How DNA and Historical Records Identified a Biological Paternal Grandfather

When family stories and DNA disagree, how do you find the truth? This case study shows the process.

In this case study, we explore how advanced genetic genealogy combined with historical records uncovered a previously unknown paternal line. Through careful analysis of DNA matches, historical records, and contextual research, a highly probable candidate for the client’s biological grandfather was identified, demonstrating the power of evidence-based genealogy.

Case Study: Identifying a Biological Paternal Grandfather

To protect client privacy, all identifiable names and locations of living individuals have been altered or removed.

Client Goal

To identify and confirm the biological paternal grandfather after a family history that was contradicted by DNA testing, and to reconstruct the paternal lineage using both genetic and historical evidence.

Initial Challenge (The "Brick Wall")

The client’s paper-trail research initially pointed to a Firnbach as the paternal grandfather. However, a personal DNA test revealed the client was not biologically related to the Firnbach line.

This required a complete pivot in research strategy — a common scenario in genealogy when legal or assumed relationships do not align with biological evidence.

Strategy: Leveraging Genetic Genealogy

The research transitioned to advanced genetic genealogy, utilizing:

• The client’s autosomal DNA matches

• Creation of “dirty trees” (rapidly constructed, unverified family trees for DNA comparison)

Key Discovery

• Significant DNA matches were found with individuals carrying the Beske surname from Dodge County, Wisconsin.

• Tracing the common ancestors of these matches narrowed the search to Wilhelm and Augusta Beske, likely the client’s great-great-grandparents.

• Their sons — a group of brothers — became potential candidates for the biological grandfather.

Breakthrough: Correlating DNA with Historical Context

To narrow candidates from a group of brothers, research examined:

• Grandmother’s location and occupation: Client's grandmother was working as a waitress at the National Hotel in St. Clair Stites Township, Illinois, around 1925.

• Candidate alignment: Of the Beske brothers, Elmer Beske (b. 1899) was identified as the most plausible candidate:

  • A U.S. Navy sailor in training at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago

  • Military travel routes passed through East St. Louis/St. Clair County, where the National Hotel was located

  • Travel patterns created a statistically probable scenario for a temporary encounter with client's grandmother

Tragically, Elmer died shortly after the client’s father was born, possibly explaining the subsequent adoption or assumption of the Firnbach surname.

While direct DNA testing of Elmer Beske’s descendants would be required for absolute confirmation, the convergence of DNA, geographic, temporal, and occupational evidence makes him the most plausible biological grandfather.

Outcome

By pivoting from a failed paper trail to a focused genetic strategy, the research:

• Identified a highly probable candidate for the biological grandfather

• Demonstrated the power of combining DNA evidence with historical and geographical context

• Reconstructed the paternal lineage from the hypothetical ancestor to a single, evidence-supported individual

This case highlights the expertise required to:

• Navigate DNA-related non-paternity events

• Integrate genetic matches with historical records

• Solve complex parentage mysteries using collateral family trees

Researcher Attribution & Disclaimer

Research conducted and compiled by:

Marcy Baez Lopez

Owner & Professional Genealogist

Budget Genealogy, LLC

Disclaimer: This case study is presented for educational and illustrative purposes. All identifying details have been altered to protect client privacy. Findings reflect conclusions drawn using standard genealogical and genetic genealogy methodologies. No guarantees are implied regarding future contact outcomes or newly discovered evidence.