This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: Chumley Chumbley Chamlee Chomley Cholmondeley Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/XlI.2ACIB/174.1 Message Board Post: HI, Terkatsu@aol.com asked "why do it?", Chris Pomery (Pomery family is on the "edge" of our Chomley Australian/Irish tree) has been doing a male descendant DNA study (see also http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~allpoms/genetics1a.html ) which I've been interested in. The key reasons are: 1) abiilty to link family groups via DNA - there are a number of name-variation (eg Chumley, Chamlee, Chumbley, Chomley and the senior line Cholmondeley) research efforts under way. A DNA study (inc. mutation groupings) would indicate a) if the families are actually releated, b) approx when families split. 2) allows records-based research to be focussed (saving money). eg our family stories say we descend from the Whitby line but (so far) records have stopped in 1734 in Westmorland. There is another Cholmley family in the same area in 1600-1654 that came from Yorkshire and claimed "near kinshinship" with the Whitby Cholmely family. Male DNA testing would confirm relationships. Records research would then be very focussed. 3) gives an alternate research line while waiting to a paper "wall" to break. Re the cost: I am told that a project approach can significantly reduce costs when one lab is contracted to do the project. Hope this helps... regards Peter