Eric Vavra

Ancestors

Son of Joe Vavra Jr and Diane (Linden) Vavra

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Eric Vavra [send private message]

Biography

My WikiTree Experience

WikiTree Day Attendee: 2022 & 2023

Eric Vavra participated with Team Nordic Noir during the Jul 2023 Connect-a-Thon.

Eric Vavra participated with Team Tree Nuts during the Jan 2024 & Apr 2024 Connect-a-Thon.

I first learned of WikiTree in early September 2021. I created an account and looked around, but did not quite understand the appeal. From that point I was basically dormant for over a year.

Then it was November 2022 and I heard a member of a genealogy group I joined was giving "An Introduction to WikiTree" presentation on WikiTree Day so I decided I would watch his presentation. I ended up viewing the whole day of presentations and learned more about the features and resources provided by the site. However, what really set WikiTree apart from other sites was the amazing community of genealogists. That became the day I truly "joined".

Since then I've been adding to the tree, participating in activities, and spreading the word about WikiTree.

Please contact me if you have any questions about profiles I manage, DNA connections or for opportunities to collaborate on shared ancestors.

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Personal Background

Eric Vavra is an American.

Eric Vavra is an Illinoisan.

Eric is an Information Technology Consultant

I grew up and currently live in Schaumburg, Illinois a village in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.

Education: I attended Northern Illinois University (NIU) where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Management & Information Systems (BS OMIS). I returned to NIU to earn a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree.

Career: The majority of my occupational history has been in the field of Information Technology Consulting. I have had the opportunity to work with clients across multiple industries while implementing a wide range of technologies and solutions. While primarily based in Chicago I have worked in multiple states and led teams from around the world.

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Ancestral Ethnic Roots

Besides for being an American I have always identified as being evenly divided in quarters for my ethnicity. However, I have always had the strongest affinity with my Irish and English sides due to the positive influence of both of my wonderful Grandmothers. (Both of my Grandfathers died when I was too young.)

Exploring my family history through genealogy has helped provide a deeper understanding of all my ancestral roots.

Eric has Bohemian (Czech) ancestors.

Bohemian (Czech) - Paternal Grandfather

• My Grandfather was 2^nd/3^rd generation born in the US (3 of his 4 grandparents immigrated and the 4^th was the 1^st generation born in the US)
• My strongest connection to my Bohemian side is my surname. Due to early deaths not much of their cultural heritage was passed down through the generations.
• I always refer to this side as Bohemian (and then clarify as Czech) because my father has a strong early childhood memory of his Great-Grandmother giving him strict and passionate instructions that "We are Bohemian, NOT Czechoslovakian". I'm not sure if her strong feelings were since Czechoslovakia did not exist when she was born there or other reasons. (Following her orders my father will still only call us Bohemian.)

Eric has English ancestors.

English - Paternal Grandmother

• My Grandmother was the 1^st generation born in the US on her maternal side (her mother immigrated), and her father was unknown to her (but was assumed by her to also be of recent English descent.)
• Through DNA testing and subsequent research it is probable that while of English descent she may have been the 10^th generation born in the US on her paternal side. (Refer to Genealogical Research section)

Eric has Swedish ancestors.

Swedish - Maternal Grandfather

• My Grandfather was the 1^st generation born in the US (both of his parents immigrated)
• My grandfather was proud of his Swedish roots, but primarily identified as an American. Due to a strained relationship between my grandfather and his father after he married my grandmother, an Irish Catholic, less of his Swedish cultural heritage was passed down to my mother. My mother says his parents and siblings would talk to him in Swedish and he would respond in English.

Eric has Irish ancestors.

Irish - Maternal Grandmother

• My Grandmother was the 1^st generation born in the US (both of her parents immigrated)
• My Grandmother and large extended family on this side were very proud of our Irish roots. However, this was in a very American-Irish way so not much true cultural heritage was passed down.

DNA Admixture (Ancestral Ethnicity)

• DNA testing across multiple providers for my parents and me generally confirm the expected ethnic percentages.
• The companies that provide a further breakdown to specific communities also confirm the corresponding regional areas of countries known through research.

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Genealogical Interests

I have been a “Genealogist” since 2018, My interest was sparked from a DNA Test I received as a gift which awakened a desire to learn more about my roots. Shortly thereafter I started to work with my parents to gather and review old photos and family notes to find out what we already "knew". From there I started to attend Genealogy meetings at the local library and then online to continuously learn about genealogical research and DNA analysis.

Technology

I am most interested in how I can better utilize technology to gather, analyze and document information about my roots both through traditional records and DNA. I am also interested in sharing this knowledge with others and have done presentations to genealogy groups on technology related topics.

