Those Collaterals Are Worth the Time and Effort

Collateral Research

Early in my genealogy research I added a lot of people to my collateral lines. Aunts, Uncles, Cousins and Cousins and Cousins. For the most part I did this because they just happened to be there. My direct ancestor would be living next door or on the same block as their in-laws or children etc. They were there, so I added them.

As time has passed, my research time has diminished. That extra time used here and there to add collateral individuals became a hindrance to me. While I would still add the in-laws, I might not add all the cousins especially if I had to put any extra effort into identifying them.

DNA and Collateral Research

Last month I uploaded my RAW DNA data from Ancestry.com to Gedmatch.com. When I started receiving emails from possible matches I saw right away that I need more collaterals! Finding that common ancestor can be tricky and having more individuals to work with will be helpful.

Now, on to add more aunts, uncles, cousins and cousins cousins to my tree.