The Henry Westfall DNA Cluster

Earlier this fall Julie’s DNA profile at Ancestry.com showed a new 3rd cousin match. This cousin match thankfully had a public family tree. This new match was also a “Shared Match”. This means that both Julie and the match were linked to the same 3rd and 4th cousins. Thankfully some of those additional matches also had public family trees. A public family tree means that the researcher has opted to share their research with other Ancestry.com members.

After spending some time reviewing the family trees associated with the matches a common surname stood out – Westfall. Based on the data available in the Ancestry.com trees Julie's DNA matches are descendants of Henry Westfall and his wife Ellen.

Who is Henry Westfall?

Henry Westfall was born about 1825. Some source list his state of birth as Pennsylvania and others list his state of birth as New York. The first confirmed reference to Henry Westfall is the 1860 United States Federal Census. He is enumerated with his wife Ellen in  Limestone, Warren County, Pennsylvania. The household also included the couple's four oldest children.

From preliminary searches Ellen’s surname has been been verified. She is sometimes recorded several ways as Ellen McGee and in other records she is recorded as Ellen Dias. All of these records are based on secondary sources - which could be a contributing factor to why her surname is recorded in two different ways. Ellen was born about 1833 in Pennsylvania.

The 1870 United States Federal Census documents the family living in Limestone, Warren County, Pennsylvania. The 1880 United States Federal Census documents the family living in Watson, Warren County, Pennsylvania. Henry is recorded as a farmer in the 1860 through 1880 census records.

Ellen was recorded as a widow in the 1900 United States Federal Census living in Watson, Warren County, Pennsylvania. The census indicates that Henry and Ellen had 11 children, 10 who were living in 1900. All of the children were born in Pennsylvania:

1. Henry B. Westfall – born about 1851 
2. Ellen Barbara Westfall – born about 1853 
3. Adeline Westfall – born about 1857 
4. Thomas M. Westfall – born about 1861 
5. Elizabeth A. Westfall – born about 1863. She may also have gone by “Lizzie” 
6. Lucy Westfall – born about 1865 
7. George Richard Westfall – born between 1867-1868 
8. Etta Minnie Westfall – born about 1871 
9. Herman Westfall – born about 1873 
10. Mary Westfall – born about 1876 
11. Unknown Westfall – died prior to the 1900 United States Federal Census. 

How does Julie Link to the Westfall Family?

Julie currently has four DNA matches that descend from three children of Henry Westfall and Ellen:

• Two DNA matches linked to descendants of Ellen Barbara Westfall initially estimated to be 3rd cousin and a 4th cousin 
• One DNA match linked to a descendant of George Richard Westfall initially estimated to be a 3rd cousin. 
• One DNA match linked  to a descendant of Etta Minnie initially estimated to be a 4th cousin. 

Julie is also sharing DNA with one additional match that is also likely a descendant of Henry Westfall and Ellen via their daughter Elizabeth. This match is also linked to the other matches mentioned above. To determine if this theory is correct a triangulation exercise would need to be completed to verify the shared DNA segments between the descendants of Elizabeth and matches with proven ancestry to Henry Westfall and Ellen.

The chart below shows the matches in the Westfall cluster and their relationships to Julie:

The Henry Westfall DNA Cluster

The chart shows the link between Julie and the known Westfalls contains several gaps. One positive note is the matches that Julie shares are in the 3rd to 4th cousin range. As a result it is plausible to conclude that Henry Westfall and Ellen are a set of Julie’s distant grandparents and her family descends from one of their eleven children.

Additional Matches to the Westfall Cluster

In addition to the matches highlighted above Julie has several other DNA matches that are linked to both her and the matches shown in the cluster. Hopefully in time the connection to those other matches will be understood – allowing additional branches of the family to be crossed off.

References: 

1. 1860 United States Federal Census. Year: 1860; Census Place: Limestone, Warren, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1190; Page: 913; Image: 269; Family History Library Film: 805190 
2. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Limestone, Warren, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1461; Page: 215B; Image: 287600; Family History Library Film: 552960 
3. 1880 United States Federal CensusYear: 1880; Census Place: Watson, Warren, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1200; Family History Film: 1255200; Page: 308B; Enumeration District: 278 
4. 1900 United States Federal CensusYear: 1900; Census Place: Watson, Warren, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1492; Page: 2A; Enumeration District: 0141; FHL microfilm: 1241492

Connecting with Cousins!

Julie initially completed her AncestryDNA test in the summer of 2014. After her results came back we connected with a 2nd cousin match, Stewart Miller. Stewart pointed us to his cousin Clinton who agreed to take a DNA test.

Although we don't know exactly how Julie links to the cousins - they share a common set of grandparents several generations back - Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. Stewart and Clinton have both welcomed Julie into their extended family.

