It’s National DNA Day! Here at the Single Leaf, I continue to reflect on the past, present, and possibilities for our future. There continue to be revolutionary changes in the genealogy industry. If you missed it, RootsTech hosted sessions that provided some insight, specifically the Innovation Forum. This is late noticed but going on now RootsTech is also hosting a series of eight free webinars. For more information, visit the FamilySearch Newsroom.
With more and more resources available, we have a great opportunity to accurately record the history of our people. At RootsTech 2020 I gave a presentation titled, “Ethical Considerations Using DNA Results.” It is still available online, but in summary I stated, “As a community, we will determine whether genetic genealogy is a treasure chest or Pandora’s box.” Later that day, Scott R. Woodward, Ph.D., former president of Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF), gave his presentation titled, “Practical and Ethical Issues Associated with Genetic Testing.” Without consultation, we landed on the same page, which is confirming since we come from backgrounds of different disciplines. Unfortunately, his session was not recorded.
DNA has been a game changer! This source contributes to solving, resolving, and revealing many mysteries from the past and in the present. The media is replete with stories. Determining the accuracy of some of those stories requires education, but there is information I would like to pass on to you today in a timely manner.
What is National DNA Day?
National DNA Day “celebrates the completion of the Human Genome Project in April of 2003 and the discovery of DNA’s double helix in 1953.” There are some fun activities you can do to learn more about the genome. Now a matter much more so weighty …
Investigative Genetic Genealogy—A Hot Topic
There are many people interested in investigative genetic genealogy since the identification of the “Buckskin Girl” and prosecution of the “Golden State Killer” was announced in 2018.
Although I can recommend all of the sessions for your viewing, “Exploring African American Genealogy: Professional Research Methods & Tips” presented by Kimberly Morgan and Akosua Moore garnered a lot of praise in the chat room! This session, as well as others, are priced at $10 each. It costs $79 to view all sessions. If you are interested in investigative genetic genealogy, I highly recommend this year’s conference.
DNA Testing Discounts for DNA Day!
(NO AFFILIATE LINKS. FOR MOST PROMOTIONS, DISCOUNT PRICING ENDS TODAY!)
If you’re interested in ancestry plus health information, 23andMe has a deal for you. The Ancestry + Health service is now $119, regularly $199. It is the only company that has received marketing authorization by the FDA, having been evaluated for “accuracy, reliability, and consumer comprehension.” The company’s offer is limited to three kits and ends today!
AncestryDNA is not providing a direct discount but is providing access to their World Explorer Membership for three months for an additional $1 with kit purchase. [The World Explorer membership will automatically renew at $79.95 unless you cancel at least two days prior to the renewal date.]
Family Tree DNA is the only company of the genealogical five that provides comprehensive testing for y-DNA and mitochondrial DNA. The company also has Family Finder that provides autosomal (atDNA) results. Y-DNA testing starts at $99, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) full sequence testing is $129, and the Family Finder test is $59.
LivingDNA has its test on sale for $71.10 using the discount code DNADAY10FORU. It’s regularly $99.
MyHeritage is offering its DNA test for $39, regularly $89. This is another autosomal test that helps to determine ethnicity and provides cousin matching. Again, the sale ends today.
National DNA Day is a time to celebrate the advancement of our knowledge about life. We face unprecedented times and, with this type of knowledge, we can address our present global concern and more for an unparalleled future.
Note: This post is written for your information only. Always read terms and conditions of any website you access or in preparation for any DNA test you take. Understand by what laws, beyond the terms and conditions, each test is governed.
Don’t let the photo deter you from entering… Read on! This post is friendly to all!
What better way to begin 2023 than to host a RootsTech Giveaway! I may have one just for you! The pass retails at $98 for all three days of the conference held at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. If you’ve already paid to attend and you win, RootsTech will reimburse you. If not, enjoy a pass to attend this amazing conference.
The RootsTech conference is scheduled for Thursday, March 2nd through Saturday, March 4, 2023 at the Salt Palace Convention Center. This year’s theme is “Uniting.”
As I’ve mentioned, there are three reasons I enjoy RootsTech:
Keynote addresses from individuals whose life experiences and successes are varied. RootsTech has brought in speakers from the tech industry, the science community, the writer’s circle, the political realm, the entertainment industry, the sports arena, the bloggers’ sphere and, of course, the field of family history and genealogy. I have never been disappointed.
