Catch the replays of our 6th annual 24-hour Genealogy Marathon here.

Catch the replays of our 6th annual 24-hour Genealogy Marathon here.

By
By
Webinar Library
DNA Testing Down Under Series Methodology and Skills

Finding Great-Granny’s Family: Four Words and DNA

Cathie Sherwood
Apr 9, 2025
428 views
CC
Free
Free through April 15, 2025
Want to watch the full webinar?
Join now to access all 2,394 webinars and unlock all features.
Join now
Syllabus
Join now

Content

Play. Playing.
Welcome
1m 36s
Play. Playing.
Speaker's Introduction
1m 25s
Play. Playing.
Introduction
11s
Play. Playing.
Newspaper Clue
4m 28s
Play. Playing.
Australian Research
21m 54s
Play. Playing.
Irish Records
4m 53s
Play. Playing.
DNA
10m 38s
Play. Playing.
Identify Parents
7m 53s
Play. Playing.
Announcements / prizes
3m 37s
Play. Playing.
Questions / answers
2m 42s

About this webinar

This case study illustrates how four simple words in a newspaper notice and DNA evidence became the key to unlocking Great Granny’s Irish roots. The research journey began with the cryptic phrase “Toowoomba papers please copy” in an 1886 death notice. This small clue directed the research to the Hanlon family in another location hundreds of kilometres away, with DNA evidence crucial to confirm the connection back to Kilkenny, Ireland. The presentation highlights the importance of scrutinising every detail in historical documents, no matter how small, and explores techniques for following unexpected leads across disparate locations, combining traditional research with DNA analysis.

Discount code: granny (valid at Familytreewebinars.com)

Valid through: April 15, 2025

About the speaker

About the speaker

Cathie Sherwood
Passionate about history and addicted to family history, Cathie has been researching her Irish, English and Scottish ancestors for over forty years. She was a university lecturer in digital technology and education, retiring as an Associate Profes
Learn more...

Key points and insights

In this enlightening genealogy webinar, “Finding Great-Granny’s Family: Four Words and DNA,” Cathie Sherwood delivers an engaging case study that showcases the power of persistence, pattern recognition, and DNA analysis in family history research. With over 40 years of experience tracing Irish, English, and Scottish roots, Sherwood walks participants through her investigation into the mysterious origins of her great-grandmother, Annie Hanlon. What begins as a seemingly insignificant four-word phrase in an 1886 death notice evolves into a richly detailed exploration combining traditional records and genetic genealogy to build a compelling, evidence-based family narrative. This webinar is especially relevant for genealogists grappling with Irish ancestry, missing documentation, or long-standing research obstacles.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small Clues Can Lead to Major Breakthroughs. Sherwood’s journey began with a brief newspaper phrase—”Toowoomba papers please copy”—which became a crucial lead. Her meticulous analysis of newspaper notices, death certificates, immigration records, and church registers demonstrates how even minor details, when explored fully, can unlock family mysteries.
  • Combining Traditional Research with DNA Strengthens Hypotheses. By methodically layering civil registrations, land records, and historical maps with modern DNA tools like Ancestry’s ThruLines and WATO (What Are The Odds), Sherwood constructed a strong, if not definitive, case for Annie’s parentage. The integration of DNA clustering and segment comparison provided genetic support for suspected relationships among Hanlon siblings.
  • Naming Patterns, Nicknames, and Geographic Consistency Matter. The recognition of “Nancy” as a common nickname for “Annie,” paired with consistent mentions of County Kilkenny across records, allowed Sherwood to sift through conflicting data. These cultural nuances and localized patterns can be vital when navigating fragmented Irish genealogical sources.

Ready to uncover your own elusive ancestors?
Watch the full webinar to follow Sherwood’s thoughtful, step-by-step approach. Her clear explanations of tools and methods offer valuable insights applicable to a wide range of genealogical challenges—especially those involving Irish heritage or missing parental data. Whether you’re new to DNA analysis or seeking advanced techniques to solve a brick wall, this case study offers practical inspiration and strategic guidance.

Don’t forget to explore the full syllabus accompanying this session. It includes additional research tips, record examples, and resource links to help deepen your own investigations. The webinar and supporting materials are available through the Legacy Family Tree Webinars membership library, where thousands of expert-led classes await. Dive in, and take your family history further—one clue at a time.

Comments (28)

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1000 characters remaining
Cancel Submit

Sort by Newest
Sort by Close.
  • Newest
  • Oldest
  • Likes
  1. KG
    Karen Gardner
    13 hours ago

    This was a great help to me since I am trying to find elusive people in relation to my paternal great grandmother. I am also a Hanlon on maternal grandfather’s side!

    Reply
  2. DW
    Deborah Walker
    2 days ago

    This webinar was very easy to understand and very clearly described by the presenter. Love the late night access which I’m accessing from Central time so it’s not during my work day. Thank you so much!!

    Reply
  3. HA
    Herbert Adelsberg
    2 days ago

    A very informative program and search method procedures.

