Finding Great-Granny’s Family: Four Words and DNA

In this enlightening genealogy webinar, “Finding Great-Granny’s Family: Four Words and DNA,” Cathie Sherwood delivers an engaging case study that showcases the power of persistence, pattern recognition, and DNA analysis in family history research. With over 40 years of experience tracing Irish, English, and Scottish roots, Sherwood walks participants through her investigation into the mysterious origins of her great-grandmother, Annie Hanlon. What begins as a seemingly insignificant four-word phrase in an 1886 death notice evolves into a richly detailed exploration combining traditional records and genetic genealogy to build a compelling, evidence-based family narrative. This webinar is especially relevant for genealogists grappling with Irish ancestry, missing documentation, or long-standing research obstacles.

• Small Clues Can Lead to Major Breakthroughs. Sherwood’s journey began with a brief newspaper phrase—"Toowoomba papers please copy"—which became a crucial lead. Her meticulous analysis of newspaper notices, death certificates, immigration records, and church registers demonstrates how even minor details, when explored fully, can unlock family mysteries.
• Combining Traditional Research with DNA Strengthens Hypotheses. By methodically layering civil registrations, land records, and historical maps with modern DNA tools like Ancestry’s ThruLines and WATO (What Are The Odds), Sherwood constructed a strong, if not definitive, case for Annie’s parentage. The integration of DNA clustering and segment comparison provided genetic support for suspected relationships among Hanlon siblings.
• Naming Patterns, Nicknames, and Geographic Consistency Matter. The recognition of “Nancy” as a common nickname for “Annie,” paired with consistent mentions of County Kilkenny across records, allowed Sherwood to sift through conflicting data. These cultural nuances and localized patterns can be vital when navigating fragmented Irish genealogical sources.

Don’t forget to explore the full syllabus accompanying this session. It includes additional research tips, record examples, and resource links to help deepen your own investigations. The webinar and supporting materials are available through the Legacy Family Tree Webinars membership library, where thousands of expert-led classes await. Dive in, and take your family history further—one clue at a time.