Your DNA match’s tree is often the easiest way to determine how you are related to your match. What steps can you take if there is no tree? The following examples are based on Ancestry, but a similar process would work on most testing sites.
- On your DNA Matches page, follow the “unlinked tree” link where there may be a public tree created by your match that they just haven’t linked to their DNA. Even if there are only one or two names in the tree it might be helpful in identifying your match. Don’t stop with the initial pedigree display, be sure to open the full tree.
- Notice if your DNA match is “managed by” another person. This probably means your DNA match is not the person in the family interested in genealogy. The “unlinked tree” link will take you to any public trees owned by the “manager”. There might be multiple trees so it might take some work to find the tree related to your match.
- Select your unknown match and look at the “shared matches” tab. You may see names you recognize in the list of “shared matches” that suggest how you are connected. For instance, if your DNA match also matches your maternal aunt, then they are probably on your maternal side. Notice if some of the shared matches have trees that you could use to identify your match.
- Look for your match on other DNA sites that you belong to. If your match is on multiple sites, there will often be additional information and there might be a tree.
- Send a message to your match or to their “manager” and include your email for easier communication. Be as specific as you can. Instead of, “Dear Match, please share your pedigree,” you could write, “Can you tell me how you’re related to Alexander Smith, born in 1842 in Virginia? My grandmother is Emma Smith Holt, daughter of Alexander’s son Charles.” Often a “manager” has several trees so indicate which tree you think has the connection. At the very least, reach out to mystery matches with some possible surnames and ask if they’re willing to collaborate to find the connection.
- If you have a name, search Ancestry for your match and Google your match. Trees don’t show living people, but they often show up in news articles and directories.
- Don’t forget that if you have your DNA on several sites that you should attach a tree at each site. If you are uncomfortable sharing your entire tree, you should include your direct line at least back to your 3rd Great Grandparents and include as many of their descendants as possible. A short broad tree is better than a tall skinny tree.