Julie's cousin Clinton is a very talented photographer. You can check our his work at Photos by C.M. Recently, he traveled to Pennsylvania and New York to photograph the fall colors.  He included a stop in North East, Pennsylvania to see Julie and her family. The two had a great visit! They traveled to Cleveland, Ohio to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Julie and Clinton at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

The process of discovering who Julie's birth family is has been an incredible journey. Hopefully in time we will learn more about Julie's ancestors. We are thankful and grateful to have connected with Stewart and Clinton. 

The Miller Family: Henry W. Miller

Using DNA Cluster analysis we were able to determine that Julie is a descendant of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. Julie currently shares DNA with two children of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup – their son Henry Washington Miller and their daughter Lucy Ann Miller. DNA analysis indicates that Julie is more closely related to the descendants of Henry Washington Miller. Henry W. Miller will serve as the starting point to researching the greater Miller family.

The Early Years

Henry Washington Miller, the son of Henry Miller and Lydia Shoup, was born July 4, 1836 in Pennsylvania. His date of birth and parents’ names are recorded on his death certificate. The 1850 United States Federal Census records the 13 year old Henry living with his parents in Beaver, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The family was enumerated September 18, 1850. Henry H. Miller is recorded as head of household age 50. The household included Lydia age 51, Mary age 19, Esther age 17, Clara age 12, Judy age 10, and Lucy age 6. The girls are presumed to be Henry W. Miller’s sisters. The 1850 United States Federal Census did not record the relationship of individuals to the head of household. Henry H. Miller was recorded as a farmer. All of the children in the household attended school in the census year.

Excerpt from the 1850 United States Federal Census
Beaver, Clarion, Pennsylvania
Henry H. Miller family on lines 8 through 15. 

Marriage to Emeline Weaver

The next historical reference to Henry W. Miller is the 1860 United States Federal Census. He is enumerated as the head of household in Licking Township, Clarion County, Pennsylvania. The post office for the area is recorded as Callenburg. The household consisted of Henry, age 23, and Emeline age 17. The 1860 United States Federal Census did not record the relationship of individuals to the head of household. Given their ages and that the couple is living together it can be inferred that Emeline is Henry's wife. Henry is recorded as a boat builder with an estate valued at $50. The census indicates that Henry and Emeline were born in Pennsylvania.

Excerpt from the 1860 United States Federal Census
Licking, Clarion, Pennsylvania
Henry W. Miller family on lines 12 and 13.

The date of the marriage between Henry W. Miller and Emeline is currently unknown. The marriage would have occurred prior to August 20, 1860 when the couple was enumerated in the 1860 United States Federal Census. Emeline’s maiden name is currently known to be Emeline Weaver. Her maiden is referenced in historical records associated with her children. She is recorded as Emeline Weaver in her son George B. Miller’s marriage record. This reference to her would have been based on firsthand source information as George would have included her name in the marriage record. Her maiden name is also recorded as Weaver on her son Warren Washington Miller's death record. This reference to her would have been based on second hand source information as the death certificate would have been completed by an individual who knew Warren Washington Miller.

An official marriage record for the couple has not been located at this time. This document if located would offer additional perspective on Emeline’s surname, the names of her parents and possibly additional details on her birth location.

The events of the United States Civil War impacted Henry and Emeline. The Pennsylvania Veterans Burial Cards indicate that Henry served in the United States Civil War. The notes on his burial card indicate on August 23, 1862 Henry W. Miller joined the 155th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, Company A. He remained in service until April 10, 1863. These details have not been further verified against other Civil War records. It is currently not known where Emeline was living during the period when Henry served in the Union Army.

Pennsylvania, Veterans Burial Cards, 1777-2012
Record for Henry Miller

The first recorded child born to the couple was Sarah E. Miller born May 26, 1866 in Beaver Valley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The next child born was Warren Washington Miller born December 31, 1868 in Forest County, Pennsylvania. Followed by Margaret C. Miller was born 1870 – very likely in Forest County, Pennsylvania.

The 1870 United States Federal Census records Henry W. Miller as the head of household. The family was enumerated in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania on August 17, 1870. The post office is recorded as Tionesta, Forest County. Henry is recorded as age 35, Emeline age 27, daughter Sarah E. age 4, son Warren W. age 2 and daughter Margaret born in the census year. It should be noted that the 1870 United States did not record the relationship of individuals to the head of household. The relationships are inferred based on the ages of the children. Henry W. Miller was recorded as a laborer and Emeline is recorded as keeping house. Henry’s personal estate is valued at $50. The census indicates all members of the household were born in Pennsylvania.

Excerpt from the 1870 United States Federal Census
Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania
Henry W. Miller family on lines 24 through 28

Following the 1870 United States Census the Henry W. Miller and Emeline Weaver had four more documented children. A daughter, Florence, was born 1873 in Pennsylvania. A son, George B. Miller, was born February 2, 1875 in Forest County, Pennsylvania. A son, Wilbur Jonathan Miller, was born February 20, 1877 in Whig Hill, Forest County, Pennsylvania. A daughter, Blanche Miller, was born 1879 in Pennsylvania.

