This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Surnames: TRAIL, TRAILL, TRALE, TRAYLE, etc. Classification: Query Message Board URL: http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/XeC.2ACI/1185 Message Board Post: A group of US Trail/l genealogists would like to initiate a DNA research project for the Traill / Trail (and all other spellings) surname worldwide. One purpose is to establish, so far as possible, the parentage of David Traill, Snr, who emigrated to Maryland from Scotland around 1700. This individual is the progenitor of many, perhaps most, of the US Trail/ls. He was long believed by many researchers to be a son of William Traill of Westness (Orkney) and Barbara Balfour, but this has been disputed in recent years. Males with the surname Trail/l can participate in the most important aspect of this portion of the DNA study, which will provide a genetic map of inheritance from factors linked to the Y chromosome, passed from father to son. FOR THE PURPOSE OF DETERMINING DAVID TRAILL'S PARENTAGE, WE ESPECIALLY NEED KNOWN DIRECT PATRILINEAL (MALE LINE) DESCENDANTS OF WILLIAM TRAILL OF WESTNESS (ORKNEY, LATE 17TH TO EARLY 18TH CENTURIES), AS WELL AS KNOWN DIRECT PATRILINEAL DESCENDANTS OF DAVID TRAILL OF DAVID'S INDUSTRY, PRINCE GEORGE'S PARISH, MARYLAND (EARLY 18TH CENTURY). For the wider purpose of mapping the family's inheritance and migration patterns as a whole, all males with the Trail/l surname are encouraged to participate in the study. Other aspects of genealogical inheritance can be mapped using mitochondrial DNA, which is passed through the female line, so all those for whom the mtDNA test is appropriate are also welcome to participate. It is expected that all participants will bear the cost of their own DNA testing, which is available at a discounted rate to those who join the study. Compared with the cost of research trips, fees for copies of documents such as birth certificates and wills, etc., the genetic testing is actually quite reasonable, starting at under $100 USD (about £60 GBP) for some tests at the discounted rate, for those in an established project. The recommended 25-marker Y-DNA Plus (male) test is $169 (about £100) at the discount rate. However, we invite enquiries even from those who do not want to invest this amount of money in DNA testing -- partial or full sponsorship may be available for individuals who meet certain criteria as the project progresses. At this point, we are seeking to identify Trail/l descendants who are interested in DNA research and may want to participate. A certain minimum number of participants is required in order to initiate a research project, and of course, the more people who participate, the more we can learn from the project. Please see the web site at http://www.FamilyTreeDNA.com to learn more about DNA testing for the purpose of genealogical research. You may also contact me if you have any questions about the proposed project. Please note that every individual's privacy is assured, the results will ONLY be used for the purpose of genealogical research, and participants have full rights of control over their genetic samples at all times. Many of the questions you may have about genealogical DNA testing may be answered at http://www.familytreedna.com/faq.html. Please email to me at s2b@earthlink.net if you think you may want to participate in the Trail/l DNA project, or if you have questions about it. Please include your full name and details of your connection, if any, to David Traill or William Traill of Westness and Barbara Balfour. Thanks and best regards, Cyndi