📝 Building the Family Tree: David's Journey Through Chile, Spain, and Hundreds of Years of History

It all began with a simple yet profound question: Where does my family really come from? For David, this question led him to embark on a research process that would ultimately reveal a story connecting Chile, Spain, and even the most ancient origins of Europe.

At DNA and Genealogy, we had the opportunity to accompany him on this journey, reconstructing his family tree through a process that combined documentary research and genetic analysis.

🎥 You can watch David share his experience in this video:

👉 https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXsFFCQD0_r/

A journey that begins in Chile… and expands to the world

The research began with his paternal line, allowing him to reconstruct a history deeply intertwined with the development of Chile.

In this process, David discovered that he is descended from prominent figures in local history, such as Miguel Antonio Verdugo Martínez, a lawyer who graduated in 1851 and played a key role in the development of Los Andes, where he founded the public high school and served as the Registrar of Real Estate.

This tradition of service continued in later generations, including Abraham Edmigio Verdugo Beytía, who served as a commissioner in the Santiago Police.

But the story doesn't end there.

A discovery that connects to the Basque Country

As the investigation progressed, a key international connection emerged: the Beytía family's roots lie in the Basque Country, specifically in Biscay and Gipuzkoa.

It was possible to trace ancestors such as Marcos de Beytía Gorosarri, whose family was already established in the area in the 18th century, with marriage records from 1743 in Eskoriatza.

This type of discovery allows us to understand how many Chilean families are deeply connected to historical migration processes between Europe and the Americas.

From the Norte Chico to the Desert: A Story of Struggle and Migration

Research into the Álvarez branch (his paternal grandmother's surname) revealed another dimension of the family history: life in northern Chile.

It was established that this lineage has its roots in Guatulame, in what is now the Coquimbo Region. From there, the family migrated to the Norte Grande (far north), seeking opportunities in mining.

One of David's ancestors, Emeterio Álvarez Ortiz, worked as a miner in important silver and nitrate deposits, belonging to a generation marked by hard work under extreme conditions.

His son would continue this legacy of discipline and service, developing a career of more than 25 years in the Chilean Air Force.

From Aragon to Chile: Resilience and New Beginnings

On the maternal side, the research traced the family history back to Spain, specifically to the province of Huesca in Aragon.

There, in towns like Bierge and Huerta de Vero, it was possible to reconstruct entire generations of the Plana family, and in Sarsamarcuello, the Alastruey family (the maternal grandmother's surnames).

One of the most significant findings was the story of Hermenegildo Plana Lorenz, who lived through the Spanish Civil War. The records found provide insight into aspects of his life during a period marked by instability and conflict.

Decades later, part of the family emigrated to Chile. Immigration documents from the 1950s were located, detailing their arrival, settlement in cities like Santiago and Melipilla, and their integration into the country.

A History Also Written in DNA

Genetic analysis allowed researchers to delve even further back in time. Through the study of his Y chromosome, it was identified that David belongs to a lineage widespread in Western Europe, whose origins date back to populations that inhabited the continent more than 5,000 years ago.

This result not only confirms his family's European roots but also connects his personal history to much older human migrations.

The percentages regarding ethnic composition also align with the genealogical research:

• 87% European (47% Iberian and 18% Basque)

• 13% Native American

More than just data: understanding one's own identity

For David, this process was much more than simply gathering information.

"Knowing my history has allowed me to understand aspects of my own personality and honor the efforts of my ancestors, from the miners of the north to my roots in Aragon and the Basque Country."

Today, he has a complete understanding of his family history, built from documents, historical records, and genetic evidence.

🎬 Would you prefer to watch this story in video format?

Check out the full testimony here:

👉https://www.instagram.com/reels/DXsFFCQD0_r/

Your story can also be discovered.

Cases like David's demonstrate that family history is not isolated. Every family is part of broader processes: migrations, social changes, individual decisions that shape generations.

And most importantly:

👉 You don't need all the information to begin.

Often, a single question is enough to start a process that can change how you understand your own history.

Would you like to explore your family history?

At DNA and Genealogy, we help people reconstruct their family history with a professional and personalized approach.

Whether you want to:

• create your family tree

• research your family's origins

• find relatives in other countries

• or complement your search with DNA testing

👉 we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact us and begin your own journey.