DNA Project

"Genealogy has evolved tremendously in the last few decades. What was once the laborious reading through old Court House records (and other documents) became (in some cases) the reading of clean, published books. Beyond that, micro-fische became the preferred method of reading old records, as they could be reproduced and made available in multiple locations. However, nothing has had a greater impact on the efficiency of genealogy research as the new-fangled internet.


We can now view records, post questions, and review past conversations with the click of a wireless mouse. But that having been said, there may be even one greater advancement for family researchers than even the internet.

I'm talking about Genetic Genealogy, or DNA testing. In just the last few years, DNA testing has become an absolute main-stay for serious researchers. No amount of Archive or Library research can match the dead on certainty of a DNA match between DNA participants. As such, ANY serious family researcher will include this tool in their arsenal for breaking down brick walls and confirming family connections.

To some, DNA research may seem confusing, as the science involved is very technical. But in reality, the process is exceedingly simple. Fathers pass along their personal male DNA to their sons, and mothers pass along their female DNA to all children (although only daughters pass this along to the next generation). Mutations occur over several generations, which allow scientist to predict how closely two individuals are related.

So, anyone can be tested for their DIRECT maternal DNA (mother's mother's mother's mother, etc.) Only males can be tested for paternal DNA (father's father's father's, father, etc.). Because surnames are typically passed along from father to children, and because sons typically maintain the surname of their father, male DNA is usually passed from generation to generation along with the last name.

As such, we can use DNA testing to see if two men with the same last name share a direct male Common Ancestor. I am very pleased to announce the creation of the Dobbs DNA Project to absolutely prove the relatedness of each and every Dobbs family in the world. All we need are willing participants from each family.

Many researchers have spent years trying to prove whether or not they are related to another Dobbs family. With the right male descendants, this can be confirmed or refuted with a simple and painless test (no blood). The test results are irrefutable.

In America, we have long standing traditions of Dobbs connections back to Europe. These traditions were made back in the days when genealogy was far less exact than modern research allows. We need a broad spectrum of Dobbs DNA participants to sort out which families are related to which. Hence, the Dobbs DNA Project was just started this past week.

If ANYBODY knows a man still carrying the Dobbs name, then I'd like to talk to you to see if your line needs to be included in our study. If ANYBODY has any questions or concerns about the DNA testing process or ramifications, I'd love to address these privately or publicly.

Genetic Genealogy is the solution to many historic brick walls. I could site hundreds of examples, but I don't wish to become more tedious than I've already been. Suffice to say, no modern family researcher can say they've exhausted all resources until they've taken advantage of DNA testing.

Please contact me directly with any questions, especially if you know a living male Dobbs.



Stan Bevers scbevers@comcast.net