DNA testing to prove or disprove Arnett connections

Hello fellow Arnett/Arnott researchers

Recently I have become aware of the use of DNA testing to aid us in our genealogical research.Like many of you I have traced the paper trail for about as far as I can, but still don't have my Arnett/Arnott immigrant ancestor across the water.

DNA analysis may help us with these problems.

I have recently submitted a DNA sample to a company in Texas for analysis.There are two companies doing such testing for Genealogy.After looking at both I have decided to go with familytreedna.com.

I had my DNA tested against some others in a database (Arnold Family) to see if there is a genetic match.I did not match any of the 37 people with Arnold as a surname.This means that Arnett/Arnott is most likely a separate surname from Arnold.

I have now set up a separate group for Arnett, Arnott etc.with FamilyTreeDNA.com.

I am iinviting as many Arnetts/Arnotts as can to join our group and submit a DNA sample to this group.

The Y chromosome is passed from Father to son, pretty much intact.It takes something like 500 generations before the Y chromosome mutates enough to not be recognized.There are 37 DNA markers that are looked at to make these connections.These markers are on the Y chromosome they are passed only from father to son.Women don't have a Y chromosome, but two Xes.So if you are a woman you will need to enlist a male relative with the last name of Arnett to submit DNA to the study.You didn't get this Y chromosome from your dad.

The DNA test will tell us with certainty whether we have a common Arnett ancestor.

This is a bloodless test.Some tissue is brushed from the inside of his cheek and gums and sent to a lab.The test costs from $100 to $240 depending on the type of test ordered.The $100 test (12 genetic markers) will tell you if you are related.The 24 and 37 marker tests are no more accurate than the 12 marker test in determining whether you are related, but will make a more accurate prediction of how many generations back our common ancestor is.I sprung for the $240 (37 marker) test just because I have a feeling I'm going to get some positive hits and will eventually want to know with as much accuracy as possible how far back.I think this will be my ticket to figuring out what Arnett family we belong to in Scotland or England or whereever.

I particularly want to get some Arnetts/Arnotts from England, Scotland etc to join the group.If we have a positive DNA match with one of those families, we can search back in Europe until we find an Arnett that came to America.

To order a DNA test kit and join our Arnett/Arnott group to have your DNA tested against mine and others that are in the process of submitting go to:

www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=H16337&special=True

More information can be had at the DNA testing facility's web page:

www.familytreedna.com/

Email me if you have questions.The more of you that join, the more information we will all have.

Wayne Charles Arnett