This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: pandjparker Surnames: Parker Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.parker/8206.2.1.1.1.1.1.1.3.1.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Janet - Amen to DNA. Unsure what you mean by 'explain' FG#7. But it represents a number of different Parker lines from many states in the westward migration and UK. Their histories date from about late 1500s to after 1900 and are supported by a blend of foxfire and real documentation. Most of the YDNA results are for 67 markers and have been accumulating for over ten years. A surprising number of the tested males are either named Parker but have matched out genetically as another surname OR have another surname and have matched in as a genetic Parker. That could mean adoptions, name changes, or a variety of unknown non-parental events over hundreds of years. I guess the best way to understand FG#7 and all of the other Groups is just to get into the Project and the data and learn your way around. See my recent post to you in which I laid out how the Parker Project is structured, perhaps that will help. You have access to the results of your #5 and #16 males, I gather, so choose one (I recommend 16 because it is smaller and less diverse) and study the marker values for your male(s), compare them to the others in that Group, study the Parker Project site pages, and read up on haplos. Haplos will help you see the REALLY BIG picture, way beyond the minions who tended the noblemen's parks and came to be so called. Then, ask Dennis to help you get in email touch with the secure contacts in the other matches. Get e-acquainted with those people and learn what they know about their histories. That might be followed by e-conferences on various message boards like this one or Genealogy.com Parker forum. It makes the sharing much easier, as you know. When you see how #16 works and what you can do with the test results, you will know how each of the other Family Groups operate also, since they are all alike. There appear to be no organizational guidelines for Projects, so they do vary in structure from surname to surname.. Based on your research stories, you sound like a sterling candidate for a MT-DNA test with Family Finder. You may be interested in one of those Y and MT combos, although I do not know how those work. I understand that all are very helpful, well worth the investment. So, Google a site like Family Tree DNA, read up on their products and new tests, and, again, ask Dennis if he can get you a deal before you buy. He is a busy man, professor and all, but he is very kind. I hope this is useful. If I can do any more, let me know. Patricia Ross Parker, FG#7 Important Note: The author of this message may not be subscribed to this list. If you would like to reply to them, please click on the Message Board URL link above and respond on the board.