Oxford Ancestors now have a Y chromosome testing system that we previously discussed on this website! They have apparently abandoned the "Male Match" scheme for something that looks even better. The prices seem reasonable, and I am going to do it to establish a baseline for the line of George Page of Branford, Conn. (immigrated from Shorne, Kent, Eng. c. 1662). I believe Cecil Wray Page will also do it for his Page line back to the immigrant Col. John Page of Virginia (immigrated c. 1650). Hopefully others will do it too! If you are a male with the last name of Page acquired by birth (NOT adoption) you may want to participate in the following test to help us determine and sort out the various Page lines of descent. The details of the test are explained on the Oxford Ancestors website: http://www.oxfordancestors.com/ They describe their new test as follows: "Y-Line "Y-Line is a new DNA-based test designed to help you research your genealogy or family history. It works by producing a genetic fingerprint of your Y-chromosome. This is the chromosome which is passed from father to son. Although Y-chromosome fingerprints do change very slowly over time, the pattern is stable over hundreds of years. This means that male relatives who have an uninterrupted male-male link between them will share the same, or very similar, Y-chromosome fingerprints. Y-Line is particularly useful when a connection between different branches of a family, perhaps with the same surname, is suspected but cannot be proven from written records. Y-Line, by comparing the Y-chromosome fingerprints, provides the answer. "Y-Line uses ten different independent genetic systems to construct a Y-chromosome fingerprint. You will receive your own Y-Line certificate on presentation grade parchment suitable for mounting. In addition you will also receive full guidance notes on how to compare your Y-chromosome fingerprints with others either now or in the future as well as a complete description of the steps we have used to come up with your result." Some Frequently Asked Questions and Their Answers: 1. Why do only males have Y-chromosomes ? The Y-chromosome contains a gene which directs the development of a human embryo along the pathway to becoming male. As long as this gene is working properly, any human embryo which has a Y-chromosome will grow into a baby boy. 2. How do fathers have both sons and daughters? Men produce two types of sperm in equal amounts. Half have a Y-chromosome in them and half have an X-chromosome instead. The eggs produced by women have only X-chromosomes. So fertilized eggs have either two X-chromosomes, and become girls, or one X and one Y and become boys. 3. Can paternal lines be traced back using Y- chromosomes to a small number of men just as mitochondrial DNA does for maternal ancestry? The answer is YES. Y-chromosomes can in theory be used to identify a small number of common male ancestors. When we are confident that everyone agrees on the way this is done, Oxford Ancestors is now offering this service. 4. What methods of payment can I use? They prefer payment by cheque in sterling or US dollars. However, we can accept equivalent sums (by cheque) in other currencies if necessary. At present we can cannot accept credit cards. 5. Is there a discount if I order Matriline and Y-Line at the same time? Now they know the pricing structure for Y-line we can offer a discount for clients ordering both services. Existing MatriLine clients who have been waiting for the MaleMatch to be launched will get a full discount when they place a Y-Line order. See the order form for details. 6. What about MaleMatch ? Now that they have launched Y-Line we will not be proceeding with MaleMatch. We are sure customers will find Y-Line a better service where the accent is on individual Y-chromosome fingerprints rather than a service which merely matches results. 7. Will my results be kept confidential? Oxford Ancestors states they will not use your DNA for any other purpose than the tests you have requested. Your results will be disclosed only to you, and your DNA will be destroyed after the results have been posted back to you. [We will of course want to share the DNA results with each other to help us sort out the various Page family lines both in America and abroad.] E-Mail Enquiries: <[email protected]> Cost to order Y-Line : £GB $US 1-5 samples 120.00 ea. 180.00 ea. 5-10 samples 110.00 ea. 165.00 each More than 10 samples 100.00 ea. 150.00 each Step 1. Send an email to <[email protected]> with your full postal address and the number of tests required. SEND NO MONEY AT THIS STAGE. They will mail you a DNA sampling kit. This contains the small brush used to collect cells from your inner cheek easily and painlessly. Step 2. Return the DNA brush(es) with your payment cheque. It will not be banked until your results have been mailed back to you. Expect delivery within 28 days of our receipt of your sample. THEIR SPECIAL OFFER Have your Y-chromosome and mitochondrial DNA typed at the same time. Purchase Y-Lineand MatriLine together for a 10% discount and pay only £216 ($324) - a saving of £24 ($36) over the price if ordered separately. If you are already one of our MatriLine customers, you will receive the full combined cash discount when you purchase Y-Line - so you pay only £96($144). Please contact me ASAP if you are a Male with the birth name of Page and are interested so that we can order together at a reduced cost. George W. Page 1100 Cataway Place Bryans Road, MD 20616 (301)283-2275