RootsTech offers a customized learning experience with over 200 sessions from which choose. I’ve heard in the past individuals lamenting because there were too many choices and the participants were placed with the difficult task of choosing one favored session over another. The good news is that if a session fills quickly, there is always another quality session to attend.
The Expo Hall provides the greatest gathering of organizations, societies, and vendors to explore the latest in the field of family history and genealogy.
In addition to my initial three reasons, one cannot forget that the RootsTech venue, the Salt Palace Convention Center, is within walking distance of the FamilySearch Library. Prepare now to access some of the greatest collections on earth that will help you find your ancestors! There are about 600 reference consultants and volunteers from all over the world on hand to provide helpful assistance at no cost to you.
This 3-day pass allows entrance to the daily keynote addresses, your choice of over 200 RootsTech sessions, entry into the Expo Hall, and all of the evening events. This 3-day pass does NOT include transportation, lodging accommodations, meals, or any other expenses that you may incur.
So, how do you enter this giveaway? ‘Tis the season for genealogy football!
Share one of your genealogy touchdowns OR share your prediction(s) for what NFL teams will make it to the Super Bowl!
What is a genealogy touchdown?
A genealogy touchdown—that glorious moment when research comes together and you feel like spiking the ball in celebration (a.k.a., doing the genealogy happy dance as it has been described for generations). This option is open to all interested in family history and genealogy, including those who do NOT like football, but it is void where prohibited. Football terminology is not required and entries may be of any length.
Submit entries via my Let’s Talk Family History page. Each entry is one chance to win. Participants may submit more than one entry if the entries are submitted separately.
I ask your permission to include quotes from your entry(ies) in future posts. If your submission is used, proper attribution will be given. If you’d rather not be quoted in a future post or you would rather remain anonymous, please indicate this with your submission. The more you enter, the greater your chance to win!
As mentioned, this contest is void where prohibited. Please remember that I will not use your email address for any purpose other than to notify you if you are the winner.The contest runs from now until to Friday, January 27th at midnight MT. The winner will be notified by Monday, January 30th by email. As mentioned before, if you have already registered with RootsTech and you win, RootsTech will reimbursed you for the full amount that you’ve prepaid.
Enter today! Good Luck! Hope to see you at RootsTech 2023!
About RootsTech
RootsTech, hosted by FamilySearch, is a global conference celebrating families across generations, where people of all ages are inspired to discover and share their memories and connections. This annual event has become the largest of its kind in the world, attracting tens of thousands of participants worldwide.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official influencer and compensated speaker for RootsTech 2023. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Good news! RootsTech is back in person as well as virtual, Thursday, March 2nd through Saturday, March 4th, 2023! More good news! The ticket price for all three days onsite at the Salt Palace Convention Center decreased to $98 with the Expo Hall now free and virtual attendance also free!
What’s the advantage to being onsite? There will be a few more presentations available onsite and the Expo Hall will host hands-on demonstrations. One of the major benefits for avid family historians is access to the Family History Library and in-person research assistance.
For those who register for virtual attendance, there will be over 200 new on-demand sessions, main stage presentations and keynote speakers, online research consultations and a virtual expo hall. You can read more about it here.
I have loved watching the conference AND the Salt Palace Convention Center grow as genealogy and technology intertwine. The conference is a little less “techie” as developers are usually found in the Expo Hall now and not hosting sessions themselves. Unconferencing, where groups gathered in classrooms at specific times to discuss wishlists, is somewhat a thing of the past, although many informal gatherings do take place.
RootsTech has become a little more vibrant as these transitions have created a more user-friendly experience. Now in its 13th year, RootsTech, with the past theme “Connect. Belong.” has become its own family with the conference as its annual reunion. It’s been a joy to watch this family grow!
This year’s theme is “Uniting.” Whether or not your family roots leave you feeling warm and cozy, it’s helpful to know where you come from so you can set sights on who you want to be and where you want to go.
Similar to last year, I am facilitating a panel discussion titled, “Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in the Family History Community.” Last year the panel discussed bullying, Find-a-Grave policies (and its abbreviation), copyright, contract law (terms of service), investigative genetic genealogy (IGG), societies, and the many roles that genealogists fulfill in our community. Judy Russell’s closing remarks wrapped it up: “Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.” The recording is available via this link or at RootsTech.org.
“Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.”
Judy G. Russell, “Dealing with Ethical Dilemmas in an Online World,” RootsTech 2022
Ethics may be considered an “eat your vegetables” kind of topic, BUT it is foundational to facilitate sharing, collaborating and enjoying new discoveries. It is “uniting” when individuals follow the ethical code.
If last year is any indication and polls accurate, Find-a-Grave may qualify for a session of its own. The pain close family members suffer as their loved one’s memorial is hijacked and held hostage by a “gamer” is the greatest ethical complaint in the family history and genealogy community. Many influencers continue to encourage Find-a-Grave and its parent company, Ancestry, to modify this particular policy to abate these relational violations. The more stories we share, the more we increase awareness and understanding as we become proactive in protecting the legacy of our loved ones.
Last year attendees shared in chat many ethical experiences and it was reported that the session was very helpful. So, in preparation for RootsTech 2023, would you share your ethical concerns that can be addressed by the panel in March? I can be contacted via the Let’s Talk Family History link. (Examples of what has been helpful and/or what not been helpful are welcome.) Let us learn from one another and, as Judy says, “Let’s do it right to protect everything for the future.”
Whether you decide to attend in person or virtually, don’t forget to register today!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official influencer and compensated speaker for RootsTech 2023. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
It’s Sunday, April 25th, a day that those of us in the United States have dubbed DNA Day, especially in the genealogical community. We celebrate the 25th because J. D. Watson and F. H. C. Crick published an article in Nature on this day in 1953. Its title is, “A Structure for Deoxyribose Nucleic Acid.”
In honor of the 50th anniversary of this discovery the United States Congress pass a resolution. It said,
S. CON. RES. 10
“Whereas April 25, 2003, will mark the 50th anniversary of the description of the double-helix structure of DNA by James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick, considered by many to be one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th Century;
Whereas, in April 2003, the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium will place the essentially completed sequence of the human genome in public databases, and thereby complete all of the original goals of the Human Genome Project;
Whereas, in April 2003, the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health in the Department of Health and Human Services will unveil a new plan for the future of genomics research;
Whereas, April 2003 marks 50 years of DNA discovery during which scientists in the United States and many other countries, fueled by curiosity and armed with ingenuity, have unraveled the mysteries of human heredity and deciphered the genetic code linking one generation to the next;
Whereas, an understanding of DNA and the human genome has already fueled remarkable scientific, medical, and economic advances; and
Whereas, an understanding of DNA and the human genome hold great promise to improve the health and well being of all Americans: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That the Congress—
designates April 2003 as ‘‘Human Genome Month’’ in order to recognize and celebrate the 50th anniversary of the outstanding accomplishment of describing the structure of DNA, the essential completion of the sequence of the human genome, and the development of a plan for the future of genomics;
designates April 25 as ‘‘DNA Day’’ in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the publication of the description of the structure of DNA on April 25, 1953; and
recommends that schools, museums, cultural organizations, and other educational institutions across the nation recognize Human Genome Month and DNA Day and carry out appropriate activities centered on human genomics, using information and materials provided through the National Human Genome Research Institute and through other entities.”
Recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years and expressing support for the designation of April 25, 2013, as “DNA Day”.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
April 25, 2013
Ms. Slaughter (for herself, Mr. Burgess, Ms. Schakowsky, and Ms. Speier) submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce
RESOLUTION
Recognizing the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years and expressing support for the designation of April 25, 2013, as “DNA Day”.
