Random genealogy question for ChatGPT -- Tenth cousin twice removed

While using the FamilySearch Family Tree app or Relatives Around Us during RootsTech I found most if not all of the people I compared were related to me in a tenth cousin twice removed or closer relationship. I have wondered what this relationship is like in terms of people, time and years. I thought this would be a great question to ask ChatGPT. 

I asked ChatGPT,  "If I have a tenth cousin twice removed please calculate the total number of shared or direct relatives we would have."

ChatGPT responded: To calculate the total number of shared or direct relatives between you and a tenth cousin twice removed, we need to consider the generational relationship and calculate the number of ancestors at each generation.

A tenth cousin means that you and your cousin share a common set of great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents. The "twice removed" part indicates a difference of two generations.

Here's a breakdown of the generational relationship:

You and your cousin are of the same generation (0 shared ancestors).

Your parents are of the first previous generation (2 shared ancestors).

Your grandparents are of the second previous generation (4 shared ancestors).

Each subsequent generation doubles the number of shared ancestors.

To calculate the total number of shared or direct relatives, you can use the formula:

Total Relatives = 2^(generations back + 1)

In this case, with ten generations back and two times removed, the calculation would be:

Total Relatives = 2^(10 + 1) = 2^11 = 2,048

Therefore, you would have a total of 2,048 shared or direct relatives with a tenth cousin twice removed.

Please note that this calculation assumes a simplified model where there are no instances of intermarriage or common ancestors in the family tree. In reality, the number of shared relatives can vary due to various factors such as intermarriage, multiple relationships, and complex family structures.

I asked ChatGPT, "How many years are represented in a tenth cousin twice removed relationship?" 

ChatGPT responded: In a genealogical context, a "removed" relationship signifies a difference in generational levels. Each "removed" indicates a generational shift.

A tenth cousin refers to individuals who share a common set of great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-great-grandparents.

The term "twice removed" indicates a difference of two generations.

To calculate the number of years represented in a tenth cousin twice removed relationship, we need to estimate the average number of years between generations. This can vary, but a commonly used estimate is around 25-30 years.

Assuming an average of 25 years per generation, the calculation would be as follows:

(10 generations + 2 generations) x 25 years = 300 years

Therefore, a tenth cousin twice removed relationship represents approximately 300 years of generational distance. This estimate serves as a rough approximation, as actual generational lengths can vary depending on factors such as cultural norms, individual circumstances, and historical periods.

I asked ChatGPT, "How are Teddy Roosevelt and Franklin Delano Roosevelt related? What is there genealogical cousin relationship, like 10th cousin twice removed?"

ChatGPT responded: Teddy Roosevelt (Theodore Roosevelt) and Franklin Delano Roosevelt were fifth cousins. They shared a common ancestor, Nicholas Roosevelt, who lived in the 17th century. This makes their genealogical relationship a fifth cousin. They were not "twice removed" from each other.

I asked ChatGPT, "If Chat GPT had a tenth cousin twice removed who would it be in technology terms?"

ChatGPT answered: In terms of technology, if ChatGPT had a tenth cousin twice removed in the realm of technology, an analogy could be made to the earliest computers or computing pioneers. Just as ChatGPT represents advanced language processing capabilities, a tenth cousin twice removed in the technology field might be associated with early computing devices or pioneers who contributed to the development of computing technology.

So I asked a follow-up question, "Please tell me about any early computing devices or pioneers who contributed to the development of computing technology?"

