Replies

>> I wonder if there might be any FReeper to have a recc. for the “right place to use” for this sort of thing. <<

Family Tree DNA (www.familytreeDNA.com) is absolutely the best company in this field — excellent customer service; largest variety of tests; biggest customer database for seeking matches; and a large number of “surname projects” where volunteer administrators will usually give you free help.

Moreover, unlike some of the competition (e.g., Ancestry.com), FTDNA doesn’t over-promise. They are careful to warn you that — like Ditter’s husband — a lot of test participants will NOT find useful DNA matches, at least not at first.

Last but not least, nobody should expect DNA testing to be a “magic wand” for solving genealogical problems. It almost never gives “breakthrough” results unless combined with careful and old-fashioned research in the traditional sources like the census; deeds and other county archives; family Bibles and oral legends; and tombstone inscriptions.

Ancestry entering into this arena is bad news. Even though I am a subscriber, I don't trust these guys one bit. I see you refer to the autosomal angle at ftdna which is relatively new. Have seen many with any successes yet? I have only gone ydna route trying to extend my surname, but I wonder how good the claim to link relatives to the "gg gp level".

It is interesting how some in the genealogical community are not embracing the trend toward dna research. In fact a distant cousin who wrote a genealogy of our common ancestor became outright disgusted when the Haplogroup of a desc. was established. This genealogical work of this individual was well done, and in fact quoted by NEHGS in one of their articles. When I emailed him, wanting his thoughts, he responded, "I don't beleive in this Haplogroup" bs. And this guy was a college professor no less. I was shocked.

And I agree with your comments about old fashioned research. I tell my students that rule No. 1 is never beleive anything you find on the internet without validity of primary and no less than secondary sources. Sloppy genealogoist, Ancestry, and the LDS with "ancestral file" have ruined the hobby. I have done my best work at cemeteries, court houses, libraries. In any case, Freepmail when you have a chance, we probably have a lot notes to compare.