Whereas April 25, 2013, is the 60th anniversary of the publication of the description of the double-helical structure of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in the scientific journal Nature by James D. Watson and Francis H.C. Crick, which is considered by many to be one of the most significant scientific discoveries of the 20th century;
Whereas their discovery launched a field of inquiry that explained how DNA encoded biological information and how this information is duplicated and passed from generation to generation, forming the stream of life that connects us all to our ancestors and to our descendants;
Whereas this field of inquiry in turn was crucial to the founding and continued growth of the field of biotechnology and of genomics, which have led to historic scientific advances for the world, advances in which the people of the United States have played a leading role and from which they have realized significant benefits;
Whereas from 1990 to 2003, genomic research centers in the United States and around the world worked together on the Human Genome Project, which elucidated the sequence of the human genome, the genetic blueprint of the human body, and made that data available publicly;
Whereas April 14, 2013, marked the 10th anniversary of the Human Genome Project’s completion;
Whereas the sequencing of the human genome has already fostered research discoveries that have led to advances in medicine, and as genome sequencing becomes faster and less expensive, will enable researchers to further improve human health and medical care;
Whereas the cost and time needed to sequence a human genome has decreased rapidly, from $1,000,000,000 and 6 to 8 years during the Human Genome Project to less than $5,000 and 2 to 3 days in 2013;
Whereas in 1990, when the Human Genome Project began, there were only 4 FDA-approved drugs with pharmacogenomic information on their labels, and then by 2013, this number had increased to over 100;
Whereas a study conducted by the Battelle Institute found that for every dollar of United States Federal investment in the Human Genome Project, there was $141 in economic activity generated in return;
Whereas the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health has provided an exemplary model for social responsibility in scientific research, by devoting significant resources and leadership to studying the ethical, legal, and social implications of genomics research;
Whereas genomic medicine will be enhanced by increasing the public’s awareness and understanding of genomics; and
Whereas April 25, 2013, is an appropriate day to designate as “DNA Day” in celebration of the 60th anniversary of the publication describing the structure of DNA on April 25, 1953: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives—
(1) recognizes the sequencing of the human genome as one of the most significant scientific accomplishments of the past 100 years;
(2) honors the 60th anniversary of the outstanding accomplishment of describing the structure of DNA and the 10th anniversary of completing the Human Genome Project;
(3) supports the designation of “DNA Day”; and
(4) encourages schools, museums, cultural organizations, and other educational institutions in the United States to recognize “DNA Day” with appropriate programs and activities centered on human genomics.
As I mentioned in my presentation for RootsTech Connect, the world of genetic genealogy has collided with both medicine and law enforcement, although both of these fields have been using DNA longer than genealogists. It is the way we, as genealogists, analyze and correlate the genetic information that has become useful to these other disciplines.
But DNA’s impact continues to expand. A recent article in the New York Times (NYT) discusses the benefit to using genetic genealogy to identify fallen soldiers and bring them home. It is in line with the United States Army’s values espoused in “The Soldier’s Creed,”
Currently the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) outlines the procedure as follows:
“Scientists use a variety of techniques to establish the identification of unaccounted-for individuals, including analysis of skeletal remains and sampling mitochondrial DNA. They also analyze material evidence, personal effects and life support equipment. The agency medical examiner evaluates these overlapping lines of evidence in an effort to identify the remains…”
“The lab uses mtDNA in about three-quarters of its cases…This sequence is compared with sequences from family reference samples provided by living individuals who are maternally related to the unidentified American…Generally, all persons of the same maternal line have the same mtDNA sequences. Since these sequences are rare but not unique within the general population, they cannot stand alone as evidence for identification. In addition to the factors previously mentioned, each separate line of evidence must be examined at the lab and correlated with all historical evidence. All reports undergo a thorough peer review process that includes an external review by independent experts.”
But, is there a better way? According to the NYT article, Timothy McMahon thinks so. He oversees DNA identification of the remains for the Armed Forces Medical Examiner System. He is quoted as saying, “The technology is there—we just have to develop the policy to use it.”
Ed Huffine, who headed testing of remains from past wars for the Armed Forces DNA Identification Lab in the 1990s added, “Right now they are doing it backward, so you have policy getting in the way of science…”
“Switching to DNA-first will be faster, cheaper and produce better results,” he said. “It just makes sense.”
Given that in 2013 Congress lauded the savings provided by the “United States Federal investment in the Human Genome Project” and that, according to Battelle Institute’s study, “there was $141 in economic activity generated in return” for every dollar invested, isn’t it time to re-evaluate methods, update procedures, and return identity to our fallen soldiers?
The NYT article highlighted a 16-year-old soldier named Private Melton Futch of the 92nd Infantry Division. His grave is marked similar to the photograph I took posted above; it might even be his grave. I’ve been to the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery multiple times and it’s a place of solemn education for me. There are 490 unidentified soldiers in 488 graves in this one cemetery. Then there is Normandy American Cemetery, where the average age of a soldier was 24 years. The age of my son when we visited. It was a poignant moment for this mother.