The 1880 United Stated Federal Census records Henry W. Miller as the head of household in Beaver Valley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The family was enumerated on June 5, 1880. Henry W. was recorded as age 44, Emeline age 38, daughter Sarah E. age 14, son Warren age 12, daughter Margaret C. age 10, daughter Florence age 7, son George B. age 5, son Wilbur J. age 4 and daughter Blanche age 1. The 1880 United States Federal Census was the first census to record the relationship of the individuals in the household to the head of household. This census validates Emeline as Henry’s wife. The census also validates the children recorded in the previous census as Henry's. Henry was recorded as a farmer and Emeline was recorded as keeping house. The children Sarah E. and Margaret C. attended school. The census indicated all members of the household were born in Pennsylvania.

Excerpt from the 1880 United States Federal CensusBeaver Valley, Forest, Pennsylvania

Tragedy and Second Marriage to Ellen M. King

Tragedy struck the family after the 1880 census was enumerated. Emeline Weaver died sometime between June 1880 and 1884. The cause of death and burial location for Emeline Weaver are currently unknown. It is plausible that Emeline Weaver is buried in a cemetery in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania or neighboring Kingsley Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. Further research into burial records for cemeteries in these areas may offer perspective on her burial location.

Historical records indicate that Henry W. Miller married his second wife Ellen between 1884 and 1888. The 1900 United States indicates the couple had been married for 16 years. This places their marriage about 1884. In this case Ellen would have been about 26 years old when she married the 48 year old Henry W. Miller. The 1910 United States Federal Census indicated that Ellen was married for 22 years. That would indicate that Ellen was married about 1888.

A marriage record has been located for the marriage of a Henry W. Miller born 1836 in Clarion County, Pennsylvania to a Ellen M. Lamb. The said Henry W. Miller was living in Hickory Township. The marriage occurred 18 June 1888 in Warren, Pennsylvania.

Historical records associated with Ellen’s children indicate her maiden name was Ellen M. King. Ellen’s maiden name is documented based on firsthand source information in the social security application for her daughter Alice May Miller. Ellen is recorded as the daughter of William King and Clarinda Beach. The informant on her death certificate was Ellen Bean. Ellen Bean, born Ellen Elizabeth Hunter, is a granddaughter of Henry Miller and Emeline Weaver. Ellen M. King's death certificate would have been based on second hand information. Ellen's surname of King is also recorded on the her daughter Lydia C. Miller's death certificate which would also be second hand source of information.

It is plausible that the marriage record for the 18 June 1888 marriage is for the marriage of Henry W. Miller and Ellen M. King – as the marriage record aligns with Henry W. Miller’s birth year, birth location and residence at the time. Further research would be needed to determine if Henry W. Miller and Ellen were married in a church but didn’t officially document their marriage until 1888. Further research is also needed to verify the surname of Lamb. The surname could be an error in the original record or an indicator that Ellen was previously married.

Although the exact date of the marriage is unknown it should be noted that the first recorded child from the marriage of Henry W. Miller and Ellen King was Lydia C. Miller born January 1886. Lydia's death certificate indicates her mother was Ellen King. This would suggest that Emeline Weaver was deceased prior to January 1886. It could also be inferred that Henry married Ellen prior to 1886 and the 1888 Pennsylvania marriage record was a formality. Forest County in the mid 1880's would have been a very rural area.

Although the exact marriage date is unknown Henry most likely married Ellen soon after the death of Emeline Weaver. Henry had several young children and as he had would have needed assistance maintaining his household and caring for his young family.

Unfortunately the 1890 United States Federal Census for Pennsylvania was lost in the fire that occurred on January 10, 1921. The next historical reference to Henry W. Miller is the 1900 United States Federal Census. Henry W. Miller is recorded as the head of household in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The family was enumerated June 8, 1900. Henry W. is record as age 64. His wife is recorded as Ellen M. Miller born June 1859 age 40. The census indicates Henry and Ellen were married for 16 years – indicating their marriage occured about 1884. The census indicated that Ellen had 9 children and 8 were living in 1900. Included in the household:

• Lydia C. Miller listed as daughter born January 1886 age 14. 
• Martin L. Miller listed as son born August 1887 age 12. 
• Francis H. Miller listed as son born March 1889 age 11. 
• Orion E. Miller listed as son born January 1891 age 9. 
• Winnie T. Miller listed as daughter born April 1893 age 7. 
• Stephen L. Miller listed as son born October 1896 age 4. 
• Alice M. Miller listed as daughter born May 1898 age 2. 

