Make a contribution to our family DNA project
Our hypothesis is that they may be descended from a common male ancestor, who lived 250-900 years ago. Thus far, these families appear to be unconnected except by similar sounding surnames. The Y chromosome test that looks only at male descendents can tell us whether any of these families are related, and if so, within how many generations. Each participant will need to submit a sample of cells gently swabbed from the inside of their cheek.
An explanation of the test and answers to frequently asked questions about Y Chromosome DNA markers are at: http://www.ftdna.com/faq.html
Briefly, the test examines the genetic sequences at each of 25 sites on the Y Chromosome. These sites are called markers. If two men share the exactly same sequences at all twenty five sites we can be fairly certain that the men have a recent common ancestor.
For this group surname y-dna project, we need direct male descendents of the family names derived from HEFFLER or GOTTESFELD as listed above. A kit for the analysis can be obtained from FTDNA through the Group's ordering page at http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=E74288
When a sampling kit is ordered from this site, it will allow for the Group pricing, and the analysis results will be added to the Group's data base. In addition, any Group member whose Y Chromosome shares all 25 markers with anyone else in the laboratory's 11,000+ Y Chromosome data base, will be immediately notified if they select that option. The discounted group price of each analysis including shipping is $171.00. The discounted group price of the 12 marker test is $99. As mentioned in an earlier note, I will pay half of the first five tests.
The link http://www.familytreedna.com/public/heffler_gottesfeld/default.aspx can be published in newsletters or other online websites and publications that you are approaching to look for potential participants who may be unknown to you at this point. This requires the person to fill a form that explains why they want to join the group, and ask for our permission to do so. They will then be entitled to the discounted group pricing available to participants in this project.
Please feel free to copy this message to anyone who may fit the surname criteria and ask them to contact me here
I am developing a web page for this project at http://www.texsys.com/heffler_dna.htm .
Brad Larson's 4-minute instructional video for collecting a sample for the Family Tree DNA lab