Episode 217 - Football Great Steve Young Talks Ancestry and Autobiography

Host Scott Fisher opens the show with David Allen Lambert, Chief Genealogist of the New England Historic Genealogical Society and AmericanAncestors.org.  David begins with what has to be called “Thanksgiving Leftovers.” It’s a page on the NEHGS site that gives bios on each of the passengers of the Mayflower, and gives descendants a chance to share a photo of themselves along with which passenger they descend from.  Next, the guys talk about one renowned descendant of the Mayflower, former President George H. W. Bush, who comes down from John Howland and Elizabeth Tilley (as does Fisher). President Bush recently became the oldest surviving president, at 93 years and 166 days, surpassing Gerald R. Ford. Then, there’s word that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) wants the government to look into what the DNA companies may or may not be doing with your data. Also, a recent article brings up the question about whether or not your DNA sample might draw you into a criminal case, just by being related to a perpetrator. David’s blogger spotlight this week is shining on Jennifer “Peace” Willis of plowandanchorgenealogy.wordpress.com. There, Jennifer frequently posts on her Irish research. See what she has to say!

Next, Fisher catches up with a guy he first came to know in the early 1980s… 49ers and NFL Hall of Famer Steve Young. In the first of this two parter, Fisher and Steve talk about Steve’s renowned ancestor, Brigham Young. Fisher also fills in Steve on the names of numerous historical figures Steve is related to. (Plus a certain genealogical broadcaster!)

In the second segment, Steve talks about the unusual motivation he had to write his autobiography. He had a very specific audience in mind, and it didn’t include the public. Learn what motivated Steve to make it available to everyone, and see what you can learn about the best reasons for writing your story.

Then, Tom Perry from TMCPlace.com, The Preservation Authority, answers more listener questions.

That’s all this week on Extreme Genes, America’s Family History Show!