Each unidentified soldier that lay in these graves or elsewhere made the ultimate sacrifice. Can we not expedite their identification by authorizing the use of investigative genetic genealogy (IGG)?
A friend asked on Twitter, “How many distinct Surnames [sic] should we have each generation in a perfect pedigree? In 10 generations we have 1024 direct ancestors with how many distinct Surnames [sic]?”
My immediate response was the classic genealogical answer, “It depends.” It still is. Contrary to an idea that circulates within the community, there is no one right way to research. There are standards and best practices. It’s also true that there is no one right answer to this question of numbers. Why?
First, the words used to form questions matter. Words have different meanings to different people dependent on known usage in culture and community. My study of English and other languages provided many opportunities to learn lessons related to miscommunication based on the nuance of words.
So, what about surnames? First, to answer her question I needed to verify what she meant by “perfect.” A basic dictionary search defined it as 1) having all the required or desired elements, qualities, or characteristics; as good as it is possible to be, or 2) absolute, complete (used for emphasis).
This alone did not define the meaning of the sentence. The answer would still be “it depends,” since “distinct” would also need to be defined, such as 1) recognizably different in nature from something else of a similar type, or 2) readily distinguishable by senses.
She followed up with an example saying that [she and I] possess “two distinct, unique surnames.” This is a fact, but many, or most, surnames have variants. “Broderick” has many. I was surprised upon a quick search that her surname has at least four. I had to ask, should these varied spellings be included in the computation?
And then, what about those individuals who don’t have surnames? I’ve met people that do not have surnames even in today’s world. How would they count?
There are other factors to consider. With the advancement of DNA, is the pedigree genetic or social? Autosomal DNA reaches back about 5-6 generations and a person does not inherit DNA from each of those ancestors; yDNA can confirm male lineage or reveal an NPE, commonly known as a non-paternal event or, preferred in genetic genealogy, not the parent expect. There is also mitochondrial DNA which reaches back in time and typically, from an American point of view, the surname changes each generation?
But, what happens when a Johnson marries a Johnson, a Tanner marries a Tanner or a Smolenyak marries a Smolenyak? Megan Smolenyak, former chief family historian at Ancestry.com, the author of many books related to genealogy and so much more, married Brian Smolenyak. In a number of surname traditions she would be known as Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak or Megan Smolenyak2.
Megan shared on her YouTube channel that her deep dive into DNA helped sort out the four Smolenyak families in the village of Osturňa in Slovakia and it has “saved [her] decades of research.” In this village there were four Smolenyak families that Megan believed shared a common ancestor. She obtained yDNA samples representing each of the four households. The results showed that none of these families were related. In her words, “not even close.” She said, “You could not find four people of European origin more distantly related than the four of us.”
Later she conducted a village study that revealed that two of the four Smolenyak families aligned with two other distinct surnames—Homza and Vanecsko, one surname of which belongs to her husband’s line. With this information, would the new surname be added to the generational count?
As you can see by Megan’s example, the number of surnames found in a 10-generation family tree is not as straight forward as it appears. It depends on how you want to count surnames, and let’s not be myopic. From patronymics to pedigree collapse, DNA to endogamy and more, there are a number of reasons a definitive answer cannot be given.
In my friend’s specific case, she could take all known factors into consideration and arrive at a reasonably accurate total, subject to change with further research. But, in the end, my friend received the answer she was anticipating:
Every new wife adds a new surname. Every odd number in an ahnentafel [German for “ancestor table”] is a new surname. I think this means 512 surnames in your example, all the odd numbers between 1 and 1024, which is half of the total.
As you might have noticed, there was no initial example and many assumptions must be made to create this as a textbook case. I still don’t know if it’s a genetic or social family tree. Or, if variant spellings count. If I were to guess I would say, “probably not”, but, then again, I could be wrong.
The human family is complicated. Genealogy is not a one-size-fits-all pursuit. Surnames are just one example. I still remember the woman I met years ago who shared how difficult it was to live in our American society without a surname. It wasn’t something she anticipated. But, in reality, we must remember that even without a surname, she counts.
And, finally, the U.S. Census Bureau compiled a list of the most prolific surnames in America. The most recent data is from 2010. Are your surnames found in the top 100 on this list? Let me know.
