I wanted to pass along an update regarding our Carmack DNA project. We have
received three of the test results in so far. Two of the three matched
exactly. These matches referred to descendants of Samuel B. Carmack born
1808 and Fredrick Carmack born 1841/45. This now means that Frederick and
Samuel share a common ancestor (we know they are related!) This does not
mean they are brothers, but somewhere they had a common ancestor. This
range can be estimated and it is based on assumptions, probability, and
statistics. The two types of Y-DNA tests available are 12 or 25 markers.
Determining the Time to the Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) is greatly
enhanced with the 25 Marker test when compared to the 12 Marker. For
example:
- If two individuals match all markers exactly in a 12 marker test, there is
a 50% probability of a Most Recent Common Ancestor within the last 14
generations (a generation is between 15-25 years)
- For the 25 Marker test, if two individuals match all markers exactly,
there is a 50% probability of a Most Recent Common Ancestor within the last
7 generations.
Overall this is great news for these two participants. They did not know
that a relationship existed between their ancestors. This may lead them to
some knew areas for research. Since Frederick and Samuel "appear" to
originate in North Carolina maybe we can locate other North Carolina Carmack
descendants who would be willing to participate in the DNA testing.
We're hoping that more of the Carmack males will step forward and
participate. This will be the only way to link families together.
So come on and signup to participate in the Project. Here is a link to the
Family Tree DNA web site:
http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_det.asp?group=Carmack
For additional information please see my website or send me an email:
http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~carmack/
dale