tmiles,
I do understand  how the volume of ‘family’ may preclude the need for a DNA testing situation. This particular case was one that we ‘knew’ thru oral history from the old country that we were ‘probably’ related. The DNA testing actually did lttle more than confirm that supposition. Since it puts the connecting link at “up to 14 generations” back It takes us out of the searchable history of any documentation in the old country of a link.  It does, however, confirm the link is really there, and that we are on good terms, exchanging communications and making periodic visits  to each other.  That’s a good feeling for us.

The whole activity has proved to be a real “Bonding” experience for all of us.
 
MAJOR EDIT ON THIS POST TO PREVENT PRIVACY ISSUES WITH FAMILY NAMES.