This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: LynnMPrice Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.powell/7038.1.1.1.2.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Thank you very much for your response. One of the challenges that I am having in tracing family history is the fact that although I am a descendent of POWELL, there are no living males that I know of with the surname of Powell. Many men within the family have died and did not have the same last name. Hence my question: does the last name matter? Is there any value in testing the available men in the family even though we know there surname is not POWELL? Since I am not a scientist and have a limited understanding about DNA testing - I wonder if it makes sense to test the men who are Powell descendants? (Four generations removed) I know that from a broad DNA perspective, there is an opportunity to connect but I wonder if it's really like throwing a needle into a haystack just based on the generational differences between the men. Another item that may impact the value of the testing is that we are African-Americans. Hence, the name Powell may not really be a true indicator of our lineage. LMP 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.