Maxwell Surname DNA Project

Welcome

Thanks for visiting the Maxwell DNA Study site

Your interest in this DNA project is greatly appreciated. We hope this information will give you a better understanding of how the use of DNA samples can contribute to more accurate genealogical research. Our aim is to avoid the technical language as much as possible, but still give you a true insight into the process and answer your questions and concerns.

Our study is based on the Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is passed unchanged from father to son , generation after generation (ie a son can only get the Y chromosomal genes from the father...mutations only occur very rarely ie. every 40 generations or so).

These scientific techniques are now readily available to the lay public. Genealogists have coined the new term ,"genetic genealogy," to define these new and exciting scientific applications to genealogy. These techniques allow distant cousins, both proven and unproven, to compare genes and define a common ancestor! Depending on how sophisticated a test is used, one can predict a most recent common ancestor (MRCA) to within 3-7 generations. Therefore those of us stuck at a "brick wall" genealogically may be able to identify other common lines and therefore focus our research on a "closely related line" as a "back door" around the "brick wall."

We chose a dozen or so samples as our core group (i.e., probable "common families" based on traditional genealogy). It takes about 7 weeks to obtain the results! We hope there will be some "surprise results" which will help us focus on specific closely related lines previously unknown, thus opening a "back- door" connection to common lines in Ireland/Scotland!

For several months, male MAXWELL descendants have been mailing their DNA samples to Houston, Texas. As the results come back, they are posted on this website at Page 3. HERE YOU WILL SEE actual Y chromosome markers alongside the donor's earliest four generations of Maxwells. The donors' names are confidential.

For more technical aspects to this type study, you may visit our Technical Information Page. You may also have further questions on your mind that are already answered in our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).

And finally, if you feel that you would like to participate in the Maxwell DNA Study, view the DNA Kit Information page. You can click on "Contact Us!" to send an email to the project administrators.