Gadget and sugarfizzle: Yes, I can see why you get the benefit of DNA testing; I guess it is different for everyone. Perhaps what I should have added to my first sentence was "...as far as I am concerned....".
My point was, you can't be certain how 'truthful' your paper trail is. You may have made an error at grandparent level, you may have made an error at 7G grandparent level, or anywhere else in between. Either Lafrowda or her match has made an error.
In a Lost Cousins recent newsletter Peter Calver says it is almost our duty to have DNA testing. Whilst not going quite as far as that, I would say that any serious genealogist should strongly consider DNA testing, before it is too late.
I wish my father had been tested (whether he would have been willing is another matter), my mother died many years ago, but he only died 5 years ago. An opportunity missed.
I am not really doubting your paper trail, but even ignoring any possible NPEs, I am just wondering if you have traced all of your 8G grandparents back.
I certainly haven't - either records don't include mother's name, records are missing or not readily available, etc, etc.
To me, DNA testing has given another valid source to a name in my tree, has helped break down a brick wall, or helped to confirm an assumption.
Think of all the trees on Ancestry - if only half of them had DNA testing, how much more would we be able to confirm or refute?
But you are right, it is different for everybody.
Regards Margaret
