March 26, 2002 Update: On March 11, 2002 the price for the 12-marker "Y" chromosome DNA test was dropped from $149 to $99 for participants in Family Tree DNA's Family Reconstruction Project Program. This company provides the best service, no annual fees and has the lowest prices of the three major DNA testing companies. As of today we have the following families represented: Samuel Blakeslee/Hannah Potter - 2 participants John Blakely/Elizabeth Smith - 3 participants John Blakely/Rachel Orr - 1 participant Robert Blakely/Sarah Campbell - 1 participant This project is for all spelling variations of our surname. It is desirable but not necessary to have two or more participants of a particular family. If you are interested in participating in this project or have any questions please email me at blakely52@ev1.net or call me at (817)293-6851. The link to our projects website is shown in the previous message below. Gary Blakely Fort Worth, Texas, USA ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Previous message" There are dozens of close variations of the Blakesley surname. Some of the families are closely related, and some are not. This has confused genealogists for a hundred years or so. To sort out some of this confusion we are starting a DNA surname project in which we will compare the DNA "fingerprints" of participants and classify them into related groups. The more participants we can attract, and thus the bigger our database, the better chance we will have not only to associate related families but also to supplement conventional genealogy in helping individual members trace their ancestry. We have set up a website for our project which explains what our project can and cannot do and how you may participate at: http://users2.ev1.net/~blakely52/Dna/DNA%20project.htm In addition we have obtained a reduced price for group participation. Please email Gary Blakely at blakely52@ev1.net or Gene Blakeslee at GBlakes442@aol.com for more information.