Hi Beverly. I really don't have much to add. Through the Ancestry DNA test I discovered a cousin who was closely related to me. How? I wondered. He's on my dad's side and I looked at my dad's siblings to determine who was where and when. I determined the cousin's father has to be one of two people who are both first cousins to me. One is still living. Do I tell him? I probably won't. At this point I feel it's none of my business. Yes, I am curious. My dad is gone now. Would I ever like to chat with him about this. The issues these DNA tests bring up are very interesting to me. Beverly, I wish you luck in this search. It will be fun trying to find an answer. Maybe you could post updates. Lori -----Original Message----- From: ROOTS [mailto:roots-bounces+america4821=myactv.net@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Beverly Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 1:51 PM To: roots@rootsweb.com Subject: [ROOTS-L] Ancestry DNA My husband, Art, who was born in 1938 was adopted.

Barton, Several years ago I tested with FTDNA for a Y-DNA Surname project. I opted for the 111 segment testing. Not long after that I tested with 23andMe and then with Ancestry when they first offered DNA testing. I’ve been accused by several wives of squandering money but that wasn’t my reason for testing with multiple players. I figured at some point one of these three would rise to the top and drown out the other two so I just hedged my bets. I also figured at some point there will be an explosion of people testing and entering the database. TV shows like “Who Do You Think You Are” and “Finding Your Roots” will go a long way toward making this a reality. Gale Gorman Houston On May 15, 2017, at 2:13 PM, BARTON LEWIS <bartonlewis@optonline.net> wrote: Hi Bev, Was the person who told you about the "70% chance" one of Art's matches? What was the basis for their belief about the couple Art was supposedly descended from? Since the couple was born about 100 years before Art, it's unlikely they were closer than great-grandparents. If the person who gave you that information was basing it on the amount of DNA shared, then the question you should be asking is, how do you know it's that set of great-grandparents (or great-great-grandparents) and not some other? For them to be that specific, it suggests that they know something about the man who was Art's father and this couple's grandson or great-grandson. Personally I don't find Ancestry DNA's test that helpful. The reason is that they don't give you the segment data - the positions on the chromosomes where you share DNA with your matches. To definitively learn how you are related to a match, you need that information because (1) it tells you exactly how much DNA you share with them and therefore how closely related they are to you (Ancestry only tells you the total amount of DNA but not where you're sharing or the size of the largest segment - a lot of your total is made up of tiny random segments that don't mean anything); and (2) exactly where you are sharing which is important because you can see the others who are matching on that segment. If you get several people on a segment, you can perform triangulation - a combination of sharing DNA and, if you're lucky, a paper trail to a common ancestor. That is what what breaks down bricks walls and tells you how you and others are descended from a common ancestor. I would suggest testing Art at Family Tree DNA or transferring his Ancestry results there. They have a database that is comprised of many testers who don't test at Ancestry and they give you your segment data. You will be in a better position to solve the mystery by doing that in my opinion. Regards, Barton Lewis On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 01:51 PM, Beverly wrote: > My husband, Art, who was born in 1938 was adopted. He didn't learn about it until his birth mother called when he was 25. We had one visit with her and she said his father was a little blonde guy from Oklahoma; she didn't remember his name. He was in the Navy. > At this time we were adopting ourselves and didn't pursue a relationship with her. > > Last year Art took an Ancestry DNA test. Then recently we received a message that there was up to a 70% chance that he descended from a couple that were born in Kentucky in 1844 and died in Texas. These people must be from his paternal side because his maternal side are from Portugal and didn't go back that far in the USA. > > I'm not sure what to do with this information. Since I