I'd have to ask what one would hope to prove even if you were successful in getting permission, and obtaining something that could be tested for DNA (how, for example, could you ever be sure of even locating the correct grave?). I'm no expert in DNA, but as I understand it, a close "match" merely proves that the two people whose DNA are being compared descended from a common (ancient) ancestor. If that is so, and even if you got a close match, then I'd think all you would prove is that Mylles Cary was descended from the same man as your other sample; it would not prove that Mylles Cary was your ancestor. Can someone with more expertise comment on this? I really think too much is being made of DNA. The age old question for genealogists is really a two-parter: 1) where did I come from, and how did I get here? DNA offers hope to answer the first part of the question, but doesn't do a thing to answer the second. Or am I wrong? Lou Poole To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html