Scudamore/Skidmore DNA Project
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The first results for the Scudamore/Skidmore DNA project were reported in November, 2005. We have tested 56 people from the United States, England, Canada and Australia. DNA provides a scientific proof by connecting persons and families with Y chromosome analysis and solves some of the mysteries that could not be defined by record research.
As genealogists we have researched the Scudamore/Skidmore surname (plus name variations) for some sixty years. Although not exhausted, public records in every part of the United States and England with Skidmore families have been mined for genealogical information about our families. This paper trail consists primarily of birth, marriage, property, bible, and death records, etc. Records in England before 1600 consist mainly of those maintained by the church. Travel and accommodations for this public record research has been at considerable personal expense and sometimes we came up with little or nothing at sites visited.
Our several Skidmore genealogy publications have been consolidated and published on one compact disc (CD) rather than publishing in hard copy books.
There are approximately 50 different lines of Skidmores in various parts of the world. Many of these lines have a common ancestor and using scientific DNA testing, we seek to determine the common origin of as many of these lines as we can. Thus far we have firmly identified with DNA eight major family lines and established family connections that we were not able to do with record research.
Using DNA we hope to consolidate many of the some 50 Skidmore lines that we know about and determine, to use the DNA term, their Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA).
The Y-chromosome is passed from father to son through the generations. For example we have essentially the same Y chromosome as all of our male Scudamore/Skidmore grandfathers as well as that of our male children and grandchildren of this surname. The Y chromosome mutation rate is about once in 500 generations (.002-.003 %). A generation is considered to be about 20-25 years.
The purpose of the Scudamore/Skidmore surname DNA Project is to perform Y chromosome DNA tests on one or two Scudamore/Skidmore males from each line to consolidate and identify the Most Recent Common Ancestor for each.
We welcome additional Scudamore/Skidmore participants from everywhere and on all of the now separate lines. A laboratory provided test kit will be furnished at no charge and analyzed by an internationally recognized DNA laboratory. Sample collection is easy and does not involve blood. Using swabs in the kit, rub the inside of the mouth to collect a small amount of cells, place them in the container provided and return them as instructed in materials with the kit.
Your known ancestral information is used to assist in the determination of the Most Recent Common Ancestor when compared with others who have been tested.
It is important to understand:
1. That there will always be some limitations with current DNA testing, and is only useful when used in conjunction with the existing record genealogy
2. That part of the Y chromosome that will be analyzed is what is called "junk" DNA.
3. The cost for the test that we recommend is (43 markers) $195. Experienced genealogical researchers know that this is less than the expenses associated with a two day trip to do genealogy research at some distant courthouse or library that may end up fruitless.
REFERENCES:
For more information about DNA and its use in genealogy please see the following web pages:
http://www.kerchner.com/
http://www.dnaheritage.com/tutorial1.asp
http://www.ftdna.com/
http://www.ancestry.com/
ANOTHER INTERESTING DNA PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT:
http://www.rootsweb.com/~wellsfam/dnaproje/dnaproj1.html
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