ChatGPT answered: There are several early computing devices and pioneers who played significant roles in the development of computing technology. Here are a few notable examples:

1. Charles Babbage: Often considered the "father of the computer," Babbage conceptualized and designed the Analytical Engine in the 19th century. Although the machine was never fully constructed during his lifetime, it laid the foundation for modern computer architecture.
2. Ada Lovelace: Lovelace, an English mathematician, is recognized as the world's first computer programmer. She collaborated with Charles Babbage and wrote detailed notes on his Analytical Engine, including the first algorithm intended for implementation on a machine.
3. Alan Turing: Turing, a British mathematician and computer scientist, made substantial contributions to early computer science. His work during World War II on code-breaking machines, particularly the Bombe and the concept of the Turing machine, laid the groundwork for modern computing.
4. Konrad Zuse: Zuse, a German engineer, developed the Z3 in the 1940s, considered the world's first functional, programmable, and fully automatic digital computer. His work contributed to the advancement of computer architecture and programming languages.
5. ENIAC: The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer (ENIAC) was one of the earliest general-purpose electronic digital computers. Developed in the 1940s by John W. Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert, ENIAC was a significant milestone in computing history.
6. IBM 650: Released in 1954, the IBM 650 was one of the first widely used computers for business and scientific applications. It played a crucial role in the early computerization of various industries.

These are just a few examples among many pioneers and early computing devices that contributed to the development of computing technology. Their innovations and advancements laid the foundation for the sophisticated computers and technology we have today.

IBM 650s are shown here in production at the company's plant in Endicott, N.Y.

So there you have it ChatGPT's tenth cousin twice removed is the IBM 650.

How can ChatGPT can be used in family history research?

 I learned about ChatGPT a few weeks ago but between a family vacation and catching up on work I have not had a lot of time to learn about this potential resource. 

ChatGPT is a language model AI. It is designed to understand natural language and generate responses that are within context. ChatGPT is trained on a massive amount of data from the internet and can generate human-like responses to a variety of prompts. ChatGPT has been shown to be capable of answering complex questions, completing sentences and paragraphs, and even writing articles and stories. It has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with computers and AI systems.

I decided to ask ChatGPT, "In your opinion what are the best ways for me to use ChatGPT in Family History?" This is the result.

As an AI language model, ChatGPT can be used in various ways in family history research. Here are some of the best ways to utilize ChatGPT:

1. Ask ChatGPT specific questions related to genealogy and family history. ChatGPT can help you find information about a specific ancestor, give you tips on how to research, and provide guidance on how to navigate genealogy websites.
2. Use ChatGPT to transcribe and translate historical documents. ChatGPT can help you transcribe and translate old handwriting, which can be a helpful tool in deciphering old records.
3. Have ChatGPT assist in writing family history stories. ChatGPT can provide creative writing prompts and even help you with the writing process to craft engaging and informative family histories.
4. Use ChatGPT to help break through research roadblocks. ChatGPT can suggest alternative research strategies or sources to help you overcome research roadblocks that you may encounter.
5. Utilize ChatGPT to analyze DNA results. ChatGPT can help explain DNA results, provide interpretations, and suggest next steps in your genetic genealogy research.
6. Have ChatGPT help with language translation. ChatGPT can assist in translating foreign language documents or interpreting information in foreign languages.
7. Use ChatGPT to help with organizing and digitizing family history materials. ChatGPT can provide guidance on how to organize and digitize family photos, documents, and other materials, making them more accessible for future generations.
8. Use ChatGPT to help plan family history research trips. ChatGPT can suggest repositories to visit, provide travel tips, and even help you plan out your itinerary.
9. Have ChatGPT provide recommendations for genealogy education resources. ChatGPT can suggest online courses, books, and other educational resources to help you learn more about genealogy and family history.
10. Use ChatGPT to help with collaborative research efforts. ChatGPT can assist in organizing and facilitating collaborative research efforts with other family members or researchers.

Overall, ChatGPT can be a valuable tool in genealogy and family history research, helping to overcome research roadblocks, providing guidance, and suggesting new avenues of exploration.

I liked the answers ChatGPT gave but somewhat doubted its ability to help in each of the ways. I realize one of the limitations of ChatGPT is the user who asks the question. I asked about the third recommendation from the list above. I asked, "Please provide creative writing prompts and help me with the writing process to craft engaging and informative family histories." This was the result.

