DNA Tests Solve Man's 26-Year Search for His Dad

A Michigan man's decades-long search for his biological father was fulfilled with an assist from DNA-based genealogy tests, the Wall Street Journal reports. Richard Hill—who didn't know he was adopted until his adoptive father revealed the truth from his deathbed—discovered his birth mother's identity fairly easily but hit a dead end with his father until a modern test connected his DNA profile with a surname.

Hill—whose birth mother had left misleading clues—searched through his notes after discovering his DNA was likely that of a Richards. He contacted the surviving relatives of the man called Richards his mother had known. They agreed to tests, which confirmed he was part of the family. Hill now attends Richards family reunions and hears tales of his father, and he now offers others free advice on adoption searches. (More DNA stories.)