DNA Genetics is the newest, most exiting way to find those missing links

    There are projects for many surnames.  Dennis, Ellis and Pettus surnames are a few of them.  The information below applies to all of the projects.

Why DNA Testing?

    Every genealogist, professional or amateur, knows that even the tiniest clue can be the key to unlocking generations of family history data.  Now we have yet another method to track down that elusive ancestor!

    Now most of you are probably asking: “What good is our DNA if we don’t have our ancestor’s DNA to match it against?”

    Humans have 46 chromosomes; 22 identical pairs and one other pair.  The 23^rd, and shortest chromosome, contains an X chromosome from the mother and either an X or Y from the father.  If it is an X, then the child is a female.  If it is a Y, then the child is a male.

    The Y chromosome is passed only from father to son.  Females don’t have a Y chromosome or they wouldn't be female.   If you are a male, you have the same Y as your ancestor in the Stone Age.  There are slight chances that the Y chromosome can mutate over time (approx 1 mutation every 500 years), but for all practical purposes, it remains the same.

    For the sake of argument, let’s say that all males with the last name of Ellis submit to a DNA test.  We could then put those that are related into groups.  It may be that all of them are related, but it is far more likely that there will be several groups.  When surnames were adopted, several unrelated people could have picked “Ellis”.  Along the way, some may have changed their name to Ellis.  What about the famous question:  “Don’t we all descend from one human?”  Considering the testing that has been accomplished to date, that doesn’t appear to be the case.

    There is also the possibility that a child was adopted or conceived out of wedlock.  This is one disadvantage (or advantage) of the DNA test.  Some families will want to keep this confidential and would get very upset if it leaked out.  On the other hand, why research the “Ellis” line if you clearly are not an “Ellis”.

What are these tests, and how do they work?

    The lab has three tests available, 12, 25 and 37 markers.  The simple difference is that the more markers, the more accurate.  25 markers appears to be the best buy for the money.

    The 12 marker test will identify if two people are related and how many generations separate the two.  The 25-marker test will give a more accurate indication of how many generations.

    Each of the two tests measures the length of Alleles at marker points on the Y chromosome.  These markers are documented as having the greatest potential for identifying relationships.  They do not identify health issues nor or they capable of identifying a specific individual.

Please refer to the first table below:

12 Marker Test:  when all 12 markers match, there is a 50% probability that two males have a common ancestor back as far as 14 generations, 90% at 48 generations and 95% at 62 generations.

25 Marker Test:  When all 25 markers match, there is a 50% probability at 7 generations, 90% at 23 and 95% at 30.
 

Sample Results

    If you get the 25 marker test and you match me on all markers, then we will know that there is a 50% probability that our lines are connected within 7 generations.

    The results of these tests could be very instrumental to genealogists.  Instead of spending hundreds of hours and dollars researching a line which isn’t yours, you could concentrate on a line that is clearly yours, and track it from the past to the future.

Privacy

    The lab will test only for the 12 or 25 markers related to genetics.  They do not test for the possibility of disease, or for anything else.  They keep the results confidential in that you, the lab and I know the name associated with the results.  I maintain the submitter’s name but only publish a record ID, the results and the most recent common ancestor (MRCA).  Unless you specifically request it, no other information is released.

    This test cannot identify you specifically.  You would have the same results as your male relatives.  At best, it could identify your line only.

What is the DNA Genetics Project?

    The DNA Genetics Project will document the Y chromosome of as many Dennis, Ellis and Pettus  descendants as possible in an effort to determine to various lines throughout the world and especially in the U.S.  It will also try to identify the origins of these lines.

Cost

    Because of our Project status, we get reduced rates, but only if you request the test through the project.  The 12 marker test is $129 (project is $99), the 25 marker test is $199 (project is $169) and the 37 marker test is $259 (project is $229).  By going through the Project, you save $30 – and help all of us who study genealogy!

How do I Sign Up?

    If you would like to participate in the study, you will first need a male with the last name of Dennis, Ellis or Pettus.  (No prejudice, but we cannot use a female's DNA results since that would track the successive line of females and not the surname)  You can sign up for the project by going to the following site:  http://www.familytreedna.com and then click on the surname projects and the appropriate surname.  You can pay by invoice or credit card.

    The test kit contains two large swabs that he will use to scrape the inside of both cheeks for 60 seconds each.  He does one swab then waits 8 hours and does the other swab.  Each swab is placed into a container and mailed directly to the lab.  About six weeks later, the lab notifies you of the results.

Feel free to use the "EMail Me" button at the top of this form if you have further questions.  You can find additional material at the FamilyTreeDNA© site - click the button below.