Can someone please explain how I am related to my Great grandfather's sister's grandchild?

Question

I am starting to become curious about my genealogy and I am meeting for the first time with a cousin because they have some information about my great grandfather. I was wondering how we are related. I know we are cousins, but is it like 3rd cousins or how does that work? I have searched for hours and hours on the topic and I do not understand the charts. It is my Grandfathers sister's great grandchild. Can someone please help me understand? Thank you in advance!

Answer 1

Hi Michael,

 

Your great grandfather's sister and your great grandfather had same parents and therefore, they came from same gene pool of their parents.

 

Great grandfather to Grandfather to Father to you

 

Great grandfather's sister to Grandfather to Father to your cousin ( I am simply assuming that she had a son who had a son and then a son or daughter that is your cousin whom you are going to meet.

 

Your cousin's father  and your father were cousins, third cousins.

 

Your cousin's grandfather and your grandfather were cousins, second cousins

 

Your cousin's great grandmother and your great grandfather were cousins, first cousins.

 

Do you see the pattern and my point, you and your cousin from this heritage are fourth cousins.

 

Hope this helps and you meet your cousin to see how great grandparents' gene pool has diverged and evolved.