They stated that the genetic evidence was consistent with — that it supported — the family relationship, not that it proved it in an absolute sense.

Genetic relationships at the remove of great-grandfather to great-grandchild involve substantial statistical inference, because the amount of genetic material shared decreases with each generation and the range of what is expected to be shared at any specific generational distance is relatively wide.

The finding was meaningful and supportive, not mathematically certain.

This qualification is important and was built into how the researchers published and communicated the results.

The DNA analysis was additional evidence consistent with the family’s account, not a replacement for the other forms of evidence the family had accumulated over generations.