Genealogy and DNA
The ability to verify a direct paternal line is now possible with DNA testing. Recent developments have made it possible to do testing at a fraction of the cost only five years ago. DNA carries our genetic information and passes it on from generation to generation. The Y chromosome is in the male line and the MtDNA is in the female line. These will have only small changes over thousand of years. If two men have nearly identical Y-chromosomes it would mean they share a common male ancestor.
The privacy issue: DNA does not contain any medical data or personal traits. It reveals nothing of the personal data of any individual. Since no personal information is revealed, some scientists have come to call it "junk DNA".
With a genealogy of a line and DNA testing, it is possible to connect to a specific ancestor, as well as the approximate number of years back to that ancestor. Many organizations are starting DNA projects. For instance, National Geographic & IBM have a study to use DNA tests to see where an individual "fits" in the human race, i.e., the place in human migration for the past thousands of years.
There are several basic DNA tests, which generally involve a cotton swab swipe on the inside of the cheek by an individual, who then mails the swab kit to a laboratory. The most common tests are the 12, 25, and 37 markers. Cost is about $100, $150, and $200 respectively. It appears the 25 markers are the most cost effective.
I would like to propose interested Crowleys join a surname project. If there is sufficient interest, this could be a significant break through for those researching their Crowley genealogy. This project would have an administrator to collect, interpret, and assist the participants. The Driscolls of West Cork have such a project. Details on this project can be seen at their website. There is also an excellent overview of DNA on this website. You can find it at: http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~colin/DriscollOfCork/DNA.htm
The above is a very brief overview. There is at least one group that we could join, a Crowley/Croley project, which would keep costs to a minimum. Anyone interested in participating (no commitment) in a Crowley DNA Surname project, please contact me at tcrow95798@aol.com or at:
Tom Crowley246 Wolcott Rd
Akron Ohio 44313
Phone: 330 864 3791
Tom Crowley
The Crowley Clan Newsletter is
compiled by Marian Crowley Chamberlain