Glenora: Thank you for your concern about the DNA testing. Maybe I can lessen that concern by going over a few of your statements: "I am not an expert, but I do know that if 2 people have a total match of all 12 markers, they are *most likely* related.  But, there is still only a 50% chance that their common ancestor lived within the last 14 or so generations, or about 600 years.  If even one marker is off, there has been a mutation since that common ancestor was alive which makes a more distant relationship likely.  Two markers being different is slipping into questionable results, and three is deemed not related." I am not an expert either but I am a computer consultant with a degree in Biology so I have a little understanding of both sides. The statement about the 12 markers is true. That is exactly why I was pushing the 25 marker test. It cuts the time to a Most Recent Common Ancestor to seven generations -- or into the 1600/1700s. Which is the era we are looking at. By testing several representatives from each line we can increase the chance of spotting such an exception. "There can be and often are mixed relationships, bastard children as an example.  Thus, another way that lines can be less than clear.  At some point, basically from those still living (or access to DNA of the departed) back, it is still a matter of trusting good genealogy and research." This in no way replaces the grunt work of genealogy research. And we are not trying to establish paternity. As mentioned above multiple samples will help spot mutations or "non Davenports" that may sneak in. "No, they are not taken as paternity tests, but can be used as such, or in other ways.  Once you part with your DNA one must be quite trusting of the possibilities.  Is it destroyed?  Is the data?  Who holds it and what is the security? " Remember, you "part with your DNA" everyday by licking an envelope, combing your hair, shaking hands etc... If you are interested in the security aspect go to the link below for information. I have no problem with it. <A HREF="http://www.familytreedna.com/privacy.html">http://www.familytreedna.com/privacy.html</A> "Is learning the ethnicity of a patriarch of enough value to become part of a data base and pay the costs involved?  I'm not saying these are problems with any particular company, but personally, they are things I would look into quite thoroughly before deciding.  My friend who had this done was also asked to fill out family charts, which she did.  An error in their transcribing ruined the whole process anyway, so the results were of no value to her, or anyone.  But they did muddy her genealogy waters so to speak." The purpose of this DNA testing is to determine if any of the early Davenport lines are connected. I, nor Family Tree DNA are asking for any family charts. I am only asking each individual which line they believe they are linked to so the results will be meaningful. Any links we may discover could change the direction of one's research. Example - If we find that the Thomas Davenport of Dorchester and the Rev. John Davenport of New Haven are not connected then maybe we can stop 150 years of trying to find a link. Once again - Thank you for your concern. If you have any more, please contact me. Bill Davenport Group Administrator for Davenport Surname DNA Project [email protected]