Herbert, The key word in your email is 1998. At the time those tests were done most were using Y DNA to make determinations. Now with autosomal testing more can be determined when it comes to relationship distances. For example with 23andMe, they have predicted accurately relations between my mom and myself, my nephew and myself and at least 10 cousins and myself. Some cousins I didn't know about and some I knew, but I didn't know they had tested until they showed up as matches. My father is deceased. I can look at a graph of my mom's results and my results and tell which genes I inherited from my father. I even know what percentage of my genetic makeup I inherited from my father. Linda -----Original Message----- From: Herbert Barger Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:02 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [VA-ROOTS] Genealogy--DNA Recommendation: BE Careful I have been following the DNA questions with great interest. I was selected by Dr E.A. Foster to assist with the Jefferson-Hemings DNA Study of 1998 and wish to suggest a CAUTION. While the DNA can pinpoint a SURNAME, NOT GIVEN name, be very careful in assigning the findings to any one person. Dr Foster tested a KNOWN carrier of the Jefferson and Hemings DNA, as suggested by the Eston Hemings family because they had known their ancestor as having been descended from "A JEFFERSON UNCLE OR NEPHEW", NOT Thomas. That belief was Randolph Jefferson, much younger brother of Thomas who had sons also with the Jefferson DNA. I highly suggested that Dr Foster so notify Nature Journal, he REFUSED and worked closely with them to establish a FALSE headline, "Jefferson fathers slave's last child." The media blew it out of all proportions and Monticello compounded the FALSE headline. I know, I was there, so please be careful in assigning a definite name to your new found DNA. The test and other DNA material is on www.tjheritage.org and www.jeffersondnastudy.com. Herb Barger Founder, Thomas Jefferson Heritage Society -----Original Message----- From: Research and writing about Virginia genealogy and family history. [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of James Burnett Sent: Tuesday, February 28, 2012 10:24 AM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: [VA-ROOTS] Genealogy--DNA Recommendation First this may be a case of the blind leading the blind but....I am working on two lines with DNA from myself and my first cousin--Paternal line and maternal line since he is a male descendant of my mothers father. The two books that were recommended to me as a beginning are Trace Your Roots with DNA by Smolenyak and Turner 2004. DNA & Genealogy by Fitzpatrick and Yeiser 2005 You SHOULD subscribe to several of the e-mail list on DNA. Now let me quickly say you and I for the most part, even on the newbie DNA list, are floundering. The only way is read and start putting together the pieces you understand and build your knowledge base. My problem is so many of the people are interested in taking it back 5000 years and I, at present, am only interested in going back maybe 400 years. ON my maternal side we have a good match DNA wise but we have not connected on the paper side. The two are complimentary--can't do one without the other. On my paternal side we have a surprise--a NPE. Now a number of us are working to figure out who is the most likely participant from our NEW family. Remember--Don't ask the question if you can't stand the answer! On Tue, Feb 28, 2012 at 8:04 AM, Joanne Thorne <[log in to unmask]>wrote: > Can anyone recommend a book that would help? > Thank you. > -- Douglas Burnett Satellite Beach FL To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4837 - Release Date: 02/28/12 ----- No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1913 / Virus Database: 2114/4837 - Release Date: 02/28/12 To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-roots.html