    Reply
  4. RH
    Ruth Hall
    2 days ago

    Very informative! I appreciated the process of working through the clues and checking for commonalities. Thank you!

    Reply
  5. MA
    Margaret Anderson
    2 days ago

    Excellent, easy to follow and understand.

    Reply
  6. DB
    Denise Beaudin
    2 days ago

    Really detailed and I liked that it was step by step.

    Reply
  7. PM
    Peggy Maeger
    2 days ago

    Great lesson!

    Reply
  8. RS
    Rob Servis
    2 days ago

    Clear and detailed rendition of case study drawing together classic genealogy and genetic genealogy.

    Reply
Show all comments

Related Webinars

1:12:14
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under Series
A military heritage: Finding your British army lineage in pre-20th century records
Cathie Sherwood
588 views
CC
A military heritage: Finding your British army lineage in pre-20th century records
Many Australians will have a soldier or sailor somewhere in their family tree, particularly from the 20th century onwards. Finding those ancestors who served in Australian contingents during World War One or Two for example, is a relatively straightforward process, mainly because the records are mostly available in Australian archives. However, once the search moves back into the 19th or 18th century, then it can become a more complicated puzzle. This presentation provides an overview of the military history of Europe during the 19th and 18th centuries and outlines the range of records which are available, such as those at The National Archives (UK) in particular as well as Australian archives and military museums and an increasing number of online resources. The wealth of detail will help reveal the life of your military ancestor and may even be able to take your research back into the 18th century.
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under Series
A military heritage: Finding your British army lineage in pre-20th century records
CC
Cathie Sherwood
588 views
Many Australians will have a soldier or sailor somewhere in their family tree, particularly from the 20th century onwards. Finding those ancestors who served in Australian contingents during World War One or Two for example, is a relatively straightforward process, mainly because the records are mostly available in Australian archives. However, once the search moves back into the 19th or 18th century, then it can become a more complicated puzzle. This presentation provides an overview of the military history of Europe during the 19th and 18th centuries and outlines the range of records which are available, such as those at The National Archives (UK) in particular as well as Australian archives and military museums and an increasing number of online resources. The wealth of detail will help reveal the life of your military ancestor and may even be able to take your research back into the 18th century.
Thu, January 11 2024: 1:00 UTC
Register for free
56:48
Places and EthnicitiesMethodology and SkillsDown Under Series
Can You Write a Wrong? Copyright in Australia
Cathie Sherwood
302 views
CC
Can You Write a Wrong? Copyright in Australia
Knowing what we can freely use, without permission, in our family histories ensures that we are not infringing on the rights of others. For example, did you know that if you watch your grandmother make her secret pasta sauce, writing down the ingredients and methods she used, you have created your own 'literary work' which is now protected by copyright? (Just don't tell Granny!) How then does copyright law apply to published and unpublished works? What is fair use and moral rights? Can a distant cousin use information in her family book that I have researched? This presentation will examine those aspects of Australia’s copyright law which apply to family historians and discusses ways we can comply with the law.
Places and EthnicitiesMethodology and SkillsDown Under Series
Can You Write a Wrong? Copyright in Australia
CC
Cathie Sherwood
302 views
Knowing what we can freely use, without permission, in our family histories ensures that we are not infringing on the rights of others. For example, did you know that if you watch your grandmother make her secret pasta sauce, writing down the ingredients and methods she used, you have created your own 'literary work' which is now protected by copyright? (Just don't tell Granny!) How then does copyright law apply to published and unpublished works? What is fair use and moral rights? Can a distant cousin use information in her family book that I have researched? This presentation will examine those aspects of Australia’s copyright law which apply to family historians and discusses ways we can comply with the law.
Wed, December 6 2023: 1:00 UTC
Register for free
1:07:48
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under SeriesHistorical Records
Settlers, Squatters and Selectors: Land ownership in Australia, 1788-1900
Cathie Sherwood
626 views
CC
Settlers, Squatters and Selectors: Land ownership in Australia, 1788-1900
Since the early days of British settlement in Australia, land has been considered to be one of its greatest assets. Until 1831, some settlers received large grants of land while others were entitled to only 30 acres, plus an additional 20 acres if married and 10 acres for each child. Over the next seventy years, the colonies developed their own land allocation schemes, each devised for a specific purpose. This presentation will highlight the records which relate to Crown Land, pastoral runs, land selection, occupation records, land orders and land ownership.
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under SeriesHistorical Records
Settlers, Squatters and Selectors: Land ownership in Australia, 1788-1900
CC
Cathie Sherwood
626 views
Since the early days of British settlement in Australia, land has been considered to be one of its greatest assets. Until 1831, some settlers received large grants of land while others were entitled to only 30 acres, plus an additional 20 acres if married and 10 acres for each child. Over the next seventy years, the colonies developed their own land allocation schemes, each devised for a specific purpose. This presentation will highlight the records which relate to Crown Land, pastoral runs, land selection, occupation records, land orders and land ownership.