On Wednesday, March 17th, the Family History Library hosted a free all-day seminar focused on Irish family history. Although I had other leprechauns to catch that day, I logged in at the top o’ the morning to find a pot of gold for someone beginning Irish research. The good news is that the recordings from these sessions are available for a limited time on the Family History Library Facebook page.
Spoiler Alert! Here are the three things he wished he had known:
First, the Irish enjoy the stability of surnames. Finding clusters of surnames can help a researcher focus on a specific geographic region of Ireland. If the researcher has the surnames of husband and wife to cross reference, it can leverage the power of intersection to narrow the search even more. Rencher used an example of two surnames he knew of a married couple who had children in Ireland. By using the geographic clues, he was able to narrow the search so that he found the family in the third parish. A great time saver! To be honest, it might not help with Murphys or Kellys, but check out John Grenham’s website. Enter an Irish surname and a distribution map will appear along with other information including variant spellings. This website offers a limited free surname search as well as subscription features, so check it out!
Second, early in his career Rencher was influenced by co-workers when they told him “[a]ll the records in Ireland were destroyed.” This is one of the myths in genealogy. It is true that the Public Record Office experienced a fire in 1922 that destroyed many records that would aid genealogical research, but there are records that help compensate for this record loss.
So, what were the key record losses?
The 1821-1851 Irish Censuses (a few fragments for some counties survive). In 1821 Ireland began to enumerate every person in the household and took note of who had died. It is a significant loss!
Two-thirds of the parish registers of the Church of Ireland
Original wills and administrations dating to the 1500s (fragments and copies did survive)
Court records prior to 1900
But, there was a massive effort to recover lost information so there are potential substitutes. Rencher briefly discussed the work of antiquarians and genealogists who made abstracts and transcriptions from the records housed in the Public Record Office before that fateful date. These files are listed on Family Search wiki, “Irish Genealogical Collections by County,” by the name of the collection (antiquarian), its repository(ies), whether or not the collection is found at the Family History Library, and the associated diocese(s).🍀
Finally, Rencher wished that he had paid attention to friends, associates, and neighbors, commonly referred to in genealogy as the FAN club. He admonished listeners to note the factors that brought their people to America. If they landed in New York and head to Kansas, there was a reason. He recommended that a researcher note all those who served as witnesses, godparents, etc, and the localities from which they came. The social circle might just hold the clue needed to advance the research.
Other sessions currently available on the Family History Library Facebook page are:
Once again, these presentations are available for a limited time. Although St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated one day each year, ancestors can be found all year long!
Wishing you a pot o’ gold, And all the joy your heart can hold.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
I first heard the story of “the dirty little Irish kid” a number of years ago. It was once again brought to my attention as this St. Patrick’s Day approached. It is a common story told locally among descendants and throughout the world by church leaders. One version goes like this:
“Many years ago an elder who served a mission [for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints] in the British Isles said at the end of his labors, “I think my mission has been a failure. I have labored all my days as a missionary here and I have only baptized one dirty little Irish kid. That is all I baptized.” Years later, after his return to his home in Montana, he had a visitor come to his home who asked, “Are you the elder who served a mission in the British Isles in 1873?” “Yes.” Then the man went on, “And do you remember having said that you thought your mission was a failure because you had only baptized one dirty little Irish kid?” He said, “Yes.” The visitor put out his hand and said, “I would like to shake hands with you. My name is Charles A. Callis, of the Council of the Twelve of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I am that dirty little Irish kid that you baptized on your mission.”
This story first caught my attention because of my connection as a descendant of Irish immigrants. I am familiar with the poverty and struggles that my ancestors had to overcome. Who is not impressed when someone is able to overcome the challenges of life? And, to do it alone, wow!
I was awed by how this young, supposedly orphaned, child was able to make such a religious commitment, immigrate to America, and rose among the ranks in church leadership. I was also disturbed from the first time I heard this story that the former missionary would profess failure or claim success based on statistics. Spiritual work is not a sales position. It’s not something that can be tallied. Spiritual work is intangible. The only measurement that would have, should have, counted is that this young boy’s life improved because of this missionary’s service. Somehow, somewhere, this missionary misunderstood. It wasn’t about him at all.
