Recently, I asked for indications of interest in using DNA for McCracken genealogy research. Based of the responses I received, I have established an McCracken DNA Project which seeks to identify and connect as many pre-1800 McCracken lines as possible, and to determine, whenever possible, their immigrant ancestors and their origins. I would urge you to participate in this project if you can. For more information please see: <http://www.familytreedna.com>, <http://www.ftdna.com/surname_det.asp?group=McCracken>, and <http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=U77720>. The lab work for this study will be done by FamilyTreeDNA in Houston, TX. They use the DNA on the Y-chromosome for these genealogical studies because it mutates at a fairly slow and predictable rate. Being on the Y-chromosome, Y-DNA is passed down from father to son, intact, for generation after generation but is not transmitted through female descendents. All male descendants of a distant ancestor will have an identical 11 or 12 out of 12 Y-DNA markers. This test is only for McCracken males with an uninterrupted line of descent from some earlier McCracken male. A more precise but somewhat more expensive 25 marker Y-DNA test is available. Both the 12 marker and the 25 marker tests are significantly discounted for participants in the McCracken DNA Project. (I bought the 25 marker test kit for my McCracken uncle.) Group prices are found at: <http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=U77720> The DNA sample is taken with a little toothbrush-like thing that is painlessly rubbed on the inside of your cheek for a minute. The little scrubber is then placed in a bottle with a little liquid. It and another sample taken the same way at least 8 hours later are mailed to the lab in Houston. Results come in about 6 weeks. All necessary components are included in the DNA kit. FamilyTreeDNA has a web site that explains in greater detail how the tests work, what the results mean, etc. Go to their site <http://www.familytreedna.com> and look up some of their surname studies. Please contact me if you have questions. DISCLAIMER: I have absolutely no financial or other interest in FamilyTreeDNA. -- Pat Oliver woliver@hiwaay.net