Wed, February 1 2023: 1:00 UTC
Register for free
1:01:16
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under Series
Education in Australia
Cathie Sherwood
359 views
CC
Education in Australia
Tracking the movement of ancestors in Australia can be difficult without available census records. However, there are numerous record alternatives, one of which is school admission registers as children are recorded each year, with details including parent’s names and dates of entry and exit. Industrial or trade schools, universities, religious schools and others can also present information not found elsewhere.
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under Series
Education in Australia
CC
Cathie Sherwood
359 views
Tracking the movement of ancestors in Australia can be difficult without available census records. However, there are numerous record alternatives, one of which is school admission registers as children are recorded each year, with details including parent’s names and dates of entry and exit. Industrial or trade schools, universities, religious schools and others can also present information not found elsewhere.
Wed, February 2 2022: 1:00 UTC
Register for free
1:15:29
Down Under SeriesPlaces and Ethnicities
Uncovering the lives of your London (England) ancestors
Cathie Sherwood
1.1K views
CC
Uncovering the lives of your London (England) ancestors
It can be quite daunting to find your ancestors who lived in the Greater London area as records are held at numerous archives. Parishes number in the hundreds and surprisingly, many Londoners in the 18th and 19th centuries were quite mobile. This presentation will take you through a variety of…
Down Under SeriesPlaces and Ethnicities
Uncovering the lives of your London (England) ancestors
CC
Cathie Sherwood
1.1K views
It can be quite daunting to find your ancestors who lived in the Greater London area as records are held at numerous archives. Parishes number in the hundreds and surprisingly, many Londoners in the 18th and 19th centuries were quite mobile. This presentation will take you through a variety of…
Wed, November 3 2021: 1:00 UTC
Register for free
49:59
Methodology and SkillsWebtember
One Family, Many Connections: Using the FAN club in one Australian locality
Cathie Sherwood
429 views
CC
One Family, Many Connections: Using the FAN club in one Australian locality
Family historians know only too well the importance of researching the family/friends, neighbours and associates (the FAN club) of direct line ancestors. Any information we find does not become truly valuable until placed into a community or cluster or network context. Harvesting the clues in the FAN club gives us the potential to further advance our research as well as provide pointers to other records or fragments. So, what genealogical details would be found if the FAN principle was applied to one family in a locality? This presentation will show how one such network or cluster evolved in the Hunter Valley region; one which was to be hugely influential in the growth years of the New South Wales colony and in the development of Australia as a nation.
Methodology and SkillsWebtember
One Family, Many Connections: Using the FAN club in one Australian locality
CC
Cathie Sherwood
429 views
Family historians know only too well the importance of researching the family/friends, neighbours and associates (the FAN club) of direct line ancestors. Any information we find does not become truly valuable until placed into a community or cluster or network context. Harvesting the clues in the FAN club gives us the potential to further advance our research as well as provide pointers to other records or fragments. So, what genealogical details would be found if the FAN principle was applied to one family in a locality? This presentation will show how one such network or cluster evolved in the Hunter Valley region; one which was to be hugely influential in the growth years of the New South Wales colony and in the development of Australia as a nation.
Fri, September 24 2021: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:06:39
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under Series
Death is not the end – litigation remains: Exploring Australian wills and probate
Cathie Sherwood
2.2K views
CC
Death is not the end – litigation remains: Exploring Australian wills and probate
Wills, intestacy files, inventories, letters of administration and other probate records provide family historians with a wealth of information. In Australia, most of these records are held in archives in each state or at the Supreme Court registry. This presentation reviews the types of records available, where they can be…
Places and EthnicitiesDown Under Series
Death is not the end – litigation remains: Exploring Australian wills and probate
CC
Cathie Sherwood
2.2K views
Wills, intestacy files, inventories, letters of administration and other probate records provide family historians with a wealth of information. In Australia, most of these records are held in archives in each state or at the Supreme Court registry. This presentation reviews the types of records available, where they can be…
Tue, July 6 2021: 0:00 UTC
Register for free
1:09:41
Technology
Need help with grammar and punctuation? There’s a tool for that!
Cathie Sherwood
636 views
CC
Need help with grammar and punctuation? There’s a tool for that!
We all want our writing to be clear and concise and agonise over getting it just right. Is that the correct word? Have I put the comma in the right place? Should that be an em-dash or an en-dash? Sometimes we just need a tool to help us identify the typos and grammatical inconsistencies or highlight the punctuation errors. This session will demonstrate free tools to improve our writing and help us become better writers.
Technology
Need help with grammar and punctuation? There’s a tool for that!
CC
Cathie Sherwood
636 views
We all want our writing to be clear and concise and agonise over getting it just right. Is that the correct word? Have I put the comma in the right place? Should that be an em-dash or an en-dash? Sometimes we just need a tool to help us identify the typos and grammatical inconsistencies or highlight the punctuation errors. This session will demonstrate free tools to improve our writing and help us become better writers.
Thu, August 11 2022: 0:00 UTC
Register for free