Hello,

A recent discussion I have been having points to some confusion over relationships as stated by the cousin matches stated by DNA testing companies.

A friend recently connected (DNA cousin relationship) with a stated 4th cousin who is the daughter of well known individual in my home area. The friend stated that she is a genetically related cousin to the father of this 4th cousin and his surnamed relatives. The paper trail (genealogy) indicates the DNA relationship is thru the father's maternal lines and the genealogical relationship is to a set of the father's maternal great-grandparents. I say she is not DNA related to her cousin's father's paternal lines, unless there is some other familial connection we are not aware of.

I think our discussion points to differences and possible misunderstandings between relationships as genetically stated and genealogically proven.

Any thoughts on the discussion and what is the relationship, if any, to her 4th cousin's father and his paternal ancestral lines?

Art Thomas