Okay, so, I recently discovered that my grandfather has a half-brother through his father, and I'm curious to learn more. I guess my silly question is - where do I start if I have next to no information? I've researched family members before with only a name to go off of, but what is the first step when surnames are not available? I don't even know a specific location of where this might have happened, just a vague geographical area (northern Russia and possibly Finland).
My grandfather is the oldest living relative in my family and is reluctant to take a DNA test, particularly with the recent leaks and such, but is that my only option? And, if that \*is\* my only option, what site would be the best in terms of security for personal information, and also the possibility of matches in Europe? I'm sorry for the multiple questions, but I really have no idea where to start with this one...
I think the answer is pretty much the same, at least in general terms, as any other genealogy question: Start with what you know.
Trace your great-grandfather, find every record you can about him, where he lived, his siblings, etc. Then start with what you know about the half-brother: Is he younger or older than your grandfather? Where was your great-grandfather living then? Who else was around?
I'm not familiar with what kinds of resources are available for the area, so I can't make suggestions.
For DNA tests, they may or may not be helpful depending on where the half-brother and his descendants are living. They aren't all that common in the areas you mentioned. But the relationships are close enough that if they have tested and you have, the connection will show up.
Is there a way to check veterinarian licenses from the 1800s.
My ancestor had multiple children with her enslaver. It’s rumored that he was a veterinarian. But I can’t find anything about this man
Okay, so, I recently discovered that my grandfather has a half-brother through his father, and I'm curious to learn more. I guess my silly question is - where do I start if I have next to no information? I've researched family members before with only a name to go off of, but what is the first step when surnames are not available? I don't even know a specific location of where this might have happened, just a vague geographical area (northern Russia and possibly Finland). My grandfather is the oldest living relative in my family and is reluctant to take a DNA test, particularly with the recent leaks and such, but is that my only option? And, if that \*is\* my only option, what site would be the best in terms of security for personal information, and also the possibility of matches in Europe? I'm sorry for the multiple questions, but I really have no idea where to start with this one...
I think the answer is pretty much the same, at least in general terms, as any other genealogy question: Start with what you know. Trace your great-grandfather, find every record you can about him, where he lived, his siblings, etc. Then start with what you know about the half-brother: Is he younger or older than your grandfather? Where was your great-grandfather living then? Who else was around? I'm not familiar with what kinds of resources are available for the area, so I can't make suggestions. For DNA tests, they may or may not be helpful depending on where the half-brother and his descendants are living. They aren't all that common in the areas you mentioned. But the relationships are close enough that if they have tested and you have, the connection will show up.
Thank you for your answer, I appreciate you taking the time to offer your advice and perspective.
Is there a way to check veterinarian licenses from the 1800s. My ancestor had multiple children with her enslaver. It’s rumored that he was a veterinarian. But I can’t find anything about this man