Have you struggled with an AncestryDNA ThruLines hints that you were sure was incorrect? You’re not alone! In my last post, I started analyzing the ThruLines for the potential parents of my dad’s 3^rd great-grandmother, Sarah “Sally” Vaughan (1787–1859).

Case Study: John and Amelia (Jones) Vaughan

ThruLines, an AncestryDNA tool that provides hints or suggestions for potential ancestors based on DNA matches and family trees, indicated that Sarah’s parents might be John and Amelia (Jones) Vaughan. However, my research suggested otherwise.

ThruLines proposed 19 DNA matches that might connect my dad to other children of John and Amelia. Over the past week, I analyzed these matches, creating a detailed spreadsheet and extensive notes.

Five Scenarios for AncestryDNA ThruLines Hints

My research led me to identify five scenarios in which people appear as part of incorrect ThruLines. Have you seen some of these scenarios? Have you seen, or can you think of, any others?

1.Actual Relatives of the Suggested Couple: These individuals are genuinely related to the potential ancestors but connected to you through a different relationship.

2. Misled by Trees and Hints: Matches influenced by ThruLines or inaccurate trees leading them to mistakenly believe they are descendants of the potential ancestors.

3. Connections Created by ThruLines: Matches for whom ThruLines has incorrectly constructed a tree linking them to the potential ancestors.

4. Correctly Related but with a “Small” Tree: Individuals related through the right part of your family tree, but their family trees don’t extend back far enough on that line.

5. Correctly Related and Know Your Missing Ancestor(s): Matches who are related through the correct part of your tree and have identified the ancestor(s) you are seeking.

Using Shared Matches to Determine the Correct Line

Shared Matches can help us determine whether a DNA match likely belongs to the part of the family we are researching. They led me to conclude that some of these 19 matches were from a different part of my dad’s tree. A lack of Shared Matches, or a lack of identifiable Shared Matches, made it challenging to determine the specific part of our tree to which other matches were connected. Ultimately, I was able to identify 4  of the 19 matches could likely assist in breaking down my brick wall, including one with the Vaughan surname!

Keeping Track on Ancestry

To keep track of my work, I’m using Ancestry’s custom groups and note fields. For those matches likely related to my Sarah Vaughan research, I’ve created a group labeled “Sarah Vaughan Line.” For others, I’m adding a note: “NOT our Vaughan line.”

Finding Additional Matches and Exploring Y-DNA Testing

I also analyzed the DNA results of two of my dad’s siblings and two of his first cousins, all descendants of Sarah Vaughan. This work led me to additional matches and higher amounts of shared DNA. Previous and additional work led me to other matches who may help me with this research question.

Among the matches I’m now focused on, four have the Vaughan surname! I plan to reach out to them regarding Y-DNA testing, which could be valuable in confirming our connection to the correct Vaughan line. In fact, I discovered that David Robertson, who I mentioned in my last post, is co-administering the Vaughan Surname Project. I’m excited to see if Y-DNA can help us with this research!

Seeking MRCAs (Most Recent Common Ancestors)

The next step involves studying and potentially building family trees to identify a shared Vaughan ancestor. I’ve already identified one MRCA matching a father and son pair of Vaughans as well as the father’s first cousin twice removed.

Your Turn

Have you dug deeply into some of your ThruLines? Or did you find people who were related to you in a different way than ThruLines suggested? I’d love to hear about your experiences, struggles, and successes. Please share your stories in the comments below!