Genealogy By Genetics - Why Test? by Stan St. Clair
When I
first started on the journey in search of my
ancestry many years ago, the task was a tedious one which took a lot of
effort and research. I found myself rambling through records in court
houses, libraries, and cemeteries, and talking with older family
members, trying to get the stories straight. While all of these were
done as a fond labor of love, it took much time, which was not a
commodity which was in abundance. In addition, many lines were
difficult to trace, and almost impossible to be certain that my
conclusions were correct.
While much of this is still necessary today, the study
of genealogy has come a long way. Many census, marriage, and other
records are now available on line, and much more work has been done by
other researchers. Still, a serious genealogist always seeks for
documentation.
Even with all of this, a paper trail is never
fool-proof. DNA testing has made it possible to show ties to common
ancestry even many generations back. Y DNA, which is passed down from
father to son, is now being used in surname studies to link those with
common ancestry together genetically. When Steve and I first started
our discussion of getting our own testing done, we were only searching
for personal answers to our common ancestry. After doing the tests, we
realized that little had been done on a broad scope to link Sinclairs
worldwide to our common past. We saw this as a much needed avenue to
explore. As a Commissioner for Clan Sinclair Association, U. S. A. over
the past few years, and a very active member of the Sinclair Discussion
List and the Genealogy Forum, I have met many interesting individuals
living in all parts of the globe who are genuinely searching for
answers to our family history. The Sinclair/ St. Clair family is an
old, proud and noble clan with a remarkable history. We are now making
new history by offering tests to male Sinclairs/ St. Clairs at reduced
rates through our association with World Families and Family Tree
Genealogy, the largest organization of its type in the world.
We recommend the 37 marker test in order to get the best picture of your true DNA signature. At a minimum, 25 markers are crucial to the study. Over the years the markers passed down undergo minor mutations, or changes, while keeping a general similarity in its haplotype. Some markers are subject to change earlier than others. Having a certain marker changed can show ties to family in a certain area, who usually has had a similar mutation. By doing this test, you can also show ties to other lines which can give a clearer picture of your true origins.
We appreciate your interest, and hope you will choose to
join us on this scientific quest for our common past.
Thank you,
Stan St. Clair, Co-Founder, St. Clair Research
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