My paternal grandmother gifted me a family tree chart when I was young and I have continued to build this tree ever since.

Currently my RylandsFamily.Com website has over 44,000 family connections.  During this process I have found that Carol and I are 7th cousins once removed with Thomas Morton b 1690 and Elizabeth Woodson b 1699 being our common connection.  (Distance is far enough not to be a problem)

Both Carol and I are members of The Jamestowne Society which means we proved with court documents that we are both related to one of the Jamestowne founders.

I have found several friends that turn out to be cousins.  All of us are related if we go far enough back in time.

In recent years I have become very interested in DNA.  With DNA you can prove relationships with greater proof than court documents.  You can also use DNA to solve relationship puzzles.  Don’t delve into DNA unless you are willing to learn the truth about your past.

Recently a couple in Europe contacted me as we had a rather close DNA match.  Their father had died without knowing who his father was.  After a lot of research I was able to find that they were my 3rd cousins once removed.  Their grandfather was my 2nd cousin once removed who was serving in Europe during the 2nd World War.  They had been searching for a lifetime and were thrilled to finally fill this gap in their history.