Hi Folks, I have revised the Project webpages to reflect the most recent result: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~gbonner/newtondna/ I think it is worth noting that unlike the early days of the project, when it seemed that every new sample was a new genetic line of NEWTON, we are clearly out of that phase, and now new samples matching existing samples is the norm. The highest letter (NEWTON DNA type) is "T". It took us 22 samples to make it to the 20th letter of the alphabet. And since that time we have had 16 samples, *ALL* of which matched existing NEWTON DNA types. The only caveats are that one sample diverged upon upgrade from 12 markers to more than 12 markers, and that there is now one "orphan" letter (namely, "A"), which had but one member who was subsequently moved to "J" after further testing and a review of the old data. So, if you have been waiting to test because you want to try to ensure that you will match someone, then (statistically speaking) you will NEVER find a better time than right now. Okay, now for the news of the result. Coincidentally, the new sample was the third type "T", our highest-lettered type. The participant claims descent from Larkin Newton, born 17 Mar 1794, died 21 May 1858. The participant claims Larkin as a son of John, and John as a son of Henry. Some have questioned whether Larkin was a son of John, or at least questioned if there was any proof of same. John Newton is said by some to have had 8 children, but few have been identified. The newest participant, part of node "T", matches DNA with a fellow "Node T-er" who claims descent from William Newton, son of John. So, this evidence lends support to the contention that Larkin Newton was a son of John. If the prior "T" member claiming descent from John has his genealogy correct, and the present claim of descent is correct, then it is a good link. However, there are other possibilities. For example, if Larkin was a nephew of John, then the new sample would likely have turned up exactly the same way...the DNA is just not precise enough to parse such fine distinctions within the same family (unless you test a LOT of markers, and even then only maybe). Yet it is what it is...a DNA match between one claiming descent from William, son of John on the one hand, a one claiming descent from Larkin, son John on the other. Best, Gregg Bonner NEWTON Surname DNA Project Group Administrator __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com