have a lot of time, I started a tree for them and working forward. I knew it was like looking for a needle in a haystack, but like the saying goes, no stones unturned. > > Any comments, suggestions, etc., would be greatly appreciated. > > ~Blessings, Bev > > > > ===== > If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Mark... Thank you! No problem with forwarding my email to Don or anyone else. Appreciate any info I can get. All the messages I'm receiving are encouraging. ~Hugs, Bev -----Original Message----- From: Mark Wardell Sent: Monday, May 15, 2017 11:55 AM To: roots@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] Ancestry DNA Hi Beverly. I personally have not had much success with DNA and genealogy pointing me to new trees or branches. However, I have a friend who was adopted and used DNA and genealogy to find his birth father. He went from thinking he was part Native American because that is what he'd always been told to discovering his Scottish roots. As I understand it by using his DNA test results he was able to find an ancestor and then trace his way forward until he found his father. Not as easy as I made it sound for sure. :-) If you don't object I could pass your email address to him to see if he is willing to offer any more solid advice. His name is Don Anderson and he also wrote a book about his journey to find his father through DNA and genealogy that's on Amazon right now called "Paper and Spit". Have a great day. Mark On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 10:51 AM, Beverly <bevart@frontiernet.net> wrote: > My husband, Art, who was born in 1938 was adopted. He didn't learn about > it until his birth mother called when he was 25. We had one visit with her > and she said his father was a little blonde guy from Oklahoma; she didn't > remember his name. He was in the Navy. > At this time we were adopting ourselves and didn't pursue a relationship > with her. > > Last year Art took an Ancestry DNA test. Then recently we received a > message that there was up to a 70% chance that he descended from a couple > that were born in Kentucky in 1844 and died in Texas. These people must > be from his paternal side because his maternal side are from Portugal and > didn't go back that far in the USA. > > I'm not sure what to do with this information. Since I have a lot of time, > I started a tree for them and working forward. I knew it was like looking > for a needle in a haystack, but like the saying goes, no stones unturned. > > Any comments, suggestions, etc., would be greatly appreciated. > > ~Blessings, Bev ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Beverly. I personally have not had much success with DNA and genealogy pointing me to new trees or branches. However, I have a friend who was adopted and used DNA and genealogy to find his birth father. He went from thinking he was part Native American because that is what he'd always been told to discovering his Scottish roots. As I understand it by using his DNA test results he was able to find an ancestor and then trace his way forward until he found his father. Not as easy as I made it sound for sure. :-) If you don't object I could pass your email address to him to see if he is willing to offer any more solid advice. His name is Don Anderson and he also wrote a book about his journey to find his father through DNA and genealogy that's on Amazon right now called "Paper and Spit". Have a great day. Mark On Mon, May 15, 2017 at 10:51 AM, Beverly <bevart@frontiernet.net> wrote: > My husband, Art, who was born in 1938 was adopted. He didn't learn about > it until his birth mother called when he was 25. We had one visit with her > and she said his father was a little blonde guy from Oklahoma; she didn't > remember his name. He was in the Navy. > At this time we were adopting ourselves and didn't pursue a relationship > with her. > > Last year Art took an Ancestry DNA test. Then recently we received a > message that there was up to a 70% chance that he descended from a couple > that were born in Kentucky in 1844 and died in Texas. These people must > be from his paternal side because his maternal side are from Portugal and > didn't go back that far in the USA. > > I'm not sure what to do with this information. Since I have a lot of time, > I started a tree for them and working forward. I knew it was like looking > for a needle in a haystack, but like the saying goes, no stones unturned. > > Any comments, suggestions, etc., would be greatly appreciated. > > ~Blessings, Bev

