Unraveling Genealogical Myths Through DNA Testing
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Chapter 1: The Legend of the Smolenyaks
In a quaint village, many individuals with the surname Smolenyak believed they shared a common ancestor. However, this notion was soon challenged.
Many remain unaware that the field of genetic genealogy has existed for just over twenty years. My journey into DNA for forensic purposes began back in 1999 while working with the U.S. Army to identify soldiers unaccounted for from various conflicts, including World War I and Vietnam. This experience positioned me as an early adopter when commercial testing services first emerged in 2000. However, like many new technologies, it faced skepticism initially.
Despite being a well-known writer and speaker, it took me two years to find a platform willing to publish my thoughts on genetic genealogy. My first article, which had been rejected by multiple genealogy magazines, finally appeared in Everton's Genealogical Helper in May/June 2002. I share this to highlight the evolution of perceptions surrounding genetic testing over time.
Section 1.1: The Mystery of Our Ancestry
The Smolenyak surname is quite unique; there aren't many of us. Although we now reside from Ukraine to Antarctica, extensive research has shown we originate from the same isolated village of Osturňa, Slovakia. Records from St. Michael's Greek Catholic Church, the village's only church, indicate that Smolenyaks have consistently lived in just four households: 88, 96, 103, and 135.
Our investigation into church, land, and census records allowed us to trace these families back to the 1740s. We sought evidence of a shared ancestor among these households, believing that their close proximity indicated common roots. The discovery of a single draft-eligible Smolenyak in the 1715 military conscription records only fueled our conviction of a shared lineage.
However, we faced a setback as we sought to uncover more records from Osturňa, knowing that the church had been destroyed in 1796. Members from these four Smolenyak households had emigrated to the United States between 1890 and 1909, and their descendants were eager to determine whether we were indeed distant cousins. How could we unravel this genealogical enigma?
In the video "Family History Myths Dispelled | Ancestry," we explore common misconceptions in genealogy and how DNA testing can clarify relationships.
Section 1.2: The Role of DNA Testing
Just as we hit this roadblock, DNA testing became accessible to the general public, allowing individuals to explore their ancestry for around $200–300 per test. Our case was ideal for a Y chromosome study since this genetic marker is inherited from father to son, making it a reliable tool for tracing surname lineage.
Our plan involved collecting samples from each of the four Smolenyak lines. If they matched, we would confirm our theory of a common ancestor. Partial matches would help us narrow our research focus, while no matches would simply be too absurd to consider.
With the backing of our Osturňa Family Association, we partnered with Family Tree DNA in Houston, Texas. At that time, they offered a 12-marker test, which was more reliable than others available. Over the years, both Family Tree DNA and Ancestry.com have expanded their offerings to 21 and 23 markers, respectively, demonstrating the significant advancements in genetic testing since 2002.
The company's maintained database of samples over time also appealed to us. Even before launching our Smolenyak study, we envisioned expanding our research to the entire village, hoping to uncover new connections that traditional records might not reveal.
Encouraging men from each line to participate in the mouth swab test was our next challenge. Anticipating privacy concerns, we were pleasantly surprised by the positive responses, thanks to the trust established through our village association.
Chapter 2: The Unexpected Results
After submitting the samples, we anxiously awaited the results for seven weeks. When they finally arrived, we were shocked: none of the samples matched. In fact, there was no significant similarity at all. Analyzing the markers for the four lines confirmed that for any two lines to share a common ancestor, we would expect a minimum of ten markers to match, which was not the case.
While waiting for initial results, we submitted additional samples from households 88 and 96, which returned perfect matches. This confirmed the accuracy of the testing. The shocking conclusion was that each Smolenyak line traced back to separate ancestors.
We realized this did not eliminate the possibility of connections among the four lines. Historical research indicated a familial link between households 88 and 96 in the mid-1700s, albeit through a different branch. The revelation that our long-held belief of shared ancestry was incorrect left us reeling, prompting several theories to explain the unexpected outcomes.
The video "Debunking Myths Surrounding Law Enforcement's Use of Forensic Genetic Genealogy" discusses the implications of genetic testing in solving genealogical mysteries.
Section 2.1: Exploring Theories
One theory suggests potential unknown fathers in our lineage. Since the Y chromosome is strictly paternal, any infidelity could disrupt the genetic chain. Even rare events over centuries could affect our results today.
Another possibility is that surnames in Osturňa were assigned based on occupations or nicknames, leading to unrelated individuals carrying the same surname. This could indicate that separate families might have been given the Smolenyak name despite having no familial ties.
The evolution of surnames over generations could also contribute to the confusion. Blended families, often resulting from remarriages, could lead to children adopting surnames from stepfathers, creating genetic mismatches.
Section 2.2: Moving Forward
Instead of accepting the surname origin theory as the only explanation, we are pursuing other avenues. For instance, we are investigating a potential blended family scenario from around 1800 involving household 103 and the Vanecsko surname. Tracing their lineage and conducting tests could reveal the true origins of the Smolenyaks.
We are also engaging in a village-wide study, inviting others from Osturňa to participate in DNA testing. Our isolated ancestry may reveal patterns or unexpected connections, enriching our understanding of our roots.
Thus far, only five of about 50 surnames from Osturňa have been tested, but the results have been intriguing. For instance, one surname, Bizub, matched closely with one of the Smolenyak lines, suggesting a shared ancestor. Additionally, we discovered that a family previously thought to be Greek Catholic may actually have Jewish origins.
As we continue our targeted testing alongside broader village efforts, we are gathering more data to interpret. Each new result brings us closer to understanding our unique lineage, positioning us as pioneers in genetic genealogy research.
A Journey Toward Understanding
Traditional genealogical research often leads to unexpected discoveries. The same applies to DNA testing. If four closely related Smolenyaks from a small village lack a common ancestor, it raises questions about others who may share similar misconceptions based solely on surnames.
Fortunately, DNA testing serves as a powerful tool in our quest for roots. Many surname studies are underway, and participants may face results that surprise or disappoint them, just as we did. Personally, my own connection through marriage to another Smolenyak from a different line reassures me that our blood ties are indeed centuries old.
Even without this familial twist, I feel relieved to escape a lifetime spent believing in a genealogical myth. My focus now shifts to utilizing this newfound knowledge and the time saved from disproving false connections to uncover the authentic story of our origins. I’m ready to continue gathering mouth swab samples and exploring the truth.