Using DNA As Another Method Of Genealogical Research

Bill McKeen
Family Research
MUSP Contributor


Ancestors
For those who seek deeper research on family origins, a DNA test may help. Recent ancestors will probably not be found, but DNA testing is a great way to find deeper roots. Many times DNA matches will include people that have dissimilar or completely different surnames. That is because male DNA is usually traced back to a time before surnames were commonly used.

Easy to do
When I tested several years ago, I needed to prick my finger and send in a blood test. Now, the test is done by simply swabbing the inside of the mouth.

www.familytreedna.com
This company is the pioneer and world’s largest DNA testers. A 12 marker test costs $149.00. Males and females may test, but usually it is the male DNA that is used to compare with genealogical research already done through the surname line.

www.ysearch.org
This company allows you to compare your DNA matches with others, no matter where the original testing was done. They currently have 59,373 records that include 46,474 family names.

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