploaded a gedcom file to attach to their test results, but I recommend that you do.  A gedcom file is of no use without your test results . . .
LOL!  Of course not, the "and/OR" is what was confusing.

1 Answer

+3 votes
If the ancestry in question was in WikiTree (marked as uncertain) and the matching cousins were in GEDmatch then I would feel better about giving an opinion.

Sincerely, Peter
by Peter Roberts G2G6 Pilot (688k points)
Thanks for being willing to stick your neck out :).  There is no GedMatch.

But I did read the page on GedMatching and get the general idea of why it is <more> helpful.  Most of my yDNA (and we do have some au and mtDNA females) are not interested in learning that much and I don't even know how to do it for them - or understand "segment" matching.  Guess I need to learn more.  Any other info would be most appreciated. May I contact you again after "practicing" on FTDNA?

Related questions

+2 votes
1 answer
114 views asked Sep 21, 2021 in Genealogy Help by Hollie Hilton G2G Crew (670 points)
+5 votes
0 answers
177 views asked Sep 18, 2014 in Genealogy Help by Bruce Clement G2G Crew (430 points)
+4 votes
7 answers
+3 votes
0 answers
+4 votes
2 answers
184 views asked Jun 27, 2018 in Genealogy Help by Mary Peterson G2G Crew (420 points)
+2 votes
3 answers
125 views asked Mar 17, 2018 in Genealogy Help by E Childs G2G6 Pilot (130k points)
+8 votes
2 answers
274 views asked Dec 7, 2017 in The Tree House by Living Breece G2G6 Mach 4 (45.4k points)
+4 votes
1 answer
+3 votes
10 answers
317 views asked Mar 19, 2017 in Genealogy Help by E Childs G2G6 Pilot (130k points)

WikiTree  ~  About  ~  Help Help  ~  Search Person Search  ~  Surname:

disclaimer - terms - copyright

...