Who was Ann Saylor? This woman from Pennsylvania lived, loved, raised eight children, and died in 1850s Virginia—but her parents remain a complete mystery. Despite extensive traditional research and promising DNA clues, we 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 County, 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)

  • No mention of her parents in any of her children's vital records

  • DNA matches point to the Philip Saylor family of Chester Co., Pennsylvania, but we 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 we need more matches to narrow down exactly how Ann fits in.

How You Can Help

We need two things to solve Ann's mystery: DNA segment data and detailed family trees.

If you've tested at GedMatch, FamilyTreeDNA, or MyHeritage:

  • Please send me 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 we need, so please consider:

  1. Share your DNA results with me - Instructions on how to share are HERE

  2. Upload your DNA to GedMatch or FamilyTreeDNA - reach out and I'll walk you through it.

  3. 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 do we need segment data? Ancestry doesn't provide the chromosome segment details required to map exactly where our DNA matches occur. Sites like GedMatch, FamilyTreeDNA, and MyHeritage show us the precise locations of our shared DNA, which is crucial for determining how we're related 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 we solve Ann's mystery, I'll share all the research with you, giving you an amazing tale for your next cocktail party!