Certainly! Here are some creative writing prompts and tips to help you craft engaging and informative family histories:

1. Write a letter from the perspective of one of your ancestors. What might they want to tell their descendants about their life and experiences?
2. Create a timeline of your family's history, including major events and milestones. Use this as a basis for writing short stories or vignettes that bring those events to life.
3. Write a "day in the life" story from the perspective of one of your ancestors. What was a typical day like for them? What challenges did they face?
4. Imagine that you're interviewing one of your ancestors for a news article or a family history book. What questions would you ask? What would be the most interesting or surprising things they might have to say?
5. Write a family recipe book, including stories about the origins of each recipe and memories associated with the dishes.

Tips for the writing process:

1. Start by gathering as much information as possible about your family history. This might include photos, documents, and stories passed down through generations.
2. Organize your information in a way that makes sense to you. Consider creating an outline or a timeline to help you keep track of important events and details.
3. Be sure to fact-check your information to ensure accuracy. You can use online resources like census records, genealogy websites, and historical archives to verify details.
4. When writing, try to incorporate sensory details and vivid imagery to bring your ancestors and their experiences to life. Use dialogue and quotes from family members to add authenticity and personality to your stories.
5. Don't be afraid to experiment with different formats and styles of writing. For example, you might write a series of short stories, a letter, or a cookbook. Be creative and have fun with it!

Remember, the most important thing is to tell your family's story in a way that is engaging and meaningful to you and your loved ones.

I think this advice is really good and easy to follow. I then asked about the first recommendation from the best ways to use ChatGPT. "I have a genealogy brick wall that ends with my ancestor James Trotter from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana about 1815.  Please give me tips on how to research him, and provide me guidance on how to navigate genealogy websites in order to find sources I can use to get past this brick wall." Here is the reply.

Researching ancestors from the early 19th century can be challenging, but there are several strategies and resources you can use to try to break through your brick wall. Here are some tips to help you research James Trotter from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana:

1. Start with what you know: Begin your research by gathering as much information as possible about James Trotter and his family. Collect any documents, letters, or photographs you have from family members, and ask relatives for their recollections about James and his life. Look for clues in family stories, naming patterns, and locations where your ancestor lived, worked, or worshiped.
2. Consult census records: Census records can be a rich source of information about individuals and families, including their names, ages, birthplaces, occupations, and relationships to one another. Look for James Trotter in the 1820, 1830, and 1840 U.S. census records for St. Helena Parish, Louisiana. Be creative in your spelling and try different variations of his name or possible misspellings.
3. Search for vital records: Birth, marriage, and death records can provide vital clues about James Trotter's life and family. Check vital records for St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, and surrounding areas. Be aware that vital records may not exist for the time period you are researching, and may not include all the information you are seeking.
4. Look for land records: Land records can provide valuable information about where your ancestor lived, worked, and owned property. Check for land patents, deeds, and other land transactions involving James Trotter and his family in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.
5. Check probate records: Wills, estate inventories, and other probate records can provide information about your ancestor's family relationships, property, and possessions. Look for probate records for James Trotter and his family in St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.
6. Consult local histories: Local histories and genealogies may provide valuable background information about James Trotter and his family, as well as clues to other potential sources for research. Check for published works about St. Helena Parish, Louisiana, and other relevant areas.
7. Join genealogy societies: Genealogy societies can provide resources and support for your research, as well as opportunities to connect with other researchers who may have information or leads that can help you break through your brick wall.
8. Use online resources: Genealogy websites such as Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org, and MyHeritage.com can provide access to a wide range of records and resources, including census records, vital records, land records, and more. Be aware that some of these websites may require a subscription or payment to access certain records or features.
9. Utilize DNA testing: DNA testing can provide clues to your ancestry and potential connections to other individuals or family lines. Consider taking a DNA test and uploading your results to websites such as AncestryDNA or MyHeritageDNA, which may provide matches and other leads to help you break through your brick wall.

