DNA is a valuable tool to expand our genealogies. I want to pass on some information that I've learned about using DNA for genealogy to others who may not spend the time I have researching this. You joined this list to obtain information from others doing genealogy. Imagine if you were the only person on the list. Recall the thrill when someone joins the list and posts information you need or when you joined and found someone else had already posted information valuable to you, what if they, or you, had never joined the list. It is the same way with the DNA studies, it only works when we all join in and share the information we have. X and Y Chromosome DNA are just two more records we can use to establish our genealogies. If you haven't already, obtain your families DNA pattern today. Compare it against others with your surname and the growing world DNA database. If you have tested, but only the minimal number of DNA markers, you need to add more markers to achieve your objective. Here are some testimonies from others who have found success expanding their genealogies using DNA analysis. The following was posted on GENEALOGY-DNA-L@rootsweb.com. September 24, 2004 10:14:53 AM PDT In my COLE surname project there was another COLE family in SC and AL close to my family, and we have a lot of data suggesting that the two COLE families are related. I had two descendants (Charles and Herbert) of the other COLE family who were tested. When I got the 12 marker results of the Charles, I was extremely disappointed because we were a genetic distance of four from each other on the 12 marker test, clearly indicating (I thought) that it was highly unlikely that we shared a common ancestor. I was heartened when Charles' 25 marker test results came in with a perfect match on the new 13 markers. When Charles' Cousin's 12 marker results came in he was a distance of 3 from me. Again when he got his 25 marker results, the new 13 markers were a perfect match. I got my first Cousin, Minyard, to be tested. His 25 marker results were a distance of one from me; his distance from Herbert was 2, and his distance from Charles was 2. I got another Cousin (third, once removed), Larry, tested. His 25 marker test was a distance of two from me and 1 from Minyard. He was one from Herbert and 2 from Charles. My conclusion was that entire group had a common ancestor. Lessons: 1) Don't jump to a no relation conclusion even if there is a significant distance on 12 markers; 2) 25 marker test is crtitical to assessing possible relationship in some situations; 3) Get a larger sample from different lines to try to fill in connections. Jerry Cole My only interest and gain in encouraging you to join us in the DNA studies is to locate unknown cousins and break through the genealogical brick wall, for myself and all my other cousins conducting genealogical searches, maybe that includes you. John Carr