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Understanding DNA Testing

Genetic genealogy is booming!  DNA testing companies like Family Tree DNA (FTDNA), AncestryDNA, MyHeritage DNA, and 23andMe, among others, are growing rapidly as more and more people are spitting into test tubes and getting their DNA examined…

Are Humans Responsible for Megafauna Extinctions?

In addition to being obsessed with genealogy, I have an abiding interest in human prehistory and the anthropological development of Homo sapiens, both biological and cultural, and especially with what DNA research and human paleontology are…

Introducing My Family Tree

Building on the efforts of my parents and others in the family, I have been actively working on ancestry for nearly 8 years now.  The 5-generation pedigree chart shown here is the culmination of that work - or at least we can say that it displays…

Probate Discovery: Fred A. King (1857-1920)

On our recent trip to northern Minnesota, we stopped in the Cass County Courthouse in Walker, Minnesota and obtained a copy of Fred A. King’s probate file.  Fred is my 2nd great-grandfather (2GG).  This was an overdue discovery, given…
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Road Trip to Red River Valley II

Our road trip this summer to the Red River Valley in northwestern Minnesota was a tremendous success.  We added 3 Norwegian ancestors to our family tree! Background:  Our Bonn ancestry is based upon a connection to the village of Bøn,…
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Road Trip to Red River Valley I

Genealogy on the Move:  Genealogy road trips are a marvelous, fun way to conduct research.  Nothing can replace the intimacy of seeing a family homestead, former residence, or grave site in person. Road trips can also be remarkably productive. …
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A Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away …

Sir Hugh de Malebisse - Norman knight, participant in Battle of Hastings, 1066 A.D.  This is the man who launched my interest in genealogy! It happened in 4th grade.  We had an assignment to do a report on someone interesting in our family. …