I posted my DNA sample at the end of May 2013. I now realize that the aim of my family research to date had been motivated simply to trace back in time along each surname line. Studying various DNA test options invited a new approach. I had a brickwall in BATES, a mere two generations back. Also, my maternal research was limited to only three grandmothers. This, in spite of 10 generations of TEVELEIN history. My first big error was failing to compare carefully enough the facilities offered by various companies to analyse the test results.

Family Trees

Some researchers see these tests as merely "recreational genetics" or "vanity testing," and warn the problems can be significant for the test-takers. The balanced reports of other test-takers are worth reading. Here is one. FindMyPast and GenesReunited offer plenty of advice and links to testing. I searched for a UK firm that gave a clear explanation of the tests and how results would be shared, in addition to offering a competitive price for both the YDNA, the paternal line, and the mtDNA, maternal tests combined. I chose Britains DNA and the less controversial, Family Tree DNA for comparison.

 I have been unable to trace the male ancestry of my grandfather, James Jones BATES.  Will the test results assist in piercing this brickwall?

I have always hoped the clue is in the name. Will I have the same haplotype as a JONES?

James Jones Bates

YDNA Male Line

This invites an entirely new drive to search the ancestry of Rebecca Hammond's female line. What will the test results reveal?

Only a marriage record, to Robert Hammond (1830 in Coldred), can be found for Rebecca. A summary of known facts is found on the WillisTree site

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Elizabeth Hopper

mtDNA Female Line

Y-DNA Haplogroups in Europe

Chris Pomery's advice on Testing

In his book "DNA and Family History", Chris Pomery (#) points out, "The crucial factor in illigitimacy issues is that a descendent of the man thought responsible for fathering a boy in the main surname's line should be identifiable and willing to take a DNA test to demonstrate the fact of connection. and asks the question, "Just how similar must two DNA haplotypes be before we can say that they are not different?". 

He explains that often comparison is qualitative rather than quantitative and lists 11 factors used by surname study organizers to  match two haplotype results. These variables are:-

1. Haplotype fit - the number of markers showing difference in match.
2. Number of steps for each marker where a difference is found.
3. Mutation rates -  for each marker where a difference is found.
4. Test resolution - the number of markers being compared.
5. Haplotype frequency - in the participants' local populations.
6. Haploid distribution - in continental and global populations.
7. Surname fit - degree to which the two surnames are identical ot linked.
8. Surname frequency - in the general population.
9. Test participant selection method - If not randomly, how was this process weighted or influenced?
10. Surname categorization - locative, topographic, occupational, patronymic or nickname-based, (Chapter 3)
11. Family tree - is there a thesis being tested, or documentary evidence that links these two participants.?

He concludes that the breakdown of the centuries-old surname transmission process is gradually growing with each decade. Genealogists in 100 years time will warn "newbie" researchers that traditional family linking is now unreliable and DNA typing had truely come into its own.                          # Permission to quote extensively has been requested.

Read more of Chris Pomery's work on his website.