The Isbell DNA test may help sort out the Isbells of Virginia and the South, where so many records were destroyed, but on the larger scale it may show the distance between their relationship to Robert Isbell, immigrant to Salem, and to the later Isbell immigrants to New York. http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=K48506&special=true Several results are in, and others still outstanding. At least two descendants of Levi Isbell (1797-1876) have samples still being tested, the 59-marker tests. We need a descendant of Benjamin Isbell and Lettice (Hickman) to take the test, as well as a descendant of James Isbell and Frances Tompkins Livingston. It would also be good if some descendants of Pendleton and Godfrey Isbell stepped forward and took the plunge.