Genetic Genealogy

Jacqueli Finley is a highly respected forensic genealogist with over 40 years of experience, specializing in both traditional and genetic genealogy. Her work blends deep archival research with advanced DNA analysis to uncover complex ancestral connections.

🧬 Areas of Expertise

Genetic Genealogy: She’s known for interpreting DNA results alongside historical documentation to confirm ancestral lines, including Native American and African heritage.

Forensic Genealogy: Jacqueli has helped resolve long-standing family mysteries, such as breaking through “brick walls” in Lee Family lineage research.

Custom Research Projects: She offers personalized genealogy services, often working independently but also leveraging a network of experts to tackle difficult cases.

Ethical Standards: As a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG), she adheres strictly to professional ethics and research integrity.

🗣️ What Clients Say

Her clients consistently praise her for:

Making complex genetic data easy to understand

Providing emotional and historical clarity through her findings

Delivering results that go beyond expectations, often verifying oral traditions with scientific evidence

You can explore more about her work on Jacqueli Finley's official site or her APG profile. She's a standout figure in the genealogy community, especially for those seeking to combine DNA insights with historical depth.

Jacqueli Finley has tackled some fascinating and historically significant case studies in her career as a forensic and genetic genealogist. Here are a few standout examples:

🧬 1. Lees of Virginia: Lost Lineages

This is perhaps her most well-known and controversial project. Jacqueli challenged long-held assumptions about the ancestry of Col. Richard Lee, a prominent figure in early American history. 

Her research:

Disputed claims made in a 1988 study that Richard Lee descended from a clothier named John Leyes and Jane Hancock in Worcester, England.

Reasserted the lineage connecting Lee to the aristocratic Lees of Shropshire, England, using both historical documentation and DNA evidence.

Highlighted misuse of Y-DNA data in mainstream genealogy projects, advocating for more ethical and accurate DNA interpretation.

🧬 2. Robert E. Lee’s Multiracial Ancestry

Jacqueli helped uncover and confirm the African and European ancestral lines of Robert E. Lee through DNA analysis and genealogical documentation. 

This work:

Verified oral traditions within families claiming descent from Lee.

Provided clarity and closure to descendants who had long suspected mixed heritage but lacked proof.

🧬 3. Native American Lineage Verification

In another case, Jacqueli used DNA and historical records to confirm a client’s Native American ancestry. 

Her meticulous approach:

Validated family stories that had been passed down for generations.

Strengthened the client’s connection to their cultural roots and identity.

These cases reflect her commitment to truth, even when it challenges accepted narratives. She’s not just solving puzzles—she’s rewriting chapters of history with scientific precision and emotional depth.

Jacqueli Finley’s DNA analysis methodology is a blend of scientific rigor, historical context, and ethical precision. She doesn’t just interpret raw data—she reconstructs ancestral narratives using a multi-layered approach that challenges conventional genealogy. Here's how she does it:

🧬 Core Methodology

1. Autosomal DNA Testing

Comparing results across multiple kits using platforms like GEDmatch to identify shared segments and ancestral markers.

2. Autosomal DNA Analysis

Examines autosomal DNA for more recent ancestry (within ~5–7 generations).

Uses segment matching and centimorgan (cM) values to confirm relationships.

Cross-references matches with historical records to validate connections.

3. Cross-Validation with Historical Documentation

DNA results are never interpreted in isolation. She integrates:

Census records, Birth, marriage, and death certificates, Land deeds and wills.

This helps confirm or refute lineage claims, especially in cases like the Lees of Virginia.

4. Challenging Misuse of DNA

She’s outspoken about the inappropriate use of DNA in some genealogy projects, especially when conclusions are drawn without proper documentation.

Advocates for ethical standards and transparency in DNA interpretation.

5. Custom Comparative Analysis

Builds custom DNA comparison tables to track matches across generations.

Highlights segment overlaps and recombination patterns to pinpoint shared ancestry.

🧠 What Sets Her Apart

Forensic Precision: 

She treats genealogy like a forensic investigation, not just a hobby.

Historical Advocacy: Her work often corrects historical inaccuracies, giving voice to overlooked or misrepresented lineages.

Client-Centered: She tailors her analysis to each client’s unique heritage, often uncovering multiracial or indigenous roots that standard tests miss.

If you're curious to see her methodology in action, her Lee DNA Project page and Lees of Virginia research series offer compelling examples.