Genetic Genealogy (DNA)

I have either taken Autosomal DNA (atDNA) tests or uploaded my data to the major test providers. I also utilize DNA tests from my father, mother, maternal aunt, and paternal 1^st Cousin. I am actively using these results for genetic genealogy analysis to confirm relationships and to attempt to identify a few unknown ancestors.

My close family and I have not done Y-Chromosome (yDNA) or Mitochondrial (mtDNA) tests as they are unlikely to assist in answering current research questions. I will probably do these tests just for curiosity in the future.

Heritage Travel

I have not yet traveled to any of my ancestral locations outside of the United States. I have been to London, England and done the tourist stuff there, but I was not able to visit Yorkshire.

Trips to England, Ireland, Sweden and the Czech Republic to see where my ancestors lived are on my "bucket list".

Genealogy Groups

I have been a member of CAGGNI (Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois) since June 2022. I participate in several of their Special Interest Groups (SIG) including DNA, Internet, and Colonial America. WIkiTree is discussed within the Internet SIG.

• CAGGNI Category on WikiTree contains related informational pages and member profiles.

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Research Notes

Genealogical Research: Locations & Time Periods

Overall

• United States: Chicago, Illinois (1880's-2020's)

Bohemian (Czech)

• United States: Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin (mid1880's-1910)
• Czech Republic: South Bohemia and Plzeň (Pre-1890)

English and American English

• England: Yorkshire (Pre-1900) and TBD (Pre-1800)
• United States: Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island (1620-1900's)

Swedish

• Sweden: Uppsala and Skåne (Pre-1940)
• France: TBD (Circa 1600-1640)
• Poland: TBD (Circa 1700)

Irish

• Ireland: County Monaghan (Pre-1920)
• United States: New York City (circa late 1890's - 1907)

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Genealogical Research: Status

Below is a high-level summary and status of my current research areas of focus.

Status: Updated 29 Sep 2023

Missing WikiTree Puzzle Pieces

WikiTree

• Updates: Ongoing (Priority: Medium)
• Only a portion of my known family tree is currently on WikiTree, but I am slowly trying to make additions every month.

Bohemian (Czech)

• Research: Ongoing (Priority: Low)
• United States: Good progress has been made.
• Czechia: Limited progress has been made to verify research provided by others, as well as some independent research.
  • Currently de-prioritizing to focus on other areas due to effort required to find and interpret records in Czech/German/Latin.

English and American English

• DNA Analysis: Active Focus (Priority: High)
• Research: Ongoing (Priority: Low - Pending DNA Analysis)
• Primary Focus: Grandmother's Unknown Biological Father
  • Refer to: Anonymous Chandler
  • DNA Analysis has narrowed the search down to one leading candidate amongst 3 brothers.
    • In Progress: Waiting on DNA Test results from my Aunt to confirm hypothesis.
• Additional research ongoing, but waiting on DNA confirmation prior to concentrated efforts.
  

  Eric Vavra is a descendant of Mayflower Passenger Peter Browne?.
  • Based on other people's research on WikiTree it appears at least one line may go back to the Mayflower.

Swedish

• Research: Active Focus (Priority: High)
• Primary Focus: Uppsala back to 1600's
  • Next Focus: Skåne from 1900's and back

Research Surprises Under Investigation

Eric has Polish? ancestors.

• Polish: 7^th Great-Grandfather was an Immigrant to Sweden from Poland after serving as a Calvary Officer on the Swedish side of the Great Northern War.

Eric has French? ancestors.

• French: 10^th Great-Grandfather was an Immigrant to Sweden from France.
  • Investigating his possible connection to the Walloons.
  • Refer to: Unusual Story?: My 10th Great-(Wicked?)-Step-Grandmother

Irish

• Research: Brickwall - On Hold (Priority: Low)
• Currently unable to find enough additional information on my Great-Great-Grandparents to proceed further back.
  • Periodically checking to see if any new sources become available.

Other

Eric Vavra migrated from WikiTree to Rabbit Holes 🕳️.

• Research: Ongoing (Priority: SQUIRREL!!!)
• Occasionally distracted by new shiny objects or just heading down rabbit holes ...

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WikiTree Relationships & Connections

Are you my cousin? Yes theoretically ^[1][2][3]

The question really should be "Are we related within a genealogically relevant time-period and could we identify the relationship path?"

I believe the Relationship and Connection Finder functionality of WikiTree is a unique strength of the site. I find it interesting, informative, and fun. (However, I strongly recommend doing your own independent research or evaluation of the accuracy of each path step before relying on the "Per WikiTree" findings as "fact".)

If you find we are related or connected using WikiTree please feel free to let me know.