Navigating genealogy websites can be overwhelming, but there are a few tips that can help:

1. Start with a plan: Before diving into a genealogy website, identify what you are looking for and what sources or records you need to search. Develop a research plan and focus on one ancestor or family line at a time.
2. Use advanced search features: Most genealogy websites have advanced search features that allow you to narrow down your search results by location, date, record type, and other criteria. Use these features to refine your search and make your results more relevant.
3. Read the website's help and FAQ sections: Many genealogy websites have detailed help sections that can provide guidance on how to navigate the site, search
4. Look for community sources: Another way to locate information about your ancestor is to look for sources that are connected to the community they lived in. Local histories, newspapers, church records, and local government records can all be excellent sources of information about your ancestor and their family. Check out websites such as Chronicling America or local genealogy societies for access to these types of records.
5. Check other genealogy websites: Don't limit yourself to just one genealogy website. Check out different websites and databases that may hold information on your ancestor. Some popular genealogy websites include Ancestry, FamilySearch, MyHeritage, FindMyPast, and RootsWeb.
6. Utilize DNA testing: DNA testing can also help you break down brick walls in your research. By testing with multiple companies, you can potentially find DNA matches that have information about your ancestor and their family. Additionally, DNA testing can help you confirm or refute potential family connections and narrow down potential areas of research.
7. Seek out expert help: If you have exhausted all your options and still can't find information about your ancestor, consider seeking out expert help. Professional genealogists or genetic genealogists may be able to provide new insights into your research and help you find the missing pieces to your family history puzzle.

By following these tips and utilizing genealogy websites and resources, you can increase your chances of breaking down your genealogy brick walls and learning more about your ancestor James Trotter from St. Helena Parish, Louisiana.

I think these are also great tips for researching but I was hoping for more specific information about my third Great-Grandfather. There is little information about James Trotter so I asked about his son, my second Great-grandfather, Samuel Thomas Trotter. "Please write a life history for the Samuel Thomas Trotter who was born 15 February 1860 in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana, United States. Please include a timeline of his life events. Please also include citations for the information presented." (Information for my ancestor can e found on FamilySearch here: https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/sources/KWCX-HZ6). Here is the response. 

Samuel Thomas Trotter was born on February 15, 1860, in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana, to parents James Trotter and Mary Jane Bates. He was the fourth of seven children born to the couple.

In 1870, Samuel was living with his parents and siblings in Greensburg, St. Helena, Louisiana, according to the US Census. His father, James, worked as a farmer, while Samuel was listed as attending school.

By the 1880 US Census, Samuel had moved out of his parents' household and was living in Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, working as a farmer. In 1883, at the age of 23, he married Sallie W. Galloway in Tangipahoa, Louisiana.

Samuel and Sallie had at least nine children: Thomas, Clarence, Viola, Mary, Fannie, Bessie, Ophelia, Samuel, and John. By the 1900 US Census, the family had moved to Chesbrough, Jackson, Louisiana, where Samuel worked as a farmer.

In 1910, Samuel and his family were still living in Chesbrough, Jackson, Louisiana, and he was still working as a farmer. By 1920, the family had moved to Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where Samuel was listed as a laborer in a lumber yard.

Samuel Thomas Trotter died on October 3, 1936, in Baton Rouge, East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, at the age of 76.

Sources:

1. "United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M87P-Y6B : 26 July 2019), Samuel Trotter in household of James Trotter, Louisiana, United States; citing p. 10, family 78, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 552,030.
2. "United States Census, 1880," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MDXV-2FH : 20 August 2017), Saml. Trotter, Amite, Tangipahoa, Louisiana, United States; citing enumeration district ED 37, sheet 172D, NARA microfilm publication T9 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 0475; FHL microfilm 1,254,475.
3. "Louisiana, Marriages, 1816-1906," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:F4W2-6T2 : 4 December 2014), Samuel T. Trotter and Sallie W. Galloway, 02 Dec 1883; citing reference ; FHL microfilm 1,291,605.
4. "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:MSPC-2Q2 : accessed 27 April 2021), Samuel Trotter, Police Jury Ward 3, Jackson, Louisiana, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 49, sheet 8B, family 158, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,569.

