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Bill Bateman (billbate@swbell.net) is considering starting a BATEMAN DNA surname project. Please contact him or me if you are interested in participating. The following is from Bill:
Hello Bateman researchers.
I am considering starting a BATEMAN DNA surname project, and I would appreciate a response from everyone who might be interested in participating. As soon as sufficient interest is expressed (if that happens) I will start the ball rolling.
For anyone wishing to learn more about genetic genealogy in general and family surname projects in particular, a wealth of information is available at the web site of "America's first genealogy-driven DNA testing service", FamilyTreeDNA:
http://www.ftdna.com/
One of the things you will learn at this site is that the FamilyTreeDNA sends out a newsletter, "Facts & Genes" approximately monthly, to which you can subscribe at:
http://www.familytreeDNA.com/fgregister.asp
Also, you can browse the past issues back to the very first one (July 24, 2002) at:
http://www.familytreeDNA.com/facts_genes.asp?act=past
I will now try to answer the three fundamental questions most of you are likely to have when considering whether to participate:
1. What's in it for me?
Some of the potential benefits, listed by FamilyTreeDNA, from participating in a DNA surname project are:
*adding more information to your family history
*proving, or disproving, theories regarding your family history
*identifying other participants to whom you are related by virtue of a common ancestor
*establishing an approximate time frame for the common ancestor when one is proven
*having your DNA preserved for the future
*validating your existing traditional research
*determining areas for additional research
You should keep in mind that DNA testing is not meant to be a substitute for traditional genealogy research. It is merely a tool that complements traditional research and in some instances provides answers to questions not answered by traditional research. DNA testing alone will not identify a specific ancestor or provide an exact date.
Incidentally, two of the potential benefits listed above are of special interest to me. Regarding the third one listed - a fellow Bateman researcher's third great-grandfather and my fourth great-grandfather reportedly married sisters; I suspect that these Bateman men were related but have not been able to find any proof of a relationship; DNA testing will resolve this matter. Regarding the fifth one listed - FamilyTreeDNA retains the submitted DNA samples for 25 years (except for donors who request that their sample not be retained after initial testing); the application of DNA testing to genealogy research is relatively new, having it's origin some five years ago - significant advances in the field have been made in the first five years and it is reasonable to believe that even greater advances will be made in the future; the DNA samples provided by participants can be of value to at least the next generation or two of genealogy researchers in the participants' respective families.
2. What does participation require of me?
Surname DNA projects are based on the fact that a small portion of the Y chromosome, which is found only in men, is passed from father to son(s), virtually unchanged. Male BATEMAN (or surname variant) participants must provide a DNA sample for Y chromosome testing. Female maiden name BATEMAN (or surname variant) participants must get their father, a brother, or other close male relative to provide a DNA sample. Participants whose surname is not Bateman must get a male in their Bateman line to provide a DNA sample.
A genetic test kit will be sent to the DNA sample donor. The test kit consists of a cheek scraper and a collection tube. In about five minutes, the donor will be able to read the instructions and perform a painless cheek scraping. The effect of using the scraper is about the same as brushing your cheek with a soft bristle toothbrush. The donor must complete the cheek scraping and return the test kit as per the included instructions.
3. How much does it cost?
The bare bones minimum cost is that for a 12 marker Y-DNA test, currently $99.00 plus postage for the test kit. Two other Y-DNA tests are available - a 25 marker test for $169.00 plus postage and a 37 marker test for $219.00 plus postage.
In most cases, FamilyTreeDNA recommend starting with the 12 marker test, and making a decision based on the results as to whether an upgrade to 25 or 37 markers is desirable, and if so, for which participants. For some participants the 12 marker test may be sufficient to meet the participant's objectives.
It is quite easy to upgrade to more markers at a later date, as the upgrade testing can be done on the initial DNA sample. Pricing for the three upgrades available is:
12 to 25 marker upgrade, $90.00
12 to 37 marker upgrade, $149.00
25 to 37 marker upgrade, $59.00
The 37 marker test will provide the most information, and is the most cost effective. You will notice from the pricing above that a premium is paid for upgrading, as compared to starting with a higher marker test to begin with. When the budget permits, FamilyTreeDNA recommend starting with the 37 marker test.
I will be happy to try to answer whatever additional questions you might have. However, it would be an understatement to say that I am not an expert in this field, so you would likely be better served by posing your questions directly to the appropriate contact on the following list, provided by FamilyTreeDNA for that purpose. I have been well pleased with the promptness and thoroughness with which Bennett Greenspan, President of FamilyTreeDNA, has responded to my questions.
Contact ....................... Topic
=============================================
info@familytreedna.com ......... Questions
Mark Price ..................... Order status
.................................Interpretation of results
max@familytreedna.com .......... Flyers for events
Max Blankfeld .................. Speakers Bureau
................................ Suggestions
editor@familytreedna.com .... Submissions for the Spotlight
Dexter Montgomery . Suggestions/feedback for the newsletter
bcg@familytreedna.com ......... Starting a Surname Project
Bennett Greenspan ............. Interpretation of results
juliew@familytreedna.com ...... Payment issues and Billing questions
Julie Waltham ................. Testing Kit Records and Shipping
Hoping to hear from you,
William A. (Bill) Bateman (billbate@swbell.net)
Midland, Texas
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