Recently I sent out a message to the list that we had set up a Davenport Surname Project at Family Tree DNA. This is a company that does DNA testing and analysis for genealogy researchers. Now for the rest of the story. As most of you know there are several Davenport lines in the U.S. This includes but not limited to the following: Rev John Davenport of New Haven Colony arriving in Boston in the early 1600s. Thomas Davenport of Dorchester (Boston) arriving prior to 1640 Richard Davenport, Davis Davenport, etc... There has been a lot of speculation that some or all of these lines are linked. But no proof either way has been discovered. That is where Y-DNA testing can be an additional tool. The Y-chromosome is passed on from father to son virtually unchanged through the generations. If enough "markers" on the Y-chromosome are the same between Davenport Line 1 and Davenport Line 2 then the odds are better they had a common ancestor. There have been several links to good sites explaining this in more detail previously on this list so I won't go into that. So our goal is to get samples from several individuals in each line and see how they compare. There is no limit. Eventually I intend to create a website with results. No individual names will be used. This is also not limited to the U.S. - Davenports from other countries are encouraged to participate too. To participate: You must be a male. Females don't have the Y-chromosome. You must have the Davenport surname -- by birth -- not acquired through adoption. There are two different tests -- the 12 and 25 marker. The test that checks 25 markers would be more useful for our purposes, but 12 is still OK. Since this is a "project" we will get a discounted price. 12 marker Y-DNA test   $99 + postage ($2) 25 Marker Upgrade  (from a 12 marker)    $90 25 marker Y-DNA test   $169 + postage ($2) "Your genetic test kit consists of a cheek scraper and a collection tube. In about five minutes, you will be able to read the instructions and perform a painless cheek scraping. The effect of using the scraper is about the same as brushing your cheek with a soft bristle toothbrush. A backup scraper & tube is included to insure that a good sample is obtained by our lab. We intend that you use them both! " Anyone interested can contact me by email and I will give you a link to purchase the kit as part of the group. Any results (names) can be as confidential as you like. Since Family Tree DNA will release the results by an ID # - I do not know what line you may be connected with -- so I need some additional information: Please tell me which line you KNOW you are connected to OR Which line you BELIEVE you are connected to OR If you do not know which line you are connected to If anyone has other questions you can email me at [email protected] So... Let the fun begin. Bill Davenport [email protected]