Thanks Joan, the lady who has just had her DNA test done is actually in the US, Wisconsin. Now we know what the procedure is thanks very much. Dianna -----Original Message----- From: Joan Young via ROOTS Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2017 9:04 AM To: roots@rootsweb.com Cc: Joan Young Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results I just noticed you are in Australia. I'm not sure whether the $49 subscription is Worldwide or USA only--probably USA only. But the other options apply. She can even make someone administrator of the DNA account (after making them an editor) and they can manage it completely for her with all of their subscription resources and then share with her. Joan Young jyoung6180@aol.com -----Original Message----- From: dianna charles <diamonddi57@optusnet.com.au> To: roots <roots@rootsweb.com> Sent: Fri, May 12, 2017 7:00 pm Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results HI Joan Thanks for your reply. Should be able to sort something out then. Kind regards Dianna -----Original Message----- From: Joan Young via ROOTS Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2017 8:32 AM To: roots@rootsweb.com Cc: Joan Young Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results There are several options. She can make someone who does have a subscription...a family member perhaps, an editor on her DNA account and they can view the results, matches, etc. They can obtain a low cost DNA Insights subscription for $49 for a full year that provides full access to everything except the subscription databases. This subscription is only available if you call and request it. But the basics are available to those with only a DNA test and a free guest subscription. Joan Young jyoung6180@aol.com -----Original Message----- From: dianna charles <diamonddi57@optusnet.com.au> To: Joan Young via <Roots@rootsweb.com> Sent: Fri, May 12, 2017 6:14 pm Subject: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results Hi Everyone I have a question re Ancestry DNA results for someone who does not have a paid subscription to Ancestry. Therefore, how will this person be able to see any connections/distant cousins to herself. Her DNA does show 2% African and 2% Asian, the African we can vouch for but the Asian is right out of the blue. This is for the FULLER/FULLUM research I have been doing for quite sometime now. So any advice how to connect up with other COUSINS would be wonderful thanks so much. Regards Dianna ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

HI Joan Thanks for your reply. Should be able to sort something out then. Kind regards Dianna -----Original Message----- From: Joan Young via ROOTS Sent: Saturday, May 13, 2017 8:32 AM To: roots@rootsweb.com Cc: Joan Young Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results There are several options. She can make someone who does have a subscription...a family member perhaps, an editor on her DNA account and they can view the results, matches, etc. They can obtain a low cost DNA Insights subscription for $49 for a full year that provides full access to everything except the subscription databases. This subscription is only available if you call and request it. But the basics are available to those with only a DNA test and a free guest subscription. Joan Young jyoung6180@aol.com -----Original Message----- From: dianna charles <diamonddi57@optusnet.com.au> To: Joan Young via <Roots@rootsweb.com> Sent: Fri, May 12, 2017 6:14 pm Subject: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results Hi Everyone I have a question re Ancestry DNA results for someone who does not have a paid subscription to Ancestry. Therefore, how will this person be able to see any connections/distant cousins to herself. Her DNA does show 2% African and 2% Asian, the African we can vouch for but the Asian is right out of the blue. This is for the FULLER/FULLUM research I have been doing for quite sometime now. So any advice how to connect up with other COUSINS would be wonderful thanks so much. Regards Dianna ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Hi Everyone I have a question re Ancestry DNA results for someone who does not have a paid subscription to Ancestry. Therefore, how will this person be able to see any connections/distant cousins to herself. Her DNA does show 2% African and 2% Asian, the African we can vouch for but the Asian is right out of the blue. This is for the FULLER/FULLUM research I have been doing for quite sometime now. So any advice how to connect up with other COUSINS would be wonderful thanks so much. Regards Dianna

