Mailing List:2001-01-29 11, Re: DNA Evidence of Descent???, by Jo Hogle

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Mailing List Archives > 2001-01-29 11, Re: DNA Evidence of Descent???, by Jo Hogle

From: "AT&T" <jhogle -at- mn.mediaone.net> Subject: Re: [WHITNEY-L] DNA Evidence of Descent??? Date: Mon, 29 Jan 2001 11:14:05 -0600 References: <[email protected]> <[email protected]> I agree with John Fischer regarding the value of assisting with DNA research. Yes they can go back many generations. I believe (but I am not positive) that although they could not prove the descent of all of us from John and Elinor (or Henry or whomever), without a sample of their DNA, they can find a genetic link that would link us all together, and with the genealogy research to back up the proof, it would be fairly indisputable. This type of research was done in England a couple of years ago. However they did have a bone sample apparently. No, we don't need this evidence for our genealogy. But, as John mentioned, DNA and genetic research such as this is truly still in the infant stages, and a large group such as we have (including our extended families) would give a researcher an incredible database for such study. So it would be done for science rather than our genealogical needs. Someone mentioned skeletons in the closet. Most assuredly they are there, and that is a risk we would be taking. We would all have to ask ourselves what happens if we discover that our firm link is very shaky due to some apparent infidelity 8 or 9 generations back. I know what my personal response would be to that, and it would not change my own personal view on being a Whitney. I firmly believe that blood is not always thicker than water. Someone raised as a Whitney by a Whitney IS a Whitney, or whatever the surname may be. Yes, some will argue this, but I have my reasons for this viewpoint. It may not be absolute genealogy, but family is more important than blood in my book. Okay - that went off on a tangent. Anyway, my former husband is a biochemist and researcher at Harvard. he doesn't work with DNA, but I would bet he can point us in the right direction to someone who does. I will send him a note and ask his opinion on this. Just for the halibut! Jo Hogle

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