• Related to Eric on WikiTree?
• Connected to Eric on WikiTree?

Disclaimer: The relationships and connections found through WikiTree are based on the combined research its user community. "The discovery of additional sources or interpretations may affect the conclusions." ^[4]

Some Examples of My "Per WikiTree" Relationships & Connections

Current paths available via the stickers. (In the sticker: Names link to their profile, the accompanying Phrase links to their connection to me.

Eric is connected to WikiTree Founder Chris Whitten.

Chris Whitten: Being connected on WikiTree to WikiTree Founder gets me FREE WikiTree! (Just like anybody!!!) I am his distant cousin too ... still only gets me FREE WIkiTree, but hey that is pretty great.

Eric is ? degrees from Kevin Bacon.

Kevin Bacon: How many degrees from him am I on WikiTree? 21

(Outside of WT? 4 = 0 Me I know > 1 My Aunt’s Brother In-Law who was in a charity organization with > 2 Betty White who was in Bring Down the House with > 3 Queen Latifah who was in Beauty Shop with > 4 Kevin Bacon)

Eric is related to Dick Van Dyke.

Dick Van Dyke: My cousin relationship to Dick is an interesting case study in comparing WikiTree with FamilySearch. Both suggest he is my 10C1R and the connection is through a Mayflower Passenger, but the differences in paths is the interesting part. FamilySearch shows we are connected via a Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) of John Alden, but has an often used, yet disputed path that is not accepted by the Mayflower Society. WikiTree more accurately has notes regarding the known dispute and does not make the connection. Instead WikiTree appears to show a more reliable path (pending further research of my line) to a MRCA connection of Peter Browne. (FamilySearch also has a seemingly weekly battle to connect/disconnect John Alden's unproven parents which WikiTree instead has noted on the profile and fully discussed in Parentage Possibilities.)

Eric is the Distant Cousin of King Charles III.

King Charles III: I am sure he is very happy that I am his Distant Cousin (14C2R), on his mother's side. My invitation to his coronation must have just got lost in the mail.

Descendant of William the Conqueror (Relationship Path).

William the Conqueror: I descend from one of the most notable figures in English History. However, this is not surprising since theoretically everyone with English roots potentially does given the time elapsed. The informative value is WikiTree shows a possible path.

Descendant of Charlemagne (Relationship Path).

Charlemagne: Theoretically everyone with Western European roots probably is his descendant. Again, the interesting usage is WikiTree shows a potential path.

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WikiTree+ Reports

WikiTree+ App

Refer to Eric Vavra's WikiTree+ Reports for information on WikiTree+ queries and reports used by Eric. ^[5]

• Ancestors on WikiTree Status
• Profiles Created on WikiTree
• WikiTree CC7

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WikiTree Apps Surnames Generator

My Surnames On WikiTree

Click on Surname to view EKA - Earliest Known Ancestor

Paternal Grandfather Ancestral Surnames

Harazin

Kopriva

Novak, Nydl

Spicka, Sturz

Vavra

Znamenacek

Paternal Grandmother Ancestral Surnames

Adcocke, Aggar , Alford , Austin , Averell , Ayers

Baillion, Baillou , Barbour , Barnes , Bassett , Batt , Best , Bickley , Bilyeu , Boithes , Boridge , Briant , Brook , Browne , Byram

Carpenter, Carye , Chandler , Channon , Channon , Chester , Clapp , Clapp , Clements , Cogan , Cogan , Cole , Combe , Combe , Coote , Copson , Cromwell

De Vere, Deane , Deane , Diamond , Dighton , Downam , Drurey , Dunham , Dymond

Edson (Edison) , Eldred , Eliot , Eyre

Fernald, Fish , Foster , Furbish , Fynch

Gibbons (Gibbins) , Gilbert , Gillman , Gilman , Godfrey

Hall, Hall , Harrison , Herring , Hill , Hilton , Hopkins , Hunt

Learned, Leighton , Lewis , Littlefield , Lockwood , Longbotham , Lygon

Mackworth (Macworth) , Marshall , Mawd , Milner , Mitchell , Mitton

Nutter

Ollyver, Ollyver

Packard, Parsons , Peacock , Pearce , Peckham , Penye , Pray , Pray

Randall, Remick , Rhodes , Rickard , Roberts , Rossiter , Russell

Sammois, Sammon , Sawkins , Sealy , Selman , Selwoode , Shaw , Silsby , Skrimshire , Smith , Snow , Spinney , Starkey , Sutton , Swift , Sybthorpe

Thompson, Tripp

Valliance

Wakefield, Walsele , Walsele , Weeks , Weeks , White , Williams , Wilson , Winslow , Woodward , Wyther

Young

Maternal Grandfather Ancestral Surnames

Czyz

Eriksson (Jansson, Andersson) , Ersdotter , Ersdotter , Ersdotter

Jansdotter, Jansdotter , Jansdotter , Jansson

Larsdotter, Larsdotter , Larsdotter , Larsson , Linden

Nilsdotter, Nordberg

Olsdotter (Matsson)

Palmberg, Persson

Maternal Grandmother Ancestral Surnames

Finnegan

Hughes

McGarry, Murphy

Note: Maternal Grandfather Ancestral Surnames are predominantly Swedish Patronymics.

