RootsChat.Com

I regularly get messages from my DNA matches and I've made some very useful contacts.  I have written a note on my Ancestry profile saying that I'm always very happy to hear from my DNA matches, so maybe that helps.

I do message matches myself but I'm very careful who I select.  I make sure they've used the site recently, that they have a fair size tree, and that it has proper sources on and isn't just copied from other trees. If I contact someone with a private tree I only ever start with a very general question. For example - did they have ancestors from a particular town?  I always end my messages with an offer to help them if I can.

This approach seems to have worked for me.  I'd say more that half of the people I've contacted have replied and we've had good exchanges of information.  Recently one man with a private tree actually replied by sending me a link to view his tree. 

I'm another example of discovering that someone I know is a distant cousin.  When I had my DNA test done I found out that a childhood friend from the next street was a 4th cousin.  The connection is through our late mothers, who were very good friends.  Such a shame they never knew at the time as they were both keen on family history. 

I was very interested to read this as my 4 x Great Grandmother was Mary Turffrey, born approx 1774 in Leafield, Oxfordshire.  I've never been able to confirm parents or siblings for Mary.  However I do have DNA matches to people descending from a Thomas Turffrey b 1755 in Leafield, who had a son Thomas b 1785 in Leafield. 
So I'm sorry that I can't answer your specific question, but I was wondering if you are aware of how my Mary Turffrey connects to your Thomas Turffrey?
Many thanks. 

Hello Loord74.  Would like to add my praise of the restoration you've done to this photo.  Amazing work.   

Thanks for telling us about "The Deserter's Tale" being on offer.  I've been wanting to read this for a while but was waiting for it to be reduced to 99p on Kindle.  Will get it downloaded now!