Category: DNA

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DNA Day!

Earlier this year I ordered a Mitochondrial DNA test for myself at FamilyTreeDNA.  To celebrate DNA Day, I am excited to share my results.  I am not too surprised by my results. I am haplogroup H.

According to Wikipedia, Haplogroup H is the most common mtDNA group in Europe, with almost 40% of the gene pool.  Haplogroup H originated in the Near and Middle East approximately 30,000 years ago.  The Haplogroup then moved into Europe about 25,000 years ago during the ice age.  So my female direct line ancestors are white Europeans.

The more exciting news is that I also had my autosomal DNA tested.  This test looks across all of my chromosomes and can be used to identify genetic cousins.  My test results include a list of almost 400 people in the FamilyTreeDNA database that share some of the same DNA.  My next step is to start contacting these matches and try to find a common ancestor.  So many possibilities to learn more about my family!

I am also joining the DNA special interest group (DIG) at my local genealogy society, Marin County Genealogical Society.  This is a group that meets monthly to share and learn about DNA.  I have just scratched the surface of the DNA world and am excited to learn more!

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DNA Away

My Christmas present to myself this year was a DNA test.  Not sexy to the average person but thrilling for a genealogist.  I did my research and decided to get a mtDNA test done with Family Tree DNA.  The test arrived this week and my DNA sample should reach Texas on Monday.  My results should be ready in approximately six weeks.

My DNA test kit
My DNA test kit

A mtDNA test looks at the women in your direct maternal line.  I am not expecting anything too mind-blowing.  I have researched my maternal line back to my g-g-g-g-grandmother, Jane Berry.  I am expecting to see the British Isles as the major DNA line.  I am keeping an open mind because anything is possible!

Sierra Excel File

The biggest reason I am doing this test is to see what exactly you get when you have a DNA test done.  It works out great for me that the Marin County Genealogical Society is hosting Katherine Hope Borges at the March meeting.  She will be presenting “I Have DNA Tested – Now What?”

If my DNA test goes well, I will be testing the DNA of my Mom’s cousin.  There is a family story of an illegitimate child forced onto a new bride in 1867.  The story continues that the mother of the illegitimate child was Jewish.  My mom’s cousin is a direct female descendant.  I am hoping that a mtDNA test for her will either prove or disprove the family story.

DNA away, just waiting to play!