There are several options. She can make someone who does have a subscription...a family member perhaps, an editor on her DNA account and they can view the results, matches, etc. They can obtain a low cost DNA Insights subscription for $49 for a full year that provides full access to everything except the subscription databases. This subscription is only available if you call and request it. But the basics are available to those with only a DNA test and a free guest subscription. Joan Young jyoung6180@aol.com -----Original Message----- From: dianna charles <diamonddi57@optusnet.com.au> To: Joan Young via <Roots@rootsweb.com> Sent: Fri, May 12, 2017 6:14 pm Subject: [ROOTS-L] DNA Results Hi Everyone I have a question re Ancestry DNA results for someone who does not have a paid subscription to Ancestry. Therefore, how will this person be able to see any connections/distant cousins to herself. Her DNA does show 2% African and 2% Asian, the African we can vouch for but the Asian is right out of the blue. This is for the FULLER/FULLUM research I have been doing for quite sometime now. So any advice how to connect up with other COUSINS would be wonderful thanks so much. Regards Dianna ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Karen, since Rootsweb doesn't allow attachments, I need your e-mail address if you don't mind. Family Search has a few things you might not have. Lynn in Baltimore -----Original Message----- From: Karen Mansueto via ROOTS Sent: Thursday, May 04, 2017 7:44 PM To: ROOTS@rootsweb.com Cc: Karen Mansueto ; Karen Mansueto Subject: Re: [ROOTS-L] Henry Stilwell Hi Everyone, I need help trying to locate a 3x great grandfather's parents & other Ancestors. His name is Henry Stilwell (Stillwell), and he was born in 1806 in Somerset, NJ. There is extensive history on his wife's family, Cornelia Stryker Brokaw, from the same area. I don't have a death date & he shows up in other family trees but as an in law. He & Cornelia (Catherine, as listed in the marriage index), were married in 1830. One of my cousins told me that the Stilwells may have come from Oklahoma but no one is alive who could confirm this. Any ideas &/or help in breaking through this brick wall would be greatly appreciated! Thank you, Karen Sent from my iPhone ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Much more likely to be from New Jersey or New York. Take a look at the history of Oklahoma, the family may have gone to Indian Territory later. Maybe you need to search the child of the couple who is your ancestor of course if it is a female it is harder but possible. Eliz Not Today and Not without a Fight (Anon) For all that has been, thanks. For all that will be, yes. (Dag Hammarskjold) On Thu, May 4, 2017 at 7:44 PM, Karen Mansueto via ROOTS <roots@rootsweb.com> wrote: > Hi Everyone, > I need help trying to locate a 3x great grandfather's parents & other Ancestors. His name is Henry Stilwell (Stillwell), and he was born in 1806 in Somerset, NJ. There is extensive history on his wife's family, Cornelia Stryker Brokaw, from the same area. I don't have a death date & he shows up in other family trees but as an in law. He & Cornelia (Catherine, as listed in the marriage index), were married in 1830. One of my cousins told me that the Stilwells may have come from Oklahoma but no one is alive who could confirm this. Any ideas &/or help in breaking through this brick wall would be greatly appreciated! > Thank you, > Karen > > Sent from my iPhone > > ===== > If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

The reunion is May 20,2017. My number is 601 643 2345. I have to learn how to type. These folks are in their 80s. They were at McCall Ms school only one year and were with the Motts and Butlers. > On Apr 29, 2017, at 9:02 AM, Frances Mullins <brfemull2631@bellsouth.net> wrote: > > I attended school in McCall Creek Ms with Gertrude and Grant Fritz. They were very popular students. I have been looking for them to invite them to our school reunion on May 29, 2017. Both would be in their 80s. If any of you have heard of them, Please contact me at 501 643 2345. >> On Apr 28, 2017, at 2:31 PM, W David Samuelsen <dsam52@sampubco.com> wrote: >> >> Iowa - Benton and Clayton counties >> Benton - Vol A-C - all done (1854-1910) >> Clayton - added B-D, to 1908, still more to cover. >> >> Benton co Iowa >> http://www.sampubco.com/wills/ia/iabenton01.htm >> >> Clayton co Iowa >> http://www.sampubco.com/wills/ia/iaclayton01.htm >> >> http://www.sampubco.com/ >> ===== >> If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... >> >> ------------------------------- >> To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message > > > ===== > If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

