Connect and Disconnect an AncestryDNA Match from Your Family Tree

[@mharris813]

WOW ...that was easy! I had to do just this a couple of weeks ago, and I already forgot how I did it... this is way easier! You're always on point! 💖

[@GenealogyTV]

So glad this was an easy fix for you!

[@susanngobar3550]

Thank you for this one, 😊

[@GenealogyTV]

You bet!

[@MandaGreen-x1w]

What are the benefits of connecting a match to my tree? If I know where that match fits, how does it help me to make that connection? Does Ancestry use that connection to improve Thru Lines or find Common Ancestors with other matches?

[@Mistydazzle]

This is what Ancestry Support page says: "Connecting AncestryDNA® matches to your tree can help you see who in the tree is or isn't a DNA match. It’s also a great way to help you understand how you’re related to your matches and to keep a record of those connections. Knowing where a DNA match fits into your family can also help you collaborate--you’ll know what part of your tree they can help with, who they might be interested in, and shared relatives they may have stories and information about."

[@007revher]

I also like to add a DNA tag to their profile. That way I can do a filter search and find all of my DNA matches!

[@007revher]

Connie will you please explain how to use the other two DNA tags that Ancestry has already created for us?

[@MandaGreen-x1w]

@@Mistydazzle Thanks. I understand the benefits of knowing how I'm related to my matches. I wondered if making that link triggered something for Ancestry. Does my match know I connected us? That might be an interesting feature.

[@Mistydazzle]

@@MandaGreen-x1w Ah, OK.

[@simonsmith8149]

Hey Connie - what do you think to the new function currently in Beta on the Ancestry tree view - ie where previously each person had a link to their Thrulines page, this has been replaced with an 'Add DNA matches descending from x' which then links to a dialogue box very similar to the one you get if you accept a suggested parent on a profile page ? Personally, I think it's horrendous; apart from losing the useful link direct to a person's thrulines, this new function will just encourage people to blindly accept new people into their tree without the necessary further research etc thereby increasing the proliferation of dodgy trees, hints etc.

[@GenealogyTV]

Agreed. It may get be dangerous.

[@TheRoadLessPaved]

I finally found a possible sibling/sister to my two decades old dead-end 2xGGM. One of the DNA matches had her name spelled incorrectly and she was also at a brick wall. (I sent ten emails and she's the only one that responded). Now that we have her name spelled correctly, we found the correct marriage name of the ancestor and her spouse on both a census and as a witness to my gg grandparents wedding. In further research I located THREE women with the same name but different spouses and children.Her name was very common (not true). Since I found all three marriage surnames names in my 'DNA matches' does it mean the information entered in two of three trees is incorrect? Do I/we need to cross check our matches. My old brain is confused.

[@GenealogyTV]

Lay it all out in Research Notes in chronological order. You may see the details emerge helping you figure it out.

[@debbiecarroll5672]

Good morning Connie

[@godisloveireland]

I had to do this as my cousin had 2 tests on Ancestry and she removed 1 which I had attached to her. I removed her from the connection and attached her 2nd test to her instead.

[@jbchic7]

I am looking for my fathers real birthdate. He didn’t know his birthday he was born in Arkansas or Missouri. Likely clay co. Is there some research I can do to find that out? I am assuming it was a home birth.

[@GenealogyTV]

Try looking in the FamilySearch wiki, drill into the county to see what records there are to find.

[@jbchic7]

@ thank you