DNA Speaks Volumes: A Personal Testimonial Regarding Genetics and Genealogy
DNA Speaks Volumes: A Personal Testimonial Regarding Genetics and Genealogy
In August of 2011, a little over a year before my grandfather would pass away, he agreed to contribute his DNA via a mouth swab to my genealogy research. At 85-years-old, it was not lost on me that my remaining time with him was limited. He showed great interest in the family history I unearthed, reading with fascination the new information I regularly added to his three-ring binder—one of four I now possess—each packed full of information and documents gathered on the specific line of one of my grandparents. He contributed much to the pages he read and, even in his declining years, was able to place names with faces in old photographs and flesh out the lives so poorly represented by pages of vital statistics and brief newspaper clippings. His was not the first DNA sample to augment my more traditional research methods—my uncle contributed before him and my father has contributed since—however, it is the fact that he is gone which makes his contribution the most precious at the moment.
My grandfather has been gone a little over two years as a write this, and yet I still talk about him frequently as if he still lived, especially when I am corresponding about the latest genetic discovery. His name appears in my email often as “cousins” share and debate the latest genetic matches. I have received correspondence mistakenly addressed to him from new “cousins” on multiple occasions, excited to share their newly discovered genetic connection. My grandfather’s contribution to the preservation of his ancestry and the ancestry of others is priceless and without end—his name crosses the mind and escapes the lips of strangers as one essential landmark on a complicated map which continues to occupy their time and attention, and will occupy the time and attention of similarly interested descendants long after I am gone as well. Truly he could not have imagined the interest with which his name would be spoken by researchers across the country and around the globe.
There are multiple sites where you can contribute your DNA or that of a relative to augment your genealogy research. The site which I have used for tests on the three samples I am directly involved with is FamilyTreeDNA.com [http://www.familytreedna.com]. You can order kits for the following tests: Y-DNA, mtDNA, and an autosomal DNA test called “Family Finder.”
Y-DNA testing allows you to discover matches using the male Y chromosome of the contributor’s genetic sample. Identifying a positive match using Y-DNA allows for the corroboration or exclusion of direct male lineage. Often such genetic information helps prevent researchers from going on a wild goose chase down a false paternal line.
mtDNA testing involves the comparison of the female X chromosome, allowing the research to trace material lines. As the mitochondrial DNA is passed down from a mother to her children with almost no alteration, this test can be used to trace maternal lines into the distant past. It was a test such as this one which helped verify the identity of bones found in a Leicester, England, parking lot as belonging to King Richard III. You can read my article on this discovery here [http://wafflesatnoon.com/king-richard-iii-discovery/].
Family Finder is my personal favorite of the DNA tests offered by FamilyTreeDNA.com and is a test I have had run on all three of the samples I have collected for my research. Family Finder compares samples you submit to their database and can automatically detect relationships between samples that are within five generations. This test not only can help validate what you already know, but you can discover the truth about family legends you have been told and learn your true ethnic background, as well as discover many “cousin” researchers you never knew you had.
I am by no means discouraging you to try other companies which assist in genetic research for genealogical purposes, but I have found FamilyTreeDNA to be user-friendly, and the ability to compare your sample against their impressively large database is something to consider before taking your sample elsewhere. If you have had your own experiences with genetic genealogy, we would love to hear from you. And if you need further advice or assistance, you know where to find us.
Until Next Time,
Randal