All of the children were born in Pennsylvania. Henry W. was recorded as a farmer. Children Lydia G., Martin L., Francis H., Orion E., and Winnie T. attended school. The family was living in an owned home with a mortgage. The family lived on a farm that was recorded as no 18 on the farm schedule.

Excerpt from the 1910 United States Federal Census
Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania

Excerpt from the 1910 United States Federal Census
Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania

The children from his first marriage were not enumerated in the household. Additionally a son from his second marriage, Vern M. Miller, was also not living with the household in 1910.

Henry W. Miller died on April 9, 1910 in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The informant on his death certificate was W. J. Miller, his son Wilbur Jonathan Miller, from his first marriage. At that time Wilbur J. Miller was living in Kellettville, Forest County, Pennsylvania. Henry W. Miller was buried April 12, 1910 at Riverside East Hickory Cemetery located in East Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania.

Ellen M. King was enumerated in the 1910 United States Federal Census with her children ten days after Henry died. She is recorded as the head of household in Hickory Township, Forest County, Pennsylvania. The following individuals were included in the household:

• Vern M. Miller, son, age 22. 
• Frank H. Miller, son, age 21. 
• Fridie [Winifred] Miller, daughter, age 17. 
• Steven Miller, son, age 13. 
• Alice Miller, daughter, age 11. 
• Wash. Gulbraeth [possibly Washington] a boarder age 55. 

Ellen was recorded as working for as a housekeeper for a private family earning a wage. Her son Vern M. was working as a farm laborer and Frank H. was working as a log cutter. Her younger children Steven and Alice attended school. The family was living in a rented home. It appears sometime between 1900 and 1910 Henry W. Miller sold the farm the family owned.

Ellen outlived her husband by 29 years. She died March 16, 1939 in Kingsley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. She was buried March 20, 1939 at Riverside East Hickory Cemetery located in East Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania.

Henry W. Miller Family Groups 

To review what we have identified to date - Henry Washington Miller is the father of at least sixteen known children.

First Marriage to Emeline Weaver:

1. Sarah E. Miller, daughter, b. May 26, 1866 Beaver Valley, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
2. Warren Washington Miller, son, b. December 31, 1868 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
3. Margaret C. Miller, daughter, b. 1870 Pennsylvania. 
4. Florence Miller, daughter, b. 1873 Pennsylvania. 
5. George B. Miller, son, b. February 2, 1875 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
6. Wilbur J. Miller, son, b. February 20, 1877 Whig Hill, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
7. Blanche Miller, daughter, b. 1879 Pennsylvania. 

Given that Henry and Emeline were married by 1860 it is plausible that other children may have been born before Sarah E. Miller’s birth in 1866 and died before 1870 United States Federal Census was recorded. It is also plausible that all of the children from the first marriage were born in Forest County, Pennsylvania as Henry was living in Forest County, Pennsylvania when the 1870, 1880 and 1900 United States Federal Census was enumerated.

Second Marriage to Ellen M. King:

1. Lydia Clarinda Miller, daughter, b. January 9, 1886 Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
2. Martin L. Miller, son, b. August 1887 Pennsylvania. 
3. Vern M. Miller, son, b. August 30, 1887 Pennsylvania. 
4. Francis Henry Miller, son, b. March 24, 1889 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
5. Orion Edgar Miller, son, b. Jan 1891 Hickory, Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
6. Winnie T. Miller, daughter, b. April 11, 1893 Pennsylvania. 
7. Stephen L. Miller, son, b. April 29, 1895 Pennsylvania. 
8. Alice May Miller, daughter, b. May 1, 1898 Forest County, Pennsylvania. 
9. Unknown Miller, unknown, b. before June 8, 1900 

At this time the only reference located determine Martin L. Miller's age is the 1900 United States Federal Census. Further verification is needed to determine if Martin L. Miller and Vern M. Miller were twin brothers. It is plausible that the children from the second marriage were born in Forest County, Pennsylvania as Henry was living in Forest County, Pennsylvania when 1900 United States Federal Census was enumerated. The family was also living in Forest County, Pennsylvania in 1910.

Julie’s Connection to the Miller Family

The two cousins that Julie currently shares the most DNA with are both descendants of Warren Washington Miller, a son of the first marriage to Emeline Weaver. Julie’s link to the Miller family could possibly be through a descendant of the first marriage to Emeline Weaver or the second marriage to Ellen M. King.

The next step will be to research each of the children or in genealogy terms each line in more detail. Researching these families provides historical context to the size of the families. Historical records can also offer perspective to where the families were living and if the families relocated over the years.

In time it may be possible to connect with descendants from each line. As more individuals pursue DNA testing to learn about their genetic heritage we may also be able to locate descendants that have had their DNA tested. Comparing their DNA with Julie’s would provide perspective on their relationship to Julie. If the genetic distance is understood we may be able to determine if the individual is a distant cousin or possibly a match to Julie’s direct ancestral line.

