This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/yYB.2ACI/15062 Message Board Post: I have made arrangemnts with a DNA testing company to start a surname study of the Swisher family. This study will use only a 43 STR marker Y-chromosone test using a cheek swab. This test is a marked improvement over earlier tests. The test has a range of only 4 generations for the MRCA (Most Recent Common Ancestor). I can secure a price of only $199 for this test for the next week or so only. Previous test had liomitatin on 12 markers of between 14 generations to present for 12/15 marker tests and and 7 generations for 25/36, thse all generally have upper limtis before most our ancestors immigrated. With a 43 marker test there is little reason to have to upgrade the test later as the additional number of markers will raise the cost significantly but only imporve the MRCA time only one generation or so but this is a period that most experienced researchers are already knoweldgeable and DNA testing is not needed - except in rare cases of adoption, runaway or other research problems. I will donate between $10 and $25 to any line tested. This study is not a broad surname study. It is structured to investigate a long standing tradition that all West Virgina Swishers are related and investigate the traditions of their origins that have not been able to be proved by research over the last twenty years. Also, there are certain lines that seem to have overlapped in certain localities, such as descendants of Lawrence and Henry Swisher 1709 NY>PA>MD. I have used several different labs which process samples in different ways. I can address questions about confidentiality, disposition of samples and other questions, using a variety of ordering arrangements or different laboratories. I also have a fund established for researchers who cannot give a sample as a direct line male but would like to support the project and line of their choice. I would also encourgae others with an interest in a particular line to co-ordinate the study of that line. I am interested in getting testing on any Swisher Line that was in WV, Shenandoah Valley of VA in 1770-1810, So central PA 1740-1800, MD 1740-1840, NC 1790-1810, Southern OH 1820-1860, Central IN 1840-now, So East Central IL 1860-1900, MO 1830-1900, eastern and No Central KS 1880 - 1900, SE PA 1709-1790. This includes WV Swishers: Peter, Jacob, Jacob R., Jacob M., Henry, George, VA Swishers - John/Warner, John/Fegley, Henry of Rockingham, John George of Augusta, Berkely Co clan, Henry of Frederick/Botetourt, Henry VA/TN, Henry VA, Lewis of NC, adn Swishers of the Susquehanna Valley 1770-1810. Peter of York Co. PA Swishers/Switzers west of Susquehana before Revolutioanry War. Immigrant lines, Peter 1767, and Prior or 1750: Lawrence, Henry of NY>PA, Henry of NJ>NY, John and Jacob of PA. Paul Pettit cpettit@telis.net Swisher/Switzer DNA Study