Y-DNA is passed on through male descendents.
Several years ago, a DNA study
was done which verified that William Preston "Wild Bill" Longley was
hanged and buried in Giddings Texas. This was done by testing DNA
from the supposed remains of Bill Longley and comparing them to a male
descendent of Campbell Longley (Wild Bill's father). The result
was a perfect match indicating that the bones in the grave really did
belong to William Preston Longley.
A family member initiated further investigation by setting up a DNA study with FamilyTreeDNA. This study verified that the Texas Branch of Longleys and the Maryland Branch of Longleys have a 12-point match - meaning that the two branches are closely related. The Massachusetts branch has a single genetic mutation - indicating a common ancestor between the families.
If you'd like to join the LONGLEY DNA project, it costs about $100 per test. Because it's a Y-chromosome test, its only valid for direct male descendents.
Disclaimer from Ky; I haven't spent the money to join the project - just thought I'd let y'all know it was available.
To join the LONGLEY surname project at FamilyTreeDNA, go to www.familytreedna.com
Some articles on the Bill Longley DNA study are at:
UTA Online - DNA study proving Bill Longley's death
Bill Longley Article - History.net, reprinted from the Wild West Magazine
CBS News Article about Bill Longley's DNA study
A family member initiated further investigation by setting up a DNA study with FamilyTreeDNA. This study verified that the Texas Branch of Longleys and the Maryland Branch of Longleys have a 12-point match - meaning that the two branches are closely related. The Massachusetts branch has a single genetic mutation - indicating a common ancestor between the families.
If you'd like to join the LONGLEY DNA project, it costs about $100 per test. Because it's a Y-chromosome test, its only valid for direct male descendents.
Disclaimer from Ky; I haven't spent the money to join the project - just thought I'd let y'all know it was available.
To join the LONGLEY surname project at FamilyTreeDNA, go to www.familytreedna.com
Some articles on the Bill Longley DNA study are at:
UTA Online - DNA study proving Bill Longley's death
Bill Longley Article - History.net, reprinted from the Wild West Magazine
CBS News Article about Bill Longley's DNA study
