We are conducting a Kendall DNA Study. The study is open to all participants of the Kendall families and all variant names. The project is a Y-chromosome DNA surname study. The Y-chromosome only exists in males. It is passed on from fathers to sons virtually unchanged for generations. Therefore, to "directly" participate you must be (1) male; either (2) carry the Kendall surname or a variation of it or (3) descend directly in an unbroken paternal (male-to-male) line from a Kendall male. One other requirement we have is that you share your direct Kendall lineage. This makes interpretations easier if we can compare the DNA results with known/proven lineages. Ladies are extremely valuable to our study. Since they can not directly participate, they can represent their lineages "indirectly" by locating male relatives who fit the requirements, mentioned earlier, to participate in the DNA Study. They can sponsor or raise funds to help cover the cost of the male relative's testing. We researched several companies before we decided upon Relative Genetics. They are the business organization of The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation www.smgf.org. Relative Genetics gave us the most comprehensive test and services for the most economical price. It also allows us to compare our results with the database at SMGF. The recommended test is the Y-DNA 43 Lineage Establisher. The testing process is relatively (no pun intended) easy. There are no needles, no blood and no pain. The test kit (envelope) is mailed directly to the participant or representative. It contains a consent form, instructions, three cotton swaps, specimen envelope and a return envelope. Simply read the instructions, vigorously swab the inside of your cheek, place the swabs into the specimen envelope, place the specimen envelope inside the return envelope and mail it. The study is as private and confidential as the person being tested wants it to be. We code the names of the participants and only list their earliest known ancestor. You can not see the individual results unless you are accepted as a member of the DNA study. The DNA that is being tested does not contain any medical information and will only be used for genealogical research. We are working on a website to post our "findings" and other Kendall information, but we want to emphasize that you have control of what information you want released. We hope this has been informative and you will consider joining our study. We are looking for direct participants and indirect representatives. If you are interested in the DNA study or the testing process, would like to learn or have any questions or concerns, please contact me at [email protected] You may also visit Relative Genetics (www.relativegenetics.com). Thanks Scott Kendall