Not only that, when I finally decided I wanted to know a bit more about this Irish boy, I learned that I had it wrong. Charles Albert Callis was born on May 4, 1865 in South Dublin to English parents. This was true. But, when Charles’s father died in Dublin in 1867 at the age of 27, his widowed mother, with four children in tow, moved back to England. It was there on a Liverpool bridge that the missionaries noticed a little boy out after dark and offered to walk him home. It was at this boy’s home that they met Susannah Callis, the boy’s mother. The family was then taught, baptized, and, shortly thereafter, immigrated to Utah. Not quite the orphan I thought, even though the definition of “orphan” is dependent on time and place. To the missionary, this single mother and her children were forgotten or discounted except for “the dirty little Irish kid”—at least the way the story is told.
By age 16, Charles worked in the coal mines of Utah twelve hours a day to help support his family. I wonder if this is where the “dirty” descriptor was acquired. According to reports, he took interest in learning and ultimately, through the support of a mentor and self-study, passed two bar exams. As an attorney and a missionary, he became a great asset to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Nephi Jensen once wrote of this “dirty little Irish kid: “C. A. Callis in many respects [is] a very remarkable man. He is one of those heroic souls who have come up from the depths…
“His personality is not striking. His appearance gives you no true idea of the caliber of the man. He is undersized and there is nothing prepossessing about his countenance. But when he commences to talk you begin to enlarge your estimation of him. His voice is soft, round, and full. There is a charm in it. You listen and soon discover that you are not in the presence of an ordinary man.
“He is a leader. He does things without being told. Nor does he stick tenaciously by the past. He is always discovering new ways of doing things. While others are waiting for opportunities to do good he is making them.”[1]
I’m still in awe of “the dirty little Irish kid” and all that Charles Albert Callis achieved in his lifetime. I just wonder about his mother’s loss and her influence upon her children, his sisters’s stories, and if, in the end, this family was happy.
From this example, are there any lessons to be gleaned about how we tell our family stories and how we listen to the stories written or told by others?
[1] Nephi Jensen Journal, July 1907, pp. 65–67, Archives & Manuscripts, BYU. Quoted in Richard E. Bennett, “Elder Charles A. Callis: Twentieth-Century Missionary”; accessed 16 March 2021: https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1981/04/elder-charles-a-callis-twentieth-century-missionary?lang=eng
Three questions. Three questions that Steve Rockwood, CEO at FamilySearch International, asked in his closing remarks at RootsTech Connect. How did your ancestors live? Who did they love? And, what did they learn? This is the expanded vision at FamilySearch as this work continues to go forward. The organization is committed to assisting people, using its combined resources, in transforming the name of an ancestor into real person. A pinch. A dash. Voilà! The real story.
Rockwood shared that FamilySearch has helped people make connections to their ancestors for over 125 years, but he believes that this is only one-third of its mission. Past, present, and future, FamilySearch seeks to connect each person to a record and the records to each other to create one family tree. One family. He says it’s “all about stories.”
In 2016, Rockwood compared genealogists and family historians to heart specialists. You can read about it here and here. In this session he suggests that those involved in this work can turn, change, and heal hearts by exploring the questions in the title of this post as they pertain to our ancestors:
How did our ancestors live?
Who did our ancestors love?
What did our ancestors learn?
I might add that we ask ourselves:
How do we live?
Who do we love?
What are we learning?
We might also want to look to our posterity and ask:
How will they live?
Who will they love?
What will they learn?
Steve Rockwood went on to say, “Your real story matters. Your story deserves to be remembered. It’s your story that has lasting value.”
Do you agree?
During RootsTech Connect I checked out the mosaic—a family portrait of attendees. When I zoomed out, I saw an artistic rendition of a world map. When I zoomed in, I saw individual portraits of friends, colleagues, and people I’ve never met. We make up the world. We each have a story. Since our stories make up our world, let’s assist one another and write some good ones, you know, ones with happy endings!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador and compensated speaker at RootsTech Connect. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
The last few days over one million attendees from over 200 countries and territories attended RootsTech Connect! This portion of the conference was LIVE with speakers and vendors available to chat with attendees about their topics or products. There were also a few live Zoom events that took place. Thanks to the Connection-Experiment’s Desktop Diner, and based on one of my presentations, I added an item to the menu of breakout rooms, “Eat Your Vegetables—Ethical Considerations.” I realize this topic might not be fun nor entertaining, but it is foundational to all credible family history research.
