Genealogy and DNA Testing

A great new tool now available to those who are unsure of their bloodlines, and that is in DNA testing.

While it can't provide you with your entire family tree or tell you who your ancestors are, DNA testing can:

Determine if two people are related
Determine if two people descend from the same ancestor
Find out if you are related to others with the same surname
Prove or disprove your family tree research
Provide clues about your ethnic origin.

In conclusion, it is vitally important to keep in mind that DNA testing for the purposes of proving ancestry is NOT a substitute for traditional family history research. Instead, it is a tool to be used in conjunction with family history research to aid in proving or disproving suspected family relationships. It is definitely an exciting new tool to add to your genealogy toolbox!

If you're interested in more specific information on DNA testing for genealogical purposes, including details on haplotypes, haplogroups, and analyzing test results, then check out the resources listed at Genetic Genealogy on the Web.

Kimberly Powell

There are some areas where I may use this new tool to pursue some bloodlines.... someday.

As for my Thorlton and Caldwell bloodlines, I know with certainty that they trace back to a little settlement called Hartslog in Pennsylvania, and from there back to England.

I also know that my Alexander bloodline traces back to Cecil County, Maryland and from there to Mecklenburg North Carolina and to Roane County, Tennessee. There are many many other names within my very large family tree of which I have the same degree certainty, that will not be listed here.

F.W. Thorlton

 

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