We have long believed that DNA testing could provide a breakthrough for Elcik genealogy research—perhaps even settling the question of whether the Elsik and Ilcik families are related. It has. DNA has identified three cousins and, in doing so, raised new questions.
Our first exposure to DNA testing came through a 12-of-12 match between Judith C. Lakkis and our children’s DNA on Ancestry.com. Unfortunately, by the time both parties expressed interest in follow-up testing, it was too late to obtain the DNA needed. That opportunity was lost, for which I take responsibility.
The testing that was completed suggests that Judith’s father, John Chester Spivak, who had a Polish background, is a relative. I believe that they are family.
J.P.’s DNA test results show that he belongs to the paternal haplogroup R1b, often referred to as “The Artisans.” Individuals in this group may have been responsible for some of the earliest cave paintings and are thought to have lived in what is now England, France, Spain, or Portugal. We even have artwork by J.P. that amusingly supports the theory. The geographic origins were a surprise.
Michelle’s DNA test results place her in the maternal ancient ancestry haplogroup U, known as “The Travelers.” Members of this group are believed to have migrated widely—through western Europe, Mongolia, India, and north and northwest Africa. No, we do not believe this explains her love of elephants. That influence came from Aunt Kathy, who once adopted an elephant in Michelle’s name. Again, the locations were a surprise.
Jeff Elcik later took a 23andMe DNA test. Through the fifth generation, our known ancestors came from the Czech Republic and Austria to the United States in the late 1800s. However, the DNA evidence suggests our family background is far more diverse than we had known.
As one striking example, we most likely had a third- to seventh-great-grandparent who was 100 percent Anatolian. According to 23andMe, “This person was likely born between 1700 and 1820.”
Anatolia—also known as Asia Minor—refers to the peninsula that today forms the Asian portion of Turkey.
I once jokingly referred to two Turkish friends on Facebook as “surname buddies” because we shared the Elcik surname. Today, I think it is fair to call them cousins.
Additional DNA testing included two tests taken by John—through Ancestry.com and MyHeritage—and one taken by Pam through Ancestry.com.
DNA testing holds great promise. Finding Judy, Zlatica, and Earl has helped fulfill that promise. Answering the long-standing question of whether the Elsik and Ilcik families are related represents a major milestone.
The answer is clear: Yes, we are.