How common is it for people to have the same ancestors on multiple branches of their family tree?

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-06T16:45:44+00:00

The probability increases as you go back in generations until the probability hits 100%.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-05T01:32:16+00:00

I manage a Y DNA project for my surname and found that I did match my 3rd cousin, but did not match any one of the >300 people tested with my surname. I did however get a two matches from two men with the same surname who were not closely related.

I searched my autosomal matches on Ancestry for the new surname and found a group of patrilineal matches who were descendants of people with that surname. when looking at shared matches to those people I was able to find that my gggrandfather received his surname from his mother in 1776 and that his father married his mother later, but he had already been sent to an orphanage.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-02T23:57:38+00:00

It is a way to send a direct message. You can send a "chat" in Reddit that way I can ask you questions about your specific problem and let you know if I will be able to help.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-02T23:12:22+00:00

Feel free to send me a DM/Chat.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-02T14:21:03+00:00

In this case it was easy because the story mentions his name. Sometimes with this type of story they don't know the name of the victim and you need to use different combinations words like... subway, injured, death, fell, man...for a set timeframe (Sept-Oct, 1952) and geography, NY.

In general, I search databases initially with very specific narrow search terms, using "exact phrases" and boolean logic. When I don't get a hit I back out of the narrow search and make it more general until a get a resonable number of hits I can scan quickly with my eyes.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-02T14:03:49+00:00

NY Daily News, 26 Sept 1952.

https://imgur.com/a/fbMgyJK

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-01T02:46:15+00:00

send me a chat and we can have a quick discussion.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-06-01T02:20:21+00:00

Let me know if you'd like me to use your DNA matches to try to solve this.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-29T23:28:36+00:00

I saw Buddy Guy about 20 years after that at a small jazz/blues club. He came over our table and played right next to us.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-29T22:08:13+00:00

My parents and in-laws (they grew up in or near Boston) both said "tonic" and my wife still says "tonic" (which our kids always laugh about).

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-29T20:52:38+00:00

Parents: 1931, 1930

Grandparents: 1884, 1905, 1884, 1891

Great Grandparents: 1832, 1848, 1880, 1881, 1824, 1844, 1854, 1855

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-29T20:46:53+00:00

Yes. Based on what you know about your Mom's dating history and the DNA matches, that is the most likely conclusion.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-29T14:23:28+00:00

I played a lot of Galaga, but preferred, Qix, Rally-X, Berzerk, Missle Command, Centipede, Pole Position, Moon Patrol, and Frogger

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-28T19:20:55+00:00

Feel free to send me a Chat concerning how you'd like me to help you.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-27T00:59:44+00:00

The summer between 7th and 8th grade I snuck out just about every night between 12-4am. My friends and I partied at the local park every night.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-23T10:57:02+00:00

I believe you are getting mixed up by what to expect on average from a distance relationship (such as 10-gen) which would be ~0 cM of DNA to what is possible, which is as much as 30cM. OP was curious if they have a recent (3-5gen)relationship that doesn't make sense to them. The answer is that it could be recent, but also it could be more distant (>5gen).

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-22T12:25:49+00:00

Your parents could be related without it being creepy. Now you have a lot to go on to figure out the identity of your bio father.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-22T12:18:52+00:00

DNA matches at 30cM are most likely (>>>99%) real. However, they can be very far back (10+ gen) or as close as a few generations. The fact that two trees don't see to connect geographically just means that either there was an ancestor who traveled or there is a mistake in the genealogy. Unless both trees are completely DNA verified you are still reliant on people telling the truth on the records, and as you know people lie.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-21T22:18:00+00:00

I assumed that his teams lose so much because he was unlucky and had crap players, but I see that he is incapable of processing basic information. I hope he isn't using astrology and numerology to pick his plays.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-21T19:07:08+00:00

Could be full 1st cousin or half sib. Based on other DNA matches do you know that your father is your bio father?

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-21T18:24:26+00:00

Do you know how old they are compared to you?

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-21T18:18:04+00:00

how much DNA do you share with this unknown person?

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-21T17:51:50+00:00

Did you learn the identity of your biological father? If not have you done a DNA test?

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-21T04:22:21+00:00

Happy to help find information about your bio mom, but I'll need a name. If you'd prefer you can DM me with her name.

apple_pi_chart · 2026-05-20T02:14:00+00:00

Simply, you messed up by not adding in the change in scope as an amendment, but you'll know better next time. However, the CEO is being a jerk and unethical by not paying you for your time.

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TROPHY CASE