A genealogist with a law degree, Judy G. Russell is a lecturer, educator and writer who enjoys helping others understand a wide variety of genealogical issues, including the interplay between genealogy and the law. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science and journalism from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and a law degree from Rutgers School of Law-Newark, and holds Certified Genealogist and Certified Genealogical Lecturer credentials from the Board for Certification of Genealogists. She has worked as a newspaper reporter, trade association writer, legal investigator, defense attorney, federal prosecutor, law editor and, until her retirement, was an adjunct member of the faculty at Rutgers Law School. Judy is a Colorado native with roots deep in the American south on her mother’s side and entirely in Germany on her father’s side. Visit her website at www.legalgenealogist.com.

Margaret's Mother: Using DNA to Solve a Mystery

Family lore assigns the maiden name of Battles to Margaret (c1827-c1890), wife of Daniel Shew, of Cherokee County, Alabama. Documentary evidence identifies William Battles (c1794-1874) as her father, but he was married twice and no paper trail identifies either wife as the mother. Can DNA solve the mystery and identify Margaret’s mother?

Please join us for this enlightening DNA lecture.  If you are unable to attend in person a Zoom link will be sent out a week before the presentation to paid members only.