In the above information only the first sentence was correct. The rest of the information, highlighted in red,  was not correct or about my Samuel Thomas Trotter, his spouse or children. None of the sources are for my ancestor or relatives and the links in the citation do not link to the information provided in the citation. In this specific case ChatGPT is not a great source for writing information but only suggestion strategies.

Sean Astin to Keynote RootsTech 2023

The fanboy in me is freaking out a little. I feel like I have know Sean my entire life. He is just barely two weeks older than me, so as I have watched him in movies I have been able to relate to him on several levels. He has played the quiet hero in many ways. Leader of the outcast goonies as they discover themselves and the town's history to go on an adventure and save the town. 

The best sidekick and wingman who cannot bear the ring but can shoulder his friend Frodo's burdens as they venture to save middle earth. 

A long shot football player that beat the odds to get into Notre Dame as a student, barely makes the practice squad on the football team and ends up playing only one series of plays in his football career. A leader and hard worker on and off the field who tried to keep his dreams alive. The only player carried of the field to this day. 

All of Sean's roles from Stranger Things to 50 First Dates have helped me to learn more about myself and the role of friends and family in our lives. 

I do not think that I have been more excited for a speaker at RootsTech. I was thrilled to see Laura Bush exit the Marriott and be whisked away in her convoy of black vehicles. 

The trekker in me was brought to tears by Lavar Burton and his emotional reaction to the family history that was presented to him after his keynote. 

However, I am more excited to see Sean Astin than to be back in person at RootsTech. I feel giddy.

 I know better but I wish my co-workers at RootsTech would get me a signed Funko Pop or something. 

My wife is an influencer at RootsTech, I not so secretly envy her, but if she gets to interview and/or meet Sean Astin I will be so jealous. The ride home that day will me more energized compared to the complete exhaustion we have experienced in years past. 

A more tender memory for me is that Sean Astin the actor reminds me of my boyhood friend and next-door neighbor Murray O'Dell. Their physical attributes and sense of humor are very similar. Murray was always at my side, we were goonies, underdogs, and he was a friend to the end. My teenage years were not easy both from circumstances beyond my control and poor personal choices. I feel like I survived those years more than lived them. As we got older a distance grew between us. We both worked together at our first few jobs. He was always my friend even when I did not treat him like I should have. After high school our paths diverged and I went off to college and Murray joined the Marines and fought in the Persian Gulf. I met my wife and settled in our college town and Murray returned from service and lived in his parents former home and also got married. We kept in touch in those days before social media but not as much as I would have liked or should have. I would tell my children about the adventures that Murray and I had in our youth. I must have talked about him quite a bit because on November 11th, 2005 my mother-in-law was watching the news and heard Murray's name. She called me and I turned on the TV to find that Murray was involved in a semi-truck collision and was killed instantly. I still know Murray's parents home phone number and I quickly called his mother to confirm the story. We cried as we spoke on the phone, she consoled me and loved me like no time had passed. I still morn the loss of my friend Murray. I also morn because I didn't take the chance to fully mend our relationship. I didn't know how much I valued him in my life until it was too late.

I have been thrilled to see Sean Astin in roles after 2003 when Return of the King was released. The movies before that time reminded me of Murray and the person and friend that he was. The movies after that give me a small glimpse of what Murray could have been like. Sean, like me, now has what my kids call a dad bod. His character Bob in Stranger Things was not perfect, a little nerdy, but stood up for those he loved. Bob also remembered the past but did not let that change the way he interacted with people from his past now. As Dr. Julian Echo on Young Rock, he is in the future but holds a grudge against his childhood rival Dwayne as he runs for President of the United States. Murray and I competed in debate with and were in the same high school graduating class as U.S. Senator Mike Lee. They were not rivals but in this age of social media I would have loved to see how Murry would react to current events now.

Thanks for the memories to both Sean and Murry. Welcome to Salt Lake Sean, it will be a pleasure to see you.