This is a Message Board Post that is gatewayed to this mailing list. Author: debraanderson15 Surnames: Classification: queries Message Board URL: http://boards.rootsweb.com/surnames.wells/5154.1.1.1.1.1.1/mb.ashx Message Board Post: Hello Melinda. A DNA participant for the Wells Y-DNA Surname Project, would have to be Wells male. This is because the Y chromosome, which is what is being tested, is passed from father to son, not from father to daughter. If you would like to have your Wells family tested, then you would need to locate a living Wells male in your family. Perhaps there was a male descendant of your grandmother's brother? You would want to then locate this cousin and request that they participate in the DNA Wells Surname Project. Of course, you can always go back (up the tree) to find a documented Wells male, then follow that line down to a living male. I have done this many times, but the genealogy has to be documented; you have to be sure it is correct, other wise the DNA proves nothing. FamilyTreeDNA is currently running a great special on these test kits, so an incentive to start looking for your male cousins. They do run these specials every once in awhile, so if you are unable to locate a participant soon, don't give up. There are DNA projects for females, but not as helpful in our genealogical research. I am sure that Orin can help answer some of your questions as he is the Co-ordinator of the Wells DNA Surname Project. Debra 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.