References:

1. 1850 United States Federal Census. Year: 1850; Census Place: Beaver, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M432_767; Page: 255A; Image: 515. Record for Henry H. Miller.
2. 1860 United States Federal Census. Year: 1860; Census Place: Licking, Clarion, Pennsylvania; Roll: M653_1095; Page: 228; Image: 232; Family History Library Film: 805095. Record for Henry W. Miller.
3. 1870 United States Federal Census. Year: 1870; Census Place: Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: M593_1344; Page: 31A; Image: 65; Family History Library Film: 552843. Record for Henry W. Miller.
4. 1880 United States Federal Census. Year: 1880; Census Place: Beaver Valley, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1131; Family History Film: 1255131; Page: 19D; Enumeration District: 182; Image: 0041. Record for Henry W. Miller.
5. 1900 United States Federal Census. Year: 1900; Census Place: Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: 1412; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 0048; FHL microfilm: 1241412.  Record for H W. Miller.
6. 1910 United States Federal Census. Year: 1910; Census Place: Hickory, Forest, Pennsylvania; Roll: T624_1347; Page: 4A; Enumeration District: 0057; FHL microfilm: 1375360. Record for Ellen Miller. 
7. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Records of Marriages, 1885-1889 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2011. Record for Henry W. Miller. Marriage date 18 June 1888.
8. Ancestry.com. Virginia, Select Marriages, 1785-1940 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc, 2014. Marriage if Geo. B. Miller & Minnie Russell.
9. Ancestry.com. U.S., World War I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations Inc, 2005. Record for Francis Henry Miller, Forest County.
10. Ancestry.com. U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2015. Record for Alice May Graham.
11. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Veterans Burial Cards, 1777-2012 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2010. Record for Henry Miller.
12. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Death Certificate for Henry W. Miller. Certificate Number 41070.
13. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Sarah W Hunter. Certificate Number 3988.
14. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Wilbur Jonathan Miller. Certificate Number 034258-63.
15. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Lydia Clarinda Hunter. Certificate Number 54384.
16. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Laverne Miller. Certificate Number 5536.
17. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Orion Edgar Miller. Certificate Number 107372.
18. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Freda Lucsiano. Certificate Number 86310.
19. Ancestry.com. Pennsylvania, Death Certificates, 1906-1963 [database on-line]. Provo, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2014. Record for Stephen Miller. Certificate Number 117382.
20. Web: Find A Grave. Find A Grave Memorial# 21038037. Henry Washington Miller.
21. Web: Find A Grave. Find A Grave Memorial# 21066006. Ellen M. King Miller

DNA Clusters - Chromosome 1 and Chromosome 2

We uploaded the raw DNA kits for Julie, Stewart and Clinton to the website GEDMatch.  GEDMatch is a free website that allows individuals from different DNA testing companies to share their test results and collaborate.

GEDMatch also offers users many different utilities to analyze raw DNA results. One of the utilities available is a 'One-to-many' matches. The utility is run for one person and it will provide a list of kits that share DNA with that person.

Using the 'One-to-many' matches utility a list of matches was generated for Julie, Stewart and Clinton. The results were compared to identify kits shared by all three cousins. The results returned 1,500 matches per cousin. Of the 4,500 matches analyzed there were 16 DNA kits that shared DNA with Julie, Stewart and Clinton.

These 16 sets of results were then run through the utility 'One-to-one' compare. The  'One-to-one' compare allows two DNA kits to be compared. This utility will determine if two kits share DNA. If the two kits do share DNA the utility will identify the shared segments by chromosome. The utility will also show the amount of DNA shared in centiMorgans(cM) by chromosome and in total. Once the amount of shared DNA is understood a genetic table can be consulted to have a better understanding of the potential relationship between the two individuals.

The results from the 'One-to-one' compare were compiled into a spreadsheet for further analysis. After reviewing the results the majority of the DNA matches  were concentrated on Chromosome 1. The graphic below shows the 10 DNA kits that share DNA with Julie on Chromosome 1. Further review of these kits indicates there are three sub-clusters of DNA.

DNA Matches on Chromosome 1

Chromosome 1 - A Sub-Cluster:

• This cluster of DNA matches occurs on Chromosome 1. 
• The start location is 164,433,319.
• The end location is 173,508,458.
• This cluster is made up of 7 DNA kits.
• There are 4 DNA kits that match the 3 Miller/Shoup cousins (Julie, Stewart and Clinton)
• One of the matches is in the range of a 3rd cousin to Stewart.
• The remainder of the matches are in the 4th cousin range to all 3 Miller/Shoup cousins.

