Ann Saylor, born about 1805 in Pennsylvania, married, had eight known children, and died in the 1850s in Mason Co., Virginia—but her parents remain a complete mystery. Despite extensive traditional research and promising DNA clues, I still can't answer the simple question: Who was Ann's father?
The Ann Saylor Mystery
Ann Saylor married William Van Ludy Wheeler sometime before 1828, likely in Philadelphia. They had eight children and moved from Philadelphia to Allegheny Co., then to Mason Co., [West] Virginia, where Ann died between 1850 and 1852. Here's what makes this case so intriguing:
No marriage record found despite extensive searching
No death record (she simply vanishes from records)
Some of her children indicate her maiden name was Saylor.
DNA matches point to the Philip Saylor family of Chester Co., Pennsylvania, but I can't pinpoint the connection
The DNA Breakthrough
This is where YOU come in! DNA evidence suggests Ann connects to the Philip Saylor family line through his father Peter Saylor (1711-1793). Multiple DNA matches triangulate on chromosome segments that point to this family, but more matches are needed to narrow down exactly how Ann fits in.
How You Can Help
Even if you have no known connection to the Saylor family, you can still help. Two things are needed to solve Ann's mystery: DNA segment data and detailed family trees.
If you've tested at GedMatch, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage:
Thank you! Please send a link to your family tree if you don't have a public one attached to your DNA results. This allows me to analyze how our DNA segments align with documented family connections. Don’t have a tree? Tell me what you know, and I can help you build one.
If you've tested at Ancestry: Ancestry's platform limits the detailed analysis I need, so please consider:
Share your DNA results with me - Instructions on how to share are HERE
Upload your DNA to GedMatch or FamilyTreeDNA - reach out and I'll walk you through it.
If you prefer not to upload, consider testing with MyHeritage - I'd be happy to send you a DNA kit at no cost to you.
Why is segment data needed? Ancestry doesn't provide the chromosome segment details required to map exactly where our DNA matches occur. Sites like GedMatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and MyHeritage show the precise locations of shared DNA, which is crucial for determining how two people relate and solving Ann's parentage mystery given how far back this mystery is.
What's In It For You?
Help solve a genuine genealogical mystery
Potentially discover new family connections you didn't know existed
Get a fascinating family story - once Ann's mystery is solved, I'll share all the research with you, giving you an amazing tale for your next cocktail party!
