Ancestry DNA match issue

[Lisa in California]

While looking at my mum’s (she passed away in 2020) unviewed DNA matches on Ancestry, I noticed an unexpected result.  The individual (let’s say Colleen) has an Ovens in her tree who was my ancestor’s brother.  Colleen and my mum share(d) 66 cM across 7 segments.  My brother, my younger son and I all share DNA with Colleen as well.

The puzzling thing is when I search DNA matches for Ovens, using any of our tests, Colleen’s name does not appear.  Only when I type her “match name”, not Ovens, does her match appear.      Again, Ovens is listed in her tree, her tree is not private.

Could this be just a glitch or is there another reason why she doesn’t appear when searching for Ovens.  If it isn’t a glitch, then is it possible that there could be other unviewed matches who could end up being previously unknown somewhat close cousins?  Any guidance gratefully appreciated.  Thank you, Lisa

[4b2]

Does the name in the matches' tree have additional info in it, e.g.

William Ovens 2nd GGF

OR

William Ovens Mr

It could be there are some deficiencies in their system, though I can't say I've not found people when searching using surnames of ancestors. But I have found a few trees that have common ancestors that they have not detected, and I can't see any reason why they wouldn't. But it is what it is. Working with DNA is a long process and to get the most of it you need to systematically go through the matches to see how they all actually relate to you.

[Lisa in California]

Thank you for replying, 4b2.  Only the first, middle and last names were inserted, no title or other details.

My Ovens branch is one of my favourite branches.  I have wonderful memories of visiting my mum’s uncle (an Ovens) and playing board games with our family and my great-uncle.  He was like a grandfather to me (my own grandparents passed before my birth and shortly after).

Of course I will try to contact the match.  She has a fairly brief tree; either by choice, or lack of details.  In 1985, I communicated with the son of the man in her tree but I don’t believe my mum knew her.

I will continue looking at my mum’s unviewed matches; perhaps I can find other “cousins”.  Thank you for your question and comments, 4b2.

Added:  my mum started looking for her Ovens distant relatives when we visited Ireland when I was about 11 years old.  Maybe some day I might be able to put all of the puzzle pieces together.

[brigidmac]

Have you already looked at matches that your mother ( + brother + son ) share with Coleen?

Do they have unlinked trees or no trees .

 1 reason she may not show when doing an OVENS name search is if the person on her tree is not a direct blood relative . For example by marriage. Could you be related through a different person?

Or is there a mistake on their tree  ...could it be on a floating branch ?

[Glen in Tinsel Kni]

If she has multiple trees the dna results could be linked to a private unsearchable tree so you won't see results when surname searching or thy may not be linked to a tree at all.   

[Lisa in California]

brigidmac and Glen, thank you for posting your questions.

Colleen has one tree.  Her tree has fewer than 15 individuals; several individuals are marked as private. I found an obituary that thankfully gives grandchildren’s names and by comparing the obituary with the tree, I believe Colleen is a direct descendant.

Actually, the man in her tree is the nephew of my ancestor, not brother, but I would think that wouldn’t change the results (she should still show up when searching for Ovens)?

My gggrandfather, John, settled in Canada in the 1850s.  Due to early deaths and other circumstances, to my knowledge, there are few living descendants of John.  So, not surprisingly, when searching for Ovens matches, there aren’t many: my mum has 9, I have 7 and my brother has 6.

I’ve just looked at my mum’s and Colleen’s shared matches.  One match (“Annie”) is puzzling (at least to me).  I don’t see any Ovens in her tree but, shown as a direct ancestor in Annie’s tree is an Elizabeth Wakefield.  Elizabeth’s great-grandfather was David Wakefield.  My ancestor was Jane Wakefield, her grandfather may have been David Wakefield (I have yet to find proof).  The puzzling part is my Jane Wakefield married John Ovens - possibly Elizabeth’s relative married an Ovens?  That will take time to research.

Thank you brigidmac, Glen and 4b2 - your questions and comments are very helpful and will help as well with other situations I come across.  (I hope I’ve answered your questions.)

[4b2]

I’ve just looked at my mum’s and Colleen’s shared matches.  One match (“Annie”) is puzzling (at least to me).  I don’t see any Ovens in her tree but, shown as a direct ancestor in Annie’s tree is an Elizabeth Wakefield.  Elizabeth’s great-grandfather was David Wakefield.  My ancestor was Jane Wakefield, her grandfather may have been David Wakefield

Is there an overlap between the Ovens and Wakfields in your tree?

[Lisa in California]

I’m sorry, 4b2, I’m not quite sure what you are asking. 

[4b2]

I’m sorry, 4b2, I’m not quite sure what you are asking. 

What is the proximity of Ovens to Wakefield in your tree? e.g. "my great-great grandfather Ovens married a Wakefield."

i.e. is the proximity to Ovens and Wakefield in your tree close? Can you think of a reason why your Ovens match has a Wakefield in their tree?