Thu 10/22/2020 1:17 PM
Beth & Eugene,
Beth, I told Eugene that there are a lot of us, Elcik’s. I may have been optimistic, however. At the time, I perceived there was a lot based on Google searches. But what number constitutes “a lot”?
I have found a website (forebears.io) that provides a fascinating picture of the distribution of the Family surname by country. Keep in mind that there are at least 3 viable spellings of the Elcik surname to research. And then there is Turkey, where Elcik may be pronounced differently. It also had a specific meaning, i.e., it translates as “zipper.”
The following four links are of interest.
- Slovakia (14), Czechia (1), Elčík Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History: Elcik
- U.S. (240), Hungary (120), Austria (14), Elsik Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History: Elsik
- Czechia (192), Slovakia (155), Ilčík Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History: Ilcik
- Turkey (1,274), Elçik Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History: Elcik
I question whether DNA databanks will have many or any of our European ancestors in them with these numbers. Add this to Eugene’s finding that the Nazi party destroyed most of Europe’s records, and our prospects are slim. He is right. The church kept records of birth, baptism, marriage, and death. Without their records, DNA, I thought, would be the ideal choice. Ouch!
A DNA test may not help us find European “cousins.” If, however, I can get one of the descendants of John Ilick to take the test with me, other information is possible. A secondary goal of my research has always been to see if we can connect the Ilcik and Elsik families.
- John Elsik (1866-1941) is the preferred spelling of my Great-grandfather.
- John Ilsik (1886-1962) is the preferred spelling of John Elcik’s (Rocky Point, NY) Great-grandfather.
A Y-111 test is the best DNA test to consider. It is designed specifically to confirm Y-chromosome matching between two living men. It is $250 each, i.e., more expensive than other DNA tests, so there may not be mutual interest in taking the test. I didn’t agree to it in 2009 when Judy (my friend and DNA expert) asked me to do it. My mistake! I will reach out to Brian, John, Robert, and Stephen on Ancestry.com’s new messenger service to see who might be interested in he is interested. But no social pressure. Lol.
Either way, I intend to take the $99 autosomal DNA test from Ancestry.com at the end of the year when it goes on sale for 40% off. Judy, my friend with Polish ancestors, is hoping it will establish a stronger family link between her and us. She no longer has access to male DNA for testing. Her initial DNA sample came from her deceased father’s hearing aids. It suggested a link, but a more expensive test was recommended, and I wasn’t ready. So, this is our best chance for her and me. This is the only DNA test that Ancestry.com supports for use with its Family Tree website.
I hope this will generate some interest. Here is to hope!
Regards,
John, IV
