It has been some time since I last provided an update on the family tree. I have been working on it, but connectivity with Ancestry has been poor over the past few days.
I have been attempting to determine my relationship with my DNA matches in order to ensure the accuracy of the family tree. By examining the notes on DNA matches, I have been able to identify patterns. For example, some DNA matches with European Jewish ethnicity estimates share a common ancestor with me, while others with Germanic European ethnicity estimates likely trace their ancestry back to Germany.
Currently, I have 515 DNA matches that I am unsure how we are related. These individuals match each other in clusters, but do not match anyone I have DNA-confirmed as a relative. Once I clarify the connections to Germany, that number should decrease.
I need to set aside some time to tidy up my family tree, which currently includes around 6,900 people. There are a number of sources on my computer that are not yet connected to the tree, and I intend to add these. Additionally, I plan to revisit some areas of research, as my researching skills have improved and more records are now available online.
I would like to merge RootsMagic and Family Tree Maker, as both have features I appreciate. I am considering changing some source links from Ancestry to FamilySearch, which is free. When I make the tree public, I want people to be able to view the sources and learn about their family, and Ancestry has most of its sources behind a paywall. Changing the sources will also give me the opportunity to review how each individual was researched. One feature I like in RootsMagic is the timestamp that shows when a record was last modified or created. I would love to have this feature in Family Tree Maker, particularly if I could run a report by date to see which ancestors I have not looked at in a while.
For the next couple of weeks, I will be focusing on Germany, DNA matches, and cleaning up the tree. I don’t see the point in adding people to the tree based on census records unless I have DNA-confirmed the family line. I hope to figure out how I am related to these 515 cousins.