Chromosome 1 - B Sub-Cluster:

• This cluster of DNA matches occurs on Chromosome 1. 
• The start location is 175,004,876
• The end location is 197,583,558
• This cluster is made up of 6 DNA kits.
• There are 3 DNA kits that match the 3 Miller/Shoup cousins (Julie, Stewart and Clinton)
• The  matches are in the 4th cousin range to all 3 Miller/Shoup cousins.

Chromosome 1 - C Sub-Cluster:

• This cluster of DNA matches occurs on Chromosome 1. 
• This match has overlaps with the matches in Chromosome 1-A and Chromosome 1-B. What makes this match different is there is no break in the segment. This match is represented by the dashed lines in the overall Chromosome 1 graphic. 
• The start location is 173,450,562
• The end location is 198,313,067
• This cluster is made up of 4 DNA kits.
• There is 1 DNA kits that match the 3 Miller/Shoup cousins (Julie, Stewart and Clinton)
• The match is in the 4th cousin range to all 3 Miller/Shoup cousins.

The results also indicated there was one cousin that matched Julie, Stewart and Clinton on Chromosome 2.

Chromosome 2 - A Sub-Cluster:

• This cluster of DNA matches occurs on Chromosome 2. 
• The start location is 202,838,641
• The end location is 212,302,918
• This cluster is made up of 4 DNA kits.
• There are 3 DNA kits that match the 3 Miller/Shoup cousins (Julie, Stewart and Clinton)
• There is 1 DNA kits that match the 3 Miller/Shoup cousins (Julie, Stewart and Clinton)
• The match is in the 4th cousin range to all 3 Miller/Shoup cousins.

Now What? How do we use this data? 

The next step in the process will be to contact each of the matches. If the match knows their family history and is willing to share who their ancestors with us it would be very helpful to our research. These matches are all distant cousins to Julie. If we can determine how these individuals descend from Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup we can eliminate those descendant lines from our search.

The Henry H. Miller & Lydia Shoup DNA Cluster

Late fall of 2015 we discovered that Julie had been linked to the DNA Circle of Rhoda Osceola Elder. The DNA Circle initially indicated Julie was possibly connected to five other individuals.

Thankfully some of the individuals in the DNA Circle have Public Trees shared at Ancestry.com. A public tree means the tree is accessible to individuals with an Ancestry.com membership. We are grateful that these researchers were willing to make their research available to others.

The matches included in the DNA Circle were combined with data from the family trees to create diagram to understand how the DNA matches were connected to Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup.

The Henry H. Miller & Lydia Shoup DNA Cluster

There are currently nine (9) individuals included in the DNA cluster. The DNA cluster contains two groups of descendants - the descendants of Lucy Ann Miller and the descendants of Henry W. Miller. There is also a grouping of descendants that link to the DNA cluster but their relationship to the cluster is currently not known.

The Descendants of Lucy Ann Miller and John Hueston Elder

Lucy Ann Miller is the daughter of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. She was born in 1842. The DNA matches linking through Lucy Ann Miller are split between two of her daughters:

• Her daughter Pennola Lamonta Elder born in 1867 has one (1) descendant linking to the DNA cluster. 
• Her daughter Rhoda Osceola Elder born in 1872 has six (6) descendants linking to the DNA cluster. 

The Descendants of Henry W. Miller and Emaline Weaver

Henry Washington Miller is the son of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. He was born in 1836. The descendants of Henry H. Miller are linked through his son Warren Washington Miller born in 1868.

• His son Stewart Kenneth Miller has (1) descendant linking to the DNA cluster. 
• His daughter Nettie Elizabeth Miller born in 1909 has one (1) descendant linking to the DNA cluster. 

The Unknown Descendants

There is a grouping of five (5) descendants that are also linked to the DNA Cluster. These individuals are linked to multiple matches in the DNA cluster but their relationship to the cluster is currently unknown.

The Henry H. Miller & Lydia Shoup DNA Cluster

with Unknown Matches

The descendants with an unknown link include:

• Julie shares DNA matches with the descendants of Pennola Lamonta Elder, Rhoda Osceola Elder and Henry W. Miller. 
• Unknown Match 1 shares DNA with Julie and the descendants of Warren Washington Miller. 
• Unknown Match 2 shares DNA with Julie and the descendants of Warren Washington Miller.
• Unknown Match 3 shares DNA with a descendant of Rhoda Osceola Elder and the descendants of Warren Washington Miller. 
• Unknown Match 4 shares DNA with Julie and possibly links to the descendants of Lucy Ann Miller. 

Making the Connection 

A matrix diagram shows that Julie shares DNA with descendants of Lucy Ann Miller and Henry W. Miller. Julie's known cousins Stewart and Clinton also share DNA with some of these cousins. The matches in the matrix below can be viewed on the DNA cluster diagram above.

Using the DNA cluster and the matrix we are able to determine that Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup are Julie’s ancestors.

References: 
The references to descendants of Lucy Ann Miller, birth years and spouses are from Ancestry Trees.

