Lance, Thanks for answering. There doesn't appear to be a connection--it was a long shot. Perhaps someone could assist your cousin with the cheek swab--a caretaker or closer relative? I am not sure if it is more complicated or expensive to test from a licked envelope, a lock of hair or other things, but it can be done. If have you other direct male-line Carpenter descendants perhaps they will become interested in the future. My uncle was the last male Carpenter of our branch, so it seemed important for him to participate if we were to use DNA at all on that line. He thought it was interesting and did the swab, though a relative had to assist a little. Shortly afterwards he passed away. I had the funeral director clip a lock of hair just in case anything more would be needed later. --Pam B. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lance Gillette" <fnldg1@uaf.edu> To: <carpenter@rootsweb.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 16, 2008 9:52 AM Subject: Re: [CARPENTER] Y-DNA Testing > Hi Pam: > > Merle was born in Colorado and his father in Kansas. Before that it was > Michigan. Before that Rhode Island. > > Unfortunately Merle is so elderly and doesn't remember things well. I > tried to get a dna sample from him. He agreed on the phone. I then sent > him a detailed letter explaining it all. But he doesn't remember receiving > a letter from me or the dna kit. So I don't think it will be feasible for > him to submit his dna under the circumstances. > > Lance >