DNA Help!

[Alma]

Our great grandfathers were brothers.   We have both had DNA test done via same Company and no DNA has been confirmed between us.  My sibling has also taken DNA test and he does not get a match to any of the individuals on the line of our g.grandfather's brother and nor do I?   Is this usual?  I'd surely appreciate some advice, thanks

[lemur41]

You have to work with the DNA results. If the 2 Gt. GF's shared even one parent from your x 2 Great Great  Grandparents then you and your brother would show a % of shared DNA with the other person.

So you have to work back, have you found the Great GF's  living in the same household as children etc. on census.

 Remember that there was no formal adoption in the UK until 1926, children changed hands if a parent died , which mothers did frequently in childbirth, social conditions could be very poor for many.

Children became known by  a  surname and possibly didn't know their original family surname. They didn't need or carry the amount of ID that we do today. So look at any other close  DNA  matches to you and your brother , try contacting them  or looking at trees and areas where they were born, any census with them showing. A lot of detective work, you have to take things slowly. And I'm sure someone else would give you similar advice

[Alma]

Thanks for response.   I have researched extensively however and the other line has been researched also.   I am quite sure there were no adoptions looking at the various records.   Interestingly I can establish links with other family members carrying the Surname back to early 1800s and have plotted them back to the village of origin of my family line - so in short - is it possible for two individuals who share g.grandfathers who were brothers to not have a DNA match or is this a silly question?   Maybe the answer is sometimes "yes" and sometimes "no".   I just find it odd that I have found DNA links to folks even more distantly related so this has become a bit of a stumbling block!!   

[youngtug]

Sometimes the paper trail is not correct, especially following the male line.

[Alma]

I agree the paper trail is vital

[lemur41]

Thanks for your reply Alma, and your question is not a silly one. But DNA is the vital point and the fact that if you and the other persons Gt GF were even half brothers, then you would share some cMs of DNA between them, yourself and your brother.
You may have to go to the extreme length of your brother doing Y DNA testing, and if the other person is male or has a close male relative who would also be willing to test.  Not cheap, but might solve the ridlle if it's a paternal line

[Alma]

Oh thank you so much - I do feel silly not being able to get the head around it all.   I have been a tad cautious about accepting the relationship from day 1 just because of the lack of supporting evidence and also the place of birth has not been given other than "Ireland", and there is a different mother's maiden surname on marriage certificate but this has been ignored as not fitting with the facts and  perhaps there has been family lore I am not party to but I have been informed we are definitely related but I am still a doubting Thomas.  Its very easy to feel one is becoming obstructive - I'd happily accept it all but just feel we are on rough ground and perhaps the lack of supporting DNA is a pointer to my concerns.  Oh dear - the down-side of a wonderful interest.   I've got lots of links on my line worldwide but not a hint to this family....all very odd!   

[lemur41]

Well if and when you can do so, it might be an idea to have your brother Y DNA tested. Y DNA  changes very little over 100's years, and would give you a good idea. And there are many surname projects who would welcome your brother and give advice.

 I was going to point out earlier that really , if these 2 Gt. GF's were brought up together then someone has Good Samaritan Great Great Grandparents, and you are all descendants. But you didn't answer my question  about finding the 2 men together anywhere on census details.

Perhaps if you do find answers you could add another message on here, it's been read by a few people . And you can always ask for  more advice  if necessary

 Good luck

[heywood]

Hi Alma,
Your last post seems to cast doubt on the assertions belong made.
Is the other party claiming the relationship?
Are you basing this on published trees?
It is difficult when you just have ‘Ireland’ as a birthplace and you can only go on the evidence of the paper trail you have searched yourself.
Is it a popular surname that your ancestors share?
Heywood