At one point #RootsTechConnect was trending on social media channels. Old friends were reconnecting while those new, about 89% of the conference, were making connections for the first time. Relatives at RootsTech was a popular activity. So many cousins, so little time! Many focused on the keynote sessions. These are now recorded and available for viewing. Paul Chiddicks, author of the blog, The Chiddicks Family Tree, shared in his review of the conference and a very tender moment made possible by technology introduced at the conference. Check it out! If you want to be part of the genealogy Twitter universe, follow Paul @chiddickstree. He’s one of the best!
Since there are more than 800 25-or-less minute sessions available for viewing this next year, there is still time to register for a Family Search account. Just follow the prompts from the RootsTech.org website. You will need an account to create a personal playlist. Chat will also be available until later this week.
For an account, here’s the process once you arrive at the website and click Sign In. You’ll be redirected to the second screen. Once there select “Create a Free Account” and you’ll be on your way to a year’s worth of free educational and industry content. Don’t forget to read the terms of use or the privacy notice. If you choose not to register for an account, you can still enjoy the sessions with limitations.
In closing, I would like to share a post written by fellow ambassador and speaker, Taralyn Parker. She had this to say about RootsTech Connect on Instagram. I hope it resonates with you as it did with me:
We have to give ourselves permission to do the parts of family history that we love. What speaks to you? What tugs at your heartstrings? Lean into it and don’t worry about fitting into someone else’s mold. The family history community needs you because we are literally all part of the human family. We need each other’s stories, skills, memories, research abilities, photos, and expertise. We need a shoulder to cry on when the past is painful. We need a cheering section when a brick wall comes tumbling down. We need each other. The work and joy of family history cannot be completed alone. Whether you are just starting to explore or you have been carrying the genealogical torch for years, there is room at the table for you. I’m grateful for the acceptance I have found with my quirky love of research and social media savvy skills. Inviting you to link arms with me so we can learn and share together. Please save and share if this speaks to you! What parts of family history are you leaning into after @rootstechofficial?
So, what are you leaning into after RootsTech Connect? Who did you connect with? What did you experience?
Finally, I’d like to give a shoutout to RootsTech, FamilySearch International, and the sponsors of this year’s global conference! It truly is amazing what has been accomplished in such a short period of time!
THANK YOU!!!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am designated as an official ambassador and compensated speaker at RootsTech Connect. Nevertheless, I have been with RootsTech since its inception and with its predecessor for many years as a paid participant. As always, my coverage and opinions are my own and are not affected by my current status. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Relative Race premieres its seventh season tonight on BYUtv at 7 p.m. MT/9 p.m. ET. It will also be available on-demand thereafter. For those not familiar with this show, it’s similar to The Amazing Race, which just aired its 32nd season at the end of 2020, with a twist of DNA connections and family history.
I’ve encouraged Relative Race to go global and was happy to see Dan Debenham attend RootsTech London at the end of 2019 to promote the show. During our interview he discussed the possibility of extending the race to the U.K. in upcoming seasons. Then, the pandemic hit. The good news is that production for this season happened. We now have the opportunity to enjoy another Relative Race journey!
This season the teams are new but their designated colors remain the same. There are hints throughout the promotional material that Relative Race has changed up the format so brace yourself for at least a surprise or two.
Team Red is Elizabeth and Devin Dobson of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Both of them are adopted and seek to find biological family members.
Team Green is Magen Gamble and Monika Bergman of Newman, Georgia. This will be the first time friends travel together to meet family. Magen is the kind of friend hoped for when seeking answers to tender questions. In this case, Monika has questions about her adoption. She’d like to understand why she was given away when an older sibling and younger siblings were kept.
Team Blue is Joseph and Anthony Pierce of St. Paul, Minnesota, twins who were adopted but have not seen family for quite some time. Now on their own, they wonder where their biological parents are and hope to make up for lost time.
Team Black is Kacey and Sean Chapman of Navarre, Ohio. Kacey was adopted at age 9 months. She shares that, as she entered elementary school, abandonment issues crept in. Now, the parents of children of their own, they hope to find answers to the question of “Why?”
Let’s hope the show will last as long as The Amazing Race. It does have staying power—the power of compelling stories and the power of family!
The Single Leaf 