Meet the Weatherlys

Are you a visual person?

As much as I LOVE using digital products since they help me be more efficient, there are times when I like writing or drawing on paper. Why? Because it helps me VISUALIZE and SEE what I need as I approach my genealogy work.

Here is an example: two days ago, while checking for the latest updates to my husband’s DNA matches, I quickly realized he had multiple matches that were descended from the same couple. Then, I started finding more matches, and more matches. I soon realized that I would need to compare about 15 trees to map out how each match was connected in the larger context of the family.

With that many matches, I pulled out some notebook paper and got to work. Here’s some insight into my approach: I find it helpful to do a single sheet for each match that documents their specific lineage to the couple/family line of interest. He had 14 matches so I had 14 pieces of paper. I make a few notes on dates and locations, but the goal is to keep it simple.

Then, I compare each of the sheets so I can put together a one-pager (if space allows) of how all the matches connect to each other:

Disclaimer: William, on the far left, may not be a son in that family- he might be a cousin – more work is needed, but for the visuals, I placed him there. The generations of descent for each “X” is not exactly correct either, deliberately.

Now, I have a guide to help me as I now parse these matches and seek to further explore how this family fits in. I have much more to do, such as comparing the amount of DNA shared, contacting each match, etc.

One thing can be said – Kalonji has a new surname I can put in his family tree: Weatherly!

Where do you start when you have a whole lot of matches like this to compare trees?

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