1. Ancestry.com Tree Number 31328622, Tree Name Victoria 
2. Ancestry.com Tree Number 81711636, Maher Family Tree 
3. Ancestry.com Tree Number 8198581, All the Barnes Family Tree

Starting the Journey

Our journey started in the summer of 2014. Julie had shared on social media that she was adopted and had spent over 20 years searching for her birth family. Julie and I are related by marriage - our husbands are 1st cousins.

Julie started her search on Social Media in 2014
Note that the sign contains an error. She was born it was Jamestown General Hospital

Intrigued, I reached out to her as I had been researching my family history for over 15 years. I asked Julie of she had ever considered taking a DNA test. After some discussion we ordered the AncestryDNA test for Julie.

Julie with her DNA Kit

Julie completed her test in July of 2014 and the kit was sent to the test lab. While waiting for the results to come back we had an initial discussion about the unknown. We knew we would have to wait and see what types of genetic matches Julie would have and then formulate a research plan.

The initial DNA results came in late summer of 2014. Julie was very fortune to have a genetic 2nd cousin match and a handful of genetic 3rd cousin matches. The remaining matches were for more distant cousins.

An initial genetic 2nd second cousin match through DNA can be a range of possibilities. The relationship could be a 1st cousin (1x removed), a great aunt or uncle, a 2nd cousin or even a 3rd cousin.

The 2nd cousin match thankfully had a public tree shared at Ancestry.com. When initially reviewing the ages of match’s deceased parents it appeared that there was the possibility that the relationship between the match and Julie could possibly be a 1st cousin (1x removed). After an initial discussion with Julie she gave me the okay to contact the 2nd cousin on her behalf.

The First Contact 

We are very fortunate that the 2nd cousin match, Stewart, reached out to me after receiving my initial message. This was the first step in unlocking the mystery that is Julie’s heritage. Through our initial conversation Stewart was able to provide helpful details. His mother was an only child. His father, Kenneth Miller, was born in West Virginia the son of Warren Washington Miller and Nora Ida Spangler. Kenneth had two sisters Stella May Miller and Nettie Elizabeth Miller. Stella May did not have any children.

From this initial conversation we had a starting point:

• Our initial hypothesis was that Julie was most likely connecting to Stewart through his Miller and Spangler relatives due to his mother being an only child. 
• If the match to Stewartwas truly a 1st cousin (1x removed) – one of Julie’s parents could possibly be a descent of Nettie Elizabeth Miller. 
• If the match was further back – Julie would be linking to S.M through the ancestors of Warren Washington Miller or Nora Ida Spangler. 

Julie and S.M. made contact in the fall of 2014. This was her very first connection with a member of her family. The two cousins continue to stay in touch.

Descendants of Nettie Elizabeth Miller 

With a starting point – the next step was to research Nettie Elizabeth Miller and see if any living descendants could be located. A timeline format was used was document the historical records associated with Warren Washington Miller and his daughter Nettie Elizabeth Miller. While researching Nettie the names of her grandsons were located. After discussing with Julie she indicated she was ready to move forward and gave me permission reach out to Nettie’s grandson, Clinton. Prior to reaching out to Clinton a letter detailing Julie’s search for her birth family and family history of Warren Washington Miller and Nora Ida Spangler. Included with the letter were ancestry charts and a copy of the Miller family timeline.

After reading the letter Clinton indicated he would be willing to speak with me. He was able to provide information about his grandmother Nettie and his extended family. Clinton also indicated he was willing to help and consented to do a DNA test. With that we ordered an AncestryDNA test for Clinton.

We were looking forward to the results of Clinton’s DNA test. After the results came in the first thing to do was to determine if Julie and Clinton were cousins. The DNA test indicated that Clinton and Stewart were genetic second cousins. From genealogy research we knew that Clinton and Stewart were 1st cousins (1x removed). The DNA test also indicated that Clinton and Julie were genetic 3rd cousins.

An initial genetic 3rd cousin match can be a range of possibilities. The relationship could be a 3rd cousin, a 2nd cousin (2x removed), a 3rd cousin (1x removed) or a 2nd (3x removed).

To better understand the potential relationship between Julie and Clinton their raw DNA kits were analyzed at GEDMatch.  GEDMatch is a free website that allows individual from different DNA testing companies to share their test results and collaborate. GEDMatch offers users many different utilities to analyze raw DNA results. One of the utilities available is a 'One-to-one' compare which allows two DNA kits to be compared. This utility will determine if two kits share DNA. If the two kits do share DNA the utility will identify the shared segments by chromosome. The utility will also show the amount of DNA shared in centiMorgans(cM) by chromosome and in total. Once the amount of shared DNA is understood a genetic table can be consulted to have a better understanding of the potential relationship between the two individuals.

