The Times wants your views: DNA ethnicity results

[Pejic]

Having studied the subject pretty extensively now, the only interest I would have in DNA testing relates to my wife's unknown maternal grandfather, and would depend on one of his descendants (my wife, children or grandchildren) being willing to provide a sample and one of his or one of his siblings (if he had any) descendants providing a sample.  I have failed to enthuse wife, children or grandchildren to volunteer a sample and don't feel sufficiently desperate to steal one!

Apart from this missing chap (and his ancestors of course) I have all my ancestors back to 1815, most of them back to 1700 and several further back, based on best available records (i.e. ignoring the 10% misreporting of father's name - even where known).  It is the search (and lately document trail!) which has kept me enthralled for the last 60 years.

As everyone in UK is descended from everyone who was here in 1400 and everyone in Europe is descended from everyone who was in Europe or Asia in 900, the actual DNA trail is not as interesting here as it is in the USA.

[cathayb]

if anyone knows Don Lock he used to be a member here dont know if he still is.he is Romany and has a heck of a lot of KNowledge and experience of DNA testing and has published alot of his results.it would be worth contacting him.he is USA based by the way

[Siouxsie]

I know my husband would love to do a DNA test to see if he has any Aboriginal ancestors in his bloodline.
Me.........one of my maternal cousins has had a DNA Test which confirmed the majority of our Family History Research.

Cheers
Susie

[Jomot]

Never, never, never.......not in a thousand life times, would I ever give my DNA up voluntarily, whether for a free or paid for test.

My sentiments exactly, or more accurately, never, never, never.......not in a thousand life times, would I ever give my DNA up voluntarily for what is ultimately a hobby. 

If it could help cure some awful disease & I was one of a limited number who could help, well then yes, but otherwise absolutely no way.

[youngtug]

Being the last male of my paternal family line left alive I will be taking a Ydna test just for that reason.

My wife though should take a dna test because her father is unknown to her, it may help to prove or disprove some of the stories told to her by her aunt.

[DavidG02]

My DNA was taken professionally as part of a medical university study as I carry a rare disease, but the professor still wants as many birth death and marriage records as possible as part of the study. DNA is not being used in isolation.

I stopped reading here as it touched on a point I wanted to make. If it has already been raised I apologise.

This is close to what my feelings about DNA are. I don't see it as the be-all and end-all of Family Research but another tool to be used - in conjunction- with the paper records

If I had the opportunity to buy a certificate that cleared up a brickwall I would do so. If the cost was prohibitive I would know I have the opportunity to do so in the future. By buying the certificate I would still put it in its place with ALL the other certificates etc I have and determine the whole picture.

And Davidft gave an excellent summary of my fears and doubts about the charlatans that ''ethnic DNA'' has given rise to.

[carol80]

I would not have a DNA test done unless it were for medical reason's.
                            Carol.

[MattD30]

Your project sounds very interesting and I am looking forward to reading more and seeing the results. However as I have not taken any DNA tests I am afraid I am unable to help you. I do wish you success with it though.

Matthew

[lil growler]

To be honest, I haven't investigated this option and have very little clue on how it all works.  I have heard of others DNA testing and most appear happy with their results, it's not something i feel strongly enough about yet. And I guess I'm a little skeptical too....

lil