Research Progress February 2026

On the 2nd of each month, I share an update on my progress for various DNA research questions. The questions have evolved over time, and it's useful to look back from a year ago to see how some have been resolved, deferred, or are still lingering on my wish list. Since last month's research questions post, there have been some new developments on two of my maternal line questions. For consistency I'll keep the same format as my post from January.

My Paternal Side

1 - Looking for parents of my Irish immigrant 3rd-great-grandmother Bridget. As always I keep this one on the list, and intend to spend more time on it after (virtual) RootsTech.

2 - Analyzing mtDNA connections on the maternal line path descending from Sarah Westall and Elizabeth Thornhill Jones. On my list is a follow-up note to cousin Lynn.

3 - Jones YDNA. This one is also pending another male Jones tester descending from Thomas Jones of Jefferson County, Tennessee.

My Maternal Side

1 - Identifying the link between the Leyva mystery matches and my Mexican side of the tree. This one had a significant breakthrough early in January, following a consultation with genealogist Jarrett Ross, and building a WATO tree to identify the most likely generation of connection. Going forward this question will evolve to looking at the Portillo line and DNA connections.

2 - Analyzing mtDNA matches in the maternal line path of Maria Jesus Vasquez.

3 - Resolving descendancy for the daughters of John Carter (1715-1783). This one has been a collaborative effort with Jacqi Stevens of A Family Tapestry. I think we've made some progress this month but it will take a lot more digging.

4 - Campuzano YDNA. We're still waiting on the upgraded results from cousin Greg's Big Y kit.

5 - xDNA analysis using FTDNA's tools. It is interesting to see xDNA matches in comparison with Sophia's FamilyFinder results, as we can directly link those passing through me to her via my Mom's results, and see which matches are on Allison's side. More work to do now that we have an additional kit to compare.

Allison's side

1 - Awaiting mtDNA results on the maternal line path for Dorothea Sophia Gagelmann.

2 - Analyzing Sophia's FamilyFinder results on FTDNA. Her results arrived last Thursday, and it has already been interesting to see which autosomal transfers appear on FTDNA from Ancestry. As I can see kits and matches in common with Allison's brother, her Mom, Memaw and other cousins on Ancestry, this is really helpful for seeing patterns on FTDNA. 

3 [New] - Looking at xDNA matches on this branch of the tree, and seeing which are inherited from Allison vs the matches in common with my kit and my Mom's.