My Adoptee Search Story
on Family Tree DNA

My adoptee search story would be incomplete without DNA testing. Yes, I found my birth mother’s family through conventional research. But I had to wait 26 years before I heard about genealogy DNA testing and found my birth father’s family.

My Y-DNA Testing

The key to my successful search was a Y-DNA test I took through Family Tree DNA. This test measures certain markers on a man’s Y-chromosome. These markers pass down along the paternal line from father to son. Most people taking this test are genealogists who already know their paternal surname. They use Y-DNA testing to identify distant genetic ancestors.

Essentially, I used the test in reverse. I looked for distant genetic ancestors to discover my unknown surname.

Initially, I had one strong match. That man had the same surname as a long-deceased man known to have dated my mother. It was the breakthrough I needed to find the true story behind my birth.

My Other DNA Tests

This was neither the first nor the last time I used DNA testing in my adoptee search. In 1990 I had used parental DNA testing to learn that my mother named the wrong man as my biological father.

After genealogy DNA testing provided this critical new clue, I located my birth father’s family. Then I used a DNA Sibling test to confirm that this particular member of the family was indeed my father.

More Matches from Surname Project

Family Tree DNA users can join DNA surname projects. I joined the project for my father’s surname and now have three strong matches. One of the new matches has the genealogical data to identify our common ancestor. My great-great grandfather and his g-g-g-great grandfather were brothers.

See My Interview

When Family Tree DNA founder Bennett Greenspan learned of my success, he asked to interview me. You can now view this interview on their web site. See Video Interview at Family Tree DNA.

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