hope this works From: Lars Chr <lars47b@gmail.com> To: ROOTS@rootsweb.com Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2017 12:02 PM Subject: [ROOTS-L] Obituary - Arlington Heights Herald Newspaper In Arlington Heights Herald Newspaper August 25, 1966 page 89, there should be an obituary covering Evelyn V Taeschner, beloved wife of the late Gordon Whamond. Evelyn was born April 3. 1919 in Chicago. Could somebody find the obituary for me? Lars Christiansen Moss, Norway ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Lars is this the person you are looking for Go To: Search Results - COPY  - PRINT  - SOURCE BOX   - SHARE  - Attach to Family Tree  Marie Evelyn Descher Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates | Name | Marie Evelyn Descher | | Event Type | Birth | | Event Date | 31 Jul 1919 | | Event Place | Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States | | Registration Place | , Cook, Illinois | | Gender | Female | | Father's Name | Peter Descher | | Father's Age | 25 | | Father's Estimated Birth Year | 1894 | | Mother's Name | Helen Martha Descher | | Mother's Age | 24 | | Mother's Estimated Birth Year | 1895 | | Certificate Number | 46018 | Citing this Record "Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates, 1871-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:N7QT-HG9 : 18 May 2016), Marie Evelyn Descher, 31 Jul 1919; citing Chicago, Cook, Illinois, United States, reference/certificate 46018, Cook County Courthouse, Chicago; FHL microfilm 1,309,348.The image is viewable at cookcountygenealogy.com. By clicking here you will be leaving FamilySearch.org. (fees and other terms may apply)Visit Partner Site Illinois, Cook County, Birth Certificates, 1871-1940 | GS Film Number | 1309348 | | Digital Folder Number | 004441793 | | Image Number | 01332 | | | | | | | | | - - - | From: Lars Chr <lars47b@gmail.com> To: ROOTS@rootsweb.com Sent: Sunday, April 30, 2017 12:02 PM Subject: [ROOTS-L] Obituary - Arlington Heights Herald Newspaper In Arlington Heights Herald Newspaper August 25, 1966 page 89, there should be an obituary covering Evelyn V Taeschner, beloved wife of the late Gordon Whamond. Evelyn was born April 3. 1919 in Chicago. Could somebody find the obituary for me? Lars Christiansen Moss, Norway ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

Wayne co Indiana Vol 1-3 (1812-1860) over 600 testators http://www.sampubco.com/wills/in/inwayne01.htm More Lists http://www.sampubco.com/ W David Samuelsen SAMPUBCO

  Any idea what town this could be?  Russian Poland Jan 1905 Thanks in advance Julie P. Tonner 

Name: Welton Kennedy Birth Date: 20 Sep 1958 Death Date: 10 Nov 1982 SSN: 069549922 Branch 1: NAVY Enlistment Date 1: 6 Nov 1978 Release Date 1: 10 Nov 1982  appears to have died while in the Navy  Several Welton Kennedy's in his line. Seem to be in Albany, Schenectady and Saratoga Counties theclown16

"Save the earth. It is the only planet with chocolate." On Sun, Apr 16, 2017 at 8:20 PM, Felix Green <felix123@cox.net> wrote: > Thank you for the invite but my roots are in Oakwood, Texas. > Felix > > -----Original Message----- > From: ROOTS [mailto:roots-bounces+felix123=cox.net@rootsweb.com] On Behalf > Of Frances Mullins > Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2017 5:18 PM > To: roots@rootsweb.com > Subject: [ROOTS-L] Grant and Gertrude Fritz > > If you attended school in McCall Creek Ms in 1948, We are having a school > reunion on May 20, 2017. Please get in touch with me. Billy Mullins 601 > 643 2345 ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to > roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to > ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in > the subject and the body of the message > > ===== > If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... > > ------------------------------- > To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message

If you attended school in McCall Creek Ms in 1948, We are having a school reunion on May 20, 2017. Please get in touch with me. Billy Mullins 601 643 2345

If you attended school in 1948, please get in touch with me. We have a school reunion on may 20, 2017. Every one is asking about. You were connected to the Butlers and Motts. Would like to hear from you. Billy Mullins 601 643 2345.

Thank you for the invite but my roots are in Oakwood, Texas. Felix -----Original Message----- From: ROOTS [mailto:roots-bounces+felix123=cox.net@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Frances Mullins Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2017 5:18 PM To: roots@rootsweb.com Subject: [ROOTS-L] Grant and Gertrude Fritz If you attended school in McCall Creek Ms in 1948, We are having a school reunion on May 20, 2017. Please get in touch with me. Billy Mullins 601 643 2345 ===== If you would prefer digest mode to mail mode, drop a note to roots-admin@rootsweb.com and ask for the digest... ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to ROOTS-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message