In a message dated 11/6/2005 6:12:07 PM Eastern Standard Time, barbray@mindspring.com writes: I have a few quick thoughts on the subject of Adams DNA and John Walden's hard work and web site. I hear and understand Sue's frustration. It is easy to have high expectations. But, we are pioneers in this early period of DNA testing. What this means to me is that the sample size for the Adams population or any other surname group is still very, very, very small. But, the sample will grow, and as it does, we all stand to gain from the process. And, our sample results will stay on record far into the future, with matches possible at any time. In my case, as I believe I've mentioned before on the Adams list, there were two very significant Adams matches for my research. I and other cousins had been trying for a long period to document what was oral tradition in the family of Francis Adams (1763 Ireland to 1846 MS). We might have continued this search for many years without learning what we did from the Y-chromosome DNA testing. So, this was lucky for us, but these two men were tested as part of a larger, more traditional genealogical research effort. Without the latter, work done by many over the years, the DNA would have meant little. In addition three matches between my maternal uncle, Sue's brother and another cousin in Texas led us back to Ireland and the common ancestry there. But, we do not know who that most recent common ancestor (MRCA) is. However, as the international testing effort continues, descendants of this MRCA in Ireland and England could add greatly to our data and understanding of family history. From my more traditional Adams research, the line goes back about 300 years; for Sue it's a bit shorter, yet there are common ancestors probably at about 350 years. Time is on our side. Please keep testing and recruit others to do the same. When I submitted the first DNA sample several years ago (for my father), I did not expect much. But, his advanced age guided me to get his DNA on record quickly. Perhaps others will find that a useful thing to do for similar reasons. My best regards, Barbara McDaniel Ray Atlanta, GA Hi Barb: Thanks for the very well put response. I am very frustrated, especially because one of the people and I can't remember if it was you or the other, claims their Adams were from SC at the same time mine were from PA and Ohio. I thought that very odd. They didn't even know of the Ireland origins. Something else I thought odd. That whole scenario made me wonder if the DNA is accurate and how could the same Adams's be from different places at the same time. I am not a historian, although I am working on that as we speak, but I began to entertain the thought that it might not be a good idea to let the DNA guide me until I am sure it is accurate. I don't want to waste precious time assuming something that takes me off in a completely wrong direction. What little I have learned about my Adams lead me to think they were adventurers and were not afraid of moving to completely new and undiscovered territory. I have a William Adams who was born in Ohio abt 1863 and is completely across the country, in California by 1910. Even today, I wouldn't be that adventurous, and we have all kinds of methods of travel. Not only that, but he was an orphan from the age of 12 or so, basically. Other Adams boys (ages 18-25) were found in the 1880 census as loggers in Montana! However, they were obviously a proud family because, even though they were probably poor, the monuments on the James and Sarah born in Ireland, are some of the largest and most personal in the little cemetery in Ohio on a lonely country road. They are buried in a little spot that looks down on the land they worked for 30 years, with the mountains meeting the sky above. A perfect place to rest. Thanks for the response Barb! Sue Sue