DNA is a valuable tool to expand our genealogies. I want to pass on
some information that I've learned about using DNA for genealogy to
others who may not spend the time I have researching this. You joined
this list to obtain information from others doing genealogy. Imagine
if you were the only person on the list. Recall the thrill when
someone joins the list and posts information you need or when you
joined and found someone else had already posted information valuable
to you, what if they, or you, had never joined the list. It is the
same way with the DNA studies, it only works when we all join in and
share the information we have. X and Y Chromosome DNA are just two
more records we can use to establish our genealogies. If you haven't
already, and obtain your families DNA pattern today. Compare it
against others with your surname and the growing world DNA database.
If you have tested, but only the minimal number of DNA markers, you
need to add more markers to achieve your objective.
Here are some testimonies from others who have found success expanding
their genealogies using DNA analysis. The following was posted on
GENEALOGY-DNA-L(a)rootsweb.com.
September 24, 2004 10:14:53 AM PDT
In my COLE surname project there was another COLE family in SC and AL
close
to my family, and we have a lot of data suggesting that the two COLE
families
are related. I had two descendants (Charles and Herbert) of the other
COLE
family who were tested. When I got the 12 marker results of the
Charles, I
was extremely disappointed because we were a genetic distance of four
from
each other on the 12 marker test, clearly indicating (I thought) that
it was
highly unlikely that we shared a common ancestor. I was heartened
when Charles'
25 marker test results came in with a perfect match on the new 13
markers.
When Charles' Cousin's 12 marker results came in he was a distance of
3 from
me. Again when he got his 25 marker results, the new 13 markers were a
perfect match. I got my first Cousin, Minyard, to be tested. His 25
marker
results were a distance of one from me; his distance from Herbert was
2, and his
distance from Charles was 2. I got another Cousin (third, once
removed),
Larry, tested. His 25 marker test was a distance of two from me and
1 from
Minyard. He was one from Herbert and 2 from Charles. My conclusion
was that
entire group had a common ancestor.
Lessons: 1) Don't jump to a no relation conclusion even if there is
a
significant distance on 12 markers; 2) 25 marker test is crtitical to
assessing possible relationship in some situations; 3) Get a larger
sample from
different lines to try to fill in connections.
Jerry Cole
My only interest and gain in encouraging you to join us in the DNA
studies is to locate unknown cousins and break through the genealogical
brick wall, for myself and all my other cousins conducting genealogical
searches, maybe that includes you.
John Carr