DNA Genealogy... is it worth it?

[Mal]

Hello,

I wasn't sure where to put this question.

I have received an invite from an American DNA genealogy organisation to participate in a DNA genealogy project involving those who have the Davies/Davis/David surname. For a 37 marker test it is about US$ 149, not too expensive but not exactly cheap either.

Does anyone know much about DNA genealogy. It all sounds wonderful and interesting but is it actually worth it? Has anyone had any experience in this area?

Would be interested to know and also if there is anything to "watch out" for...?

[judylynn]

I've been wondering the same thing, Malcolm.

A non-Cornish ancestor of mine, William WHITMORE/WITMORE (perhaps from Devon or Wales), immigrated to PA with his parents in 1866, age 1. He had a sister, but no (known) male relatives. I know his parents' names (John & Mary -- lucky me, eh?) but not much more. Among his children's male children is one surviving male by that surname -- he's the only male of that surname in the entire world through whom I could possibly determine my DNA ancestry.

This cousin of mine is now in his 80s. I've recently considered asking him to submit to the "swab" test, at my expense. There is a group online comparing WHITMORE results, but I have no idea how to figure out whether that is a reliable channel -- or the best forum.

"Good" results are dependent on too many factors -- what I'd appreciate is hearing from anyone who's had particularly positive or negative experience with DNA testing companies/practices!

Cheers,
~JudyLynn

[Cornish Terrier]

I would suggest getting in touch with Bill Curnow who is the OPC for Ludgvan.

I am sure he participated in one of the early projects and I don't think he would mind offering some thoughts or advice.

[Deleted]

Hi

I have had a 37 marker test done and the results have been used to calculate/estimate my relationship with various people from various countries, backgrounds etc.

The important question is what are you trying to achieve. To prove whether or not you are directly related to a particular family group is easily achieved. To prove where your clan originated from is still in its infancy and if you, like me, belong to a very common haplogroup you can rely on little more than a general movement of population after the last ice age - say 10 to 15 thousand years ago.

The important thing for me is that when I am reading about the movement of people I know which groups could include me and which could not. For example I am reasonably sure that my ancient ancestors walked to Cornwall some time after the last glacial maximum from the Basque refuge. Saying that I can not tell whether my direct ancestors didn't stay in the Brittany/Basque area until, say 1600 or so, and then sail across.

So if you are going to spend some money you might like to find out first whether or not the result will be of use to you.

Lannanta

[Mal]

Thanks for the info. I have sent off for a 37 marker test and there is a Davies surname group with this particular company. The trouble is that most of the Davies I have seen seem to be of Welsh origin, so we'll have to see. The doubt in the back of my mind with all of this is supposing someone way back in the past was the classic "foundling" given a surname by a benefactor in full on Oliver Twist fashion, supposing someone chose a surname at random because they didn't have one... Anyway, I am sure it will be interesting whatever. It might also be interesting to compare a Cornish Davies with a Welsh Davies to see if there is any similarity or difference, given the frequency of the name in both S.Wales and W.Cornwall- too "related" population groups.

[Captain]

I personally think DNA can compliment Family History Research very much. If there is a query if your family it will prove or disprove the link. That has happened in my family.

However a word of warning - I have paid for a DNA test to be sent to someone which will aid my research greatly and unfortunately they have not returned the test or communicated with me since - if they have changed their minds that's fine but it would be nice just to say.

I am hoping to use DNA research on a different family group to try and work out where they came from as on that line I can only go back to 1800 and then their are 'several' possibilites.

All in all I think its GREAT.

I would love to learn more about it.
The Book DNA and Family History by Chris Pomery is very good.

I should add that I have used the Ancestry site which is very easy to follow and it links to family groups via Sorenson