Shown below are the total number of descendants listed in each of the Direct Descendant sections for the earliest person in the ten families covered in this website. In order to come up with a true total number of unique individuals, we have to make a few adjustments.

The total of the numbers shown in the graphics is 8,456 people. However, many of us are included in multiple family totals. For instance, the Arthur and Mildred (Roggerman) Heiden family of which I (Ralph Heiden) am a member is included in all ten families. So, the 48 descendants of Arthur and Mildred need to be deducted from 9 of the 10 families when calculating a net number. Likewise, the 274 members of the Wm Carl and Mary (Rambow) Heiden family (minus the 48 from their son, Arthur) need to be deducted from the Rambow, Milhan, Knaack, Canseyer and Drier family totals. We have an MSExcel worksheet that makes all the appropriate adjustments as we add data.

So, the numbers as of May, 2026 look like this: Total in the 10 families = 8,456  Duplicates of people involved in multiple families = 5,045  Unique individuals = 3,411. 

My siblings, Harold, Joyce, Ronald, Kay, Gail and I are the only people who are directly related to all 3,411 by our DNA. The number for each of you will depend on which combinations within the ten families include you.

Click on the name below to go to the Descendants List for that family.