My Surnames on WikiTree: List above updated 24 Jan 2024.^[6]

Current Results and Other Views available at: My Surnames for Vavra-202

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Sources

1. ↑ Reference Article: Recent Common Ancestors of All Present-Day Individuals by Chang, Department of Statistics, Yale University, 1998 Accessed 24 Jan 2023
2. ↑ Reference Article: Modelling the recent common ancestry of all living humans by Rhode, Olson, Chang in Nature, vol 431, 30 Sep 2004 . pgs 562-566 Accessed 24 Jan 2023
3. ↑ Reference Article: The Geography of Recent Genetic Ancestry across Europe by Ralph, Coop in PLOS Biology May 2013, vol 11, iss 5, e1001555 Accessed 24 Jan 2023
4. ↑ Quote: WikiTree Relationships & Connections section disclaimer was an adapted concept and quote from the Introductory disclaimer of the PBS series Finding Your Roots with Henry Louis Gates Jr.
5. ↑ WikiTree+ App by Aleš Trtnik
6. ↑ My Surnames: Generated by WikiTree Apps Surname Generator by Greg Clarke.
   Settings = Vavra-202, 16 Generations, Compact, 4 Colours, Sort By Colour, Automatic Surname Mode
   

   Modifications: Changed the 4 (Sort By) Group Subheadings: Removed bullet (replaced with Wiki Markup indent and a line break before and after), changed (Line Grandparent) format to bold, and changed "ancestors" to "Ancestral Surnames". Changed Heading to "My Surnames on WikiTree"

• DNA Confirmation Citations: Generated by DNA Confirmation Citation Maker App by Greg Clarke. (Modifications: Made relationship type bold)
• Profile Data: All biographical and other non-sourced information was first-hand information entered by Eric Vavra.
• Images: All images from WikiTree. Click on image to access source details.

DNA Confirmations

Confirmation of Parents

• Paternal relationship is confirmed by an autosomal AncestryDNA test match between Eric Vavra and Joseph Vavra Jr, his father (direct ancestor). Predicted relationship from AncestryDNA: Son/Father, based on sharing 3468 cM across 23 segments.

• Maternal relationship is confirmed by an autosomal AncestryDNA test match between Eric Vavra and Diane Vavra, his mother (direct ancestor). Predicted relationship from AncestryDNA: Son/Mother, based on sharing 3477 cM across 25 segments.

Additional Confirmations

Further generation DNA confirmations used my parents' DNA test results.

Paternal Side

• For confirmation details, refer to my Father's profile: Joe Vavra

Maternal Side:

• For confirmation details, refer to my Mother's profile: Diane Vavra

Visual representation of DNA Confirmed Ancestors available on my Family Tree

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Advance Directive

Digital Afterlife

This section has been added to aid WikiTree in the administration of my account should I be incapacitated, or in the event of my death. Signature: Vavra-202 17:39, 14 November 2023 (UTC)

It is my intention for all information on WikiTree to be kept as a Legacy for the benefit of the community, My preferences are expressed in my WikiTree Will below, but WikTree administration may take any actions otherwise necessary at their discretion to preserve any items managed by me.

WikiTree Will

CAGGNI:

I hereby give permission for any CAGGNI related items (i.e., Pages, Images, etc.), except personal profiles, I am managing within the following CAGGNI related categories to be transferred to any member of CAGGNI in good standing, whether or not they are currently on the Trusted Lists:

• Computer Assisted Genealogy Group of Northern Illinois Category
• Vavra-202 CAGGNI Category

Preferred transfer would be to a current WikiTree Genealogist level member who is listed in the CAGGNI Category who is also a current or former CAGGNI Board Member or SIG Leader.

Personal:

I hereby give permission for all items (i.e., Profiles, Pages, Images, etc.) I'm managing to be transferred in the following order of preference, whether or not they are currently on the Trusted Lists:

Living Individuals

1. The specific individual
2. A direct family member within 2 degrees

Deceased Individuals

1. Close Family
2. Extended Family (Relative or close Connection)
3. Member of CAGGNI
4. Any interested WikiTreer at the discretion of WikiTree

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