DNA Testing Locates Ancestors by Surname
Each Person's DNA Contains a Biological Message from Ancestors
The usual DNA test for genealogical purposes is surname specific. This means the test subject must be a male who bears the surname that is of interest. Does this mean one can only test for a single surname? No.
If seeking DNA results for a mother’s maiden name, have one of her male relatives tested—her father, uncle, brother or nephew who has her last name. In like manner, test for surnames of maternal grandparents and great-grandparents, or paternal grandparents and great-grandparents related through female lines. Just find a male descendant who bears the surname of interest.
The Goal: An Ancestral Haplotype.
DNA tests reveal many things, but the genealogy buff is most commonly seeking an ancestral haplotype. This is like a thumbprint. It identifies the family branch a person belongs to. For example, there are more than 40 known branches of the Rice family in America. A DNA test of a male surnamed Rice reveals a genetic code called the haplotype.
Continuing this example: The haplotype reveals if the test subject descends from Edmund Rice, who came to Massachusetts in 1638, or from the first Rice immigrant to settle in Rhode Island, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, etc. These are different, unrelated branches of the family and each has its own haplotype. This is true for other surnames.
Using Test Results to Find Relatives
Once the haplotype is known, a person can more easily network with other genealogists who share ancestry. Many surnames have their own DNA project with a related website or email list. Connect with them online through rootsweb or Cyndi's List.
Urge genealogy correspondents to get tested to see if their haplotypes match. Ask for haplotypes of others on the surname email list, suggest that the list manager publish the various haplotypes already found for that surname, or see if someone on the list will start a surname-based DNA project.
How the Test is Conducted
Send for a kit. When it arrives, the test subject uses a Q-tip to take a liquid sample from inside the cheek. It is that simple. The test has an identification number so that privacy is not invaded and test results—which are mailed—do not have a name linked to them.
If results are reported to a surname-specific DNA project, or used in any other way, only the test number is released. Test subjects may later decide to give their name and known genealogy to a surname DNA project, but that is up to their discretion.
Cost of DNA Testing
The cost of DNA testing ranges from slightly under $100 to over $400. It is best to start with a basic 12-marker test and see where that leads. As someone said: “That may get you in the right church, but not the correct pew.”
If part of a surname DNA project, a person may be asked to test again for additional markers to clarify the place within the larger family. Because of mutations and other conditions a haplotype may identify the immigrant ancestor, but not make clear, for instance, from which grandchild the descent is.
Getting a Discount
If possible, join a surname DNA project. That should provide a discount test price. You may also get a discount on the initial test by taking part in the Genographic Project.
Use a search engine to locate companies that do DNA testing. A common one used for genealogical purposes by surname projects is Family Tree DNA.
