Thirteen Generations of a Smith Family: Smith DNA Project

Popularized in recent years by its use in high-profile criminal investigations and paternity cases, DNA, deoxyribonucleic acid, is most commonly used to prove a relationship to an individual. New tests created in recent years, however, have also turned DNA into a popular tool for determining ancestry. As DNA is passed down from one generation to the next, some parts remain almost unchanged, while other parts change greatly. This creates an unbreakable link between generations and it can be of great help in reconstructing our family histories.

While it can't provide an entire family tree or tell you who your ancestors are, DNA testing can:

Determine if two people are related
Determine if two people descend from the same ancestor
Find out if you are related to others with the same surname
Prove or disprove your family tree research
Provide clues about your ethnic origin

In 2007, Aden Smith, a direct descendent of Samuel Smith, participated in DNA testing through the Smith-Northeastern Surname DNA Project. The goal of this project is to create a database of male Smith descendents and determine which lines descend from a common ancestor. The testing can determine that there is a common ancestor but cannot determine which ancestor that is. The common ancestor can be further narrowed down by testing additional people and/or additional markers. In addition, the DNA project has participants provide a family tree which can further help narrow down the identity of the common ancestor. In this case Aden's family tree was especially valuable because it documented a direct ancestral line up to Samuel Smith.

For those who are interested in a more detailed explanation of DNA Genealogy Testing this link provides some excellent resources and articles.