DNA research explained at Expo

I’ve mentioned the fact that we are hosting our Third Annual Genealogy Expo on Oct 14 here in McCook and now I’m going to give you a rundown on what will be covered.

First up at 9 a.m. will be Megan Harwager from the Nebraska Children’s Home Society. Megan will be speaking on the subject of Post Adoption Searching, specifically dealing with the Nebraska laws covering adoption records and a variety of avenues to aide searchers. Handouts concerning other states, since unfortunately, all states have their own privacy regulations, can be taken home for reference.

Following a lunch break, Rich Hampton will dive into understanding and charting YDNA which is the DNA available through male lineage. Rich’s presentation will begin at 1:30 p.m. and close at approximately 2:45 p.m. A handout chart will be made available to all participants so that they can follow the presentation as it progresses through generations.

At 3 p.m., Tom Corey will step up to the podium to cover Autosomal DNA, or the DNA that is transferred through your mother’s line. Again charts will be handed out to participants to use during the presentation and/or at home to chart their own DNA results. Tom’s lessons will end at 4:30 p.m.

Although this Expo will not allow individual help due to time constraints, all attendees will be invited to bring their raw data to the Southwest Nebraska Genealogy Society’s library during open library days for personal assistance with charting their DNA.

You may pre-register for this information packed day by emailing us at: swngs@hotmail.com, add a comment on our Facebook page, or text 308-340-8221. The fee for this seminar is $ 25 and is due on the day of the Expo. Because of limited seating, we recommend you pre-register. Please include your name and city of residence in your registration information.

Now some biography information on early settlers from “Trails West to Red Willow County Nebraska” written by Robert T. Ray and Lois Rutledge in 1982: John C. Allen. As a pioneer businessman of McCook, he built and operated the original store on the site now occupied by DeGroff’s. He sold this business to DeGroff and Weller. While residing in McCook, he served two terms as Councilman and briefly as mayor. He later served as Nebraska Secretary of State for two terms.

Samuel L. Green moved to Indianola, Neb., in the early days where he was engaged in the drug store business and the practice of medicine. His splendid executive ability was recognized by the Republican Party and he served two terms in the legislature with credit to himself and his constituents. Later he moved to McCook and conducted a drug store. He was always willing to spend his money freely for the best interest of our city. He was one of the prime movers in the erection of the Union Block, which stood as a cred for our city, but was not a profitable venture to its promoters. Dr. Green had served the city of McCook as its Mayor in 1889, and at the time of his death, was serving his second term as County Judge. He died in 1905 and was buried in Longview Cemetery.

Southwest Genealogy Society’s open library days remain on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-4 p.m. Members are available to aide you with your research. Come to 110 West C, Suite M-3 to see our extensive library.