Julie and Clinton share 105.4 cM of DNA across 7 chromosomes. This quantity of DNA is in the range of 2nd cousin (1x removed) and a 1st cousin (3x removed). After Clinton learned he was related to Julie the first thing he did was give her a warm welcome into the family. The cousins have remained in touch and that opportunity to meet during the summer of 2015.

From Clinton’s DNA test we knew more:

• Julie was related to both Stewart and Clinton, this eliminated Stewart's maternal ancestors from our search. 
• Julie and Clinton did not share enough DNA for Julie to be a descendant of Nettie Elizabeth Miller. 
• Julie was related to the ancestors of Warren Washington Miller or she was related to ancestors of Nora Ida Spangler. 

At this point we had made progress but still didn’t have enough information to point us in a specific direction. Warren Washington Miller and Nora Ida Spangler were both a part of large families which was not uncommon in the mid to late 1800’s.

One of the challenges of identifying potential family members through genetic genealogy is patience. Progress is entirely dependent on the DNA tests completed by others. Sometimes you simply have to wait for more results to draw additional conclusions. As the popularity of DNA testing grows and more individuals get tested, the potential exists that there will be more genetic matches in time.

Possible Elimination of the Spangler Family 

After waiting several months we got another clue. In September of 2015 a woman who was researching the Spangle or Spangler family reached out. She had identified a cluster of ten cousins who were all connected to the Spangle family. These ten cousins were all linked through DNA. Clinton was sharing DNA with nine of the ten cousins in the cluster. Julie didn’t share any DNA with the cousins in the Spangler cluster.

As Julie didn’t share any DNA with the cousins in the Spangler cluster it appeared quite plausible her link to Stewart and Clinton was through Warren Washington Miller. 

A closer look at the Miller Family 

After eliminating the ancestors of Nora Ida Spangler, we were able to look closer at the Miller family to begin to establish different scenarios to determine how Julie was linking to both Stewart and Clinton. After reviewing numerous combinations of ancestor charts three scenario’s appeared the most plausible.

Scenario 1

The first scenario reviewed was the relationship between the cousins if Warren Washington Miller was the common ancestor. This analysis was built with Julie as shown as a 2nd cousin (1x removed) to Clinton. In this scenario Julie would descend from an unknown child of Warren Washington Miller.

Scenario 2

The second scenario reviewed was the relationship between the cousins if Henry W. Miller, father of Warren Washington Miller was the shared ancestor. This analysis was built with Julie as shown as a 2nd cousin (1x removed) to Clinton. In this scenario Julie would descend from a sibling of Warren Washington Miller.

Scenario 3

The third scenario reviewed was the relationship between the cousins if Henry H. Miller, father of Henry W. Miller, father Warren Washington Miller was the shared ancestor. This analysis was built with Julie as shown as a 3rd cousin to Stewart. In this scenario Julie would descend from a sibling of Henry W. Miller.

Scenario 4

The fourth scenario reviewed was the relationship between the cousins if an ancestor of Emaline Weaver, mother of Warren Washington Miller was the shared ancestor. This analysis was built with Julie as shown as a 3rd cousin to Stewart. In this scenario Julie would descend from a sibling of Emaline Weaver.

After reviewing the four scenarios we still didn’t have quite enough information to determine which family we should start researching in more detail.

Link to the DNA Circle of Rhoda Osceola Elder 

Periodically we would check Julie’s DNA results on both AncestryDNA and GEDMatch to look for additional close cousin matches. Late fall of 2015 we discovered that Julie had been linked to the DNA Circle of Rhoda Osceola Elder. The DNA Circle indicated Julie was possibly connected to five other individuals.

Thankfully some of the individuals in the DNA Circle had public trees available on Ancestry.com. Through these trees we learned that Rhoda Osceola Elder is the daughter of Lucy Ann Miller and the granddaughter of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. Four of the individuals were descendants of Rhoda Osceola Elder. Three of the individuals in the circle were sharing DNA with Julie. Five of the individuals in the circle were sharing DNA with Stewart. Two of the individuals in the circle were sharing DNA with Clinton.

Using this information from the DNA Circle we were able to identify an additional cousin that was also a descendant of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup that shares DNA with Julie but does not share SNA with S.M. or Clinton.

The majority of these cousin matches were more distant. One was in the 4th – 6th cousin range and the others in the 5th – 8th cousin range to Julie.

From this cluster of Miller cousins we learned:

• Confirmation that Julie is a Miller descendant through the connections to multiple cousins. 
• The common ancestors that currently link all of the cousins are Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. 
• The current analysis indicates Julie shares DNA with descendants of Lucy Ann Miller and Henry W. Miller, two of the nine children of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. 

At this time there is enough evidence to indicate that Julie is a descendant of Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup. The next step in the journey will to learn more about Henry H. Miller and Lydia Shoup and attempt to determine how she ties into the family.