Solving DNA Mysteries
and Family Histories
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Eliza Watson
Genetic Genealogist
I am a professional genetic genealogist specializing in both traditional family history research and advanced DNA analysis. Over the course of my 18-year career, I have helped hundreds of individuals identify unknown parentage, reconnect with biological relatives, and solve longstanding ancestral mysteries when documents alone could not provide answers. I have successfully tackled complex cases, including those involving African American and Hispanic ancestry, minimal shared DNA, endogamy, and pedigree collapse.
My work extends beyond private research. I have dedicated more than a thousand hours to assisting law enforcement agencies with unidentified remains cases and criminal investigations. My contributions include analyzing complex DNA match networks, constructing detailed family trees, and providing evidence-based relationship interpretations. Also, I work as a probate genealogist, locating missing and unknown heirs to estates.
I have conducted in-depth genealogical research across Canada, England, Ireland, Scotland, and the United States. I hold a Certificate in Genealogical Research from Boston University. My expertise has been featured in industry publications—including Irish research articles in Family Tree Magazine and a cover story for the Utah Genealogical Association’s Crossroads journal.
Whether you are searching for answers about your ancestry or hoping to identify biological family, I bring professionalism, empathy, and a focused commitment to providing meaningful, accurate results.
SPECIALIZATION
Unknown Parentage
and DNA Discoveries
If you were adopted, uncovered a case of misattributed parentage, or made an unexpected DNA discovery, I can help you navigate the process of finding biological family. I provide the analysis and guidance needed to uncover those connections.
Breaking Down Ancestry
Brick Walls with DNA
DNA can play a powerful role in solving long-standing family mysteries. Traditional genealogical records are often limited—especially in countries like Ireland, where many historical documents were lost to fires or destroyed by government order. This is where DNA can bridge the gap. Your ancestral DNA may help pinpoint a specific region, identify family clusters, and even connect you to the correct ancestral line when paper trails fall short.
I specialize in genealogical research and DNA analysis in the United States, Ireland, Scotland, and England, helping clients uncover their deepest roots.
Traditional
Genealogy Research
Whether you’re just beginning your ancestry journey, feeling stuck in the middle, or facing a stubborn brick wall, I can help move your research forward. Many family history projects begin in the United States, especially when an ancestor’s country of origin is still unknown. Before venturing overseas to search for an ancestral homeland, it’s essential to gather every available clue from U.S. records.
A thorough foundation—built from documents, context, and careful analysis—allows us to confidently trace your family beyond American shores and into their roots abroad.
TESTIMONIALS
"As years passed, no matter how earnestly I promised to identify my ancestors and their origins, I couldn’t move beyond my good intentions. Within months Eliza introduced me to my history — hundreds of Mulligans, Kehoes, Hogans, McCormicks and others whose DNA I carry. What a gift she has given to me, to my children, my grandchildren and beyond."
John Patrick McCormick
Chicago, Illinois
"Eliza Watson is a first-class researcher with exceptional attention to detail and outstanding skills in locating heirs to estates and solving complex DNA cases. She solved an unknown parentage case that seemed impossible. I highly recommend her work."
Katharine O'Connell
North Coast Genealogy
"Eliza’s work brought clarity and rigor to a long-standing family mystery that had remained unresolved for generations. She approached the case with a rare balance of scientific precision and thoughtful caution — clearly explaining what the DNA evidence supported, what could be ruled out, and where uncertainty still remained.
Rather than forcing a narrative, Eliza grounded every conclusion in documented matches, shared DNA amounts, and historical context, and she outlined realistic next steps for further confirmation. Her analysis transformed a confusing collection of DNA results into a coherent, evidence-based picture.
I would highly recommend Eliza to anyone seeking serious, forensic-level genealogical research grounded in transparency and integrity.
Ryan Ojala