Book explores DNA's role in genealogy

By James M. Beidler

Perhaps it's fitting that the kickoff column of 2005 concerns a book about a cutting-edge subject -- the use of DNA in genealogy.

Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and Ann Turner have written "Trace Your Roots with DNA: Using Genetic Tests to Explore Your Family Tree" (Rodale, 272 pages, $14.95).

Smolenyak and Turner call this intersection of genetics and genealogy by the new term "genetealogy" (pronounced ge-neh-tee-ol-o-gee).

"Trace Your Roots with DNA" makes what can be a complicated dose of science into simple and example-filled reading.

In actuality, the book is appropriate for both genealogical beginners -- the primer chapter of family history basics is as clear as the other parts of the book -- as well as those who merely want to get up to speed with the impact of DNA on genealogy.

The authors go over the ever expanding scope of questions that can be answered by Y chromosome testing -- which looks at the DNA in the chromosome that is only passed from father to son.

These are sometimes called "surname studies" since they usually are comparing people with the same surname to determine if there is a genetic link, but "Trace Your Roots" also details how this testing can also crack the cases of people who have changed surnames.

The other major type of genealogical DNA testing -- involving the mitochondrial DNA or mtDNA that is received by everyone from their mothers but then only passed on by females -- also takes up a chapter in the book. A distinctive feature of mtDNA is its endurance; it can often be taken from remains or hair of the deceased.

A major portion of the book is devoted to information on how to join an existing DNA study or begin a new one. Joining up can be as easy as taking a swap of some cheek cells to provide (painlessly) the necessary DNA.

The authors also have a comprehensive glossary and devote an appendix to companies that currently offer genealogy DNA testing.

Smolenyak and Turner also take a stab at predicting the future of genetealogy, which they believe is right at the "tipping point" toward huge expansion.

Among the things that they stress is the fact that the types of DNA used in genealogical testing are not those that might be used by health insurers to discriminate against those with genetically based diseases.

The book is available from major booksellers and also directly through one of Smolenyak's Web sites, www.genetealogy.com

MAIDEN-NAME STAR-TER: Internet reader Valerie Gehr of Mohnton, Berks County, has a common-sense tip for ideas on a female ancestor's maiden name.

Gehr was looking at the 1880 U.S. Census index at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' FamilySearch (at the URL, www.familysearch.org and took advantage of clicking on the "previous household" and "next household" tabs a few times each.

"Maybe the in-laws are next door or elsewhere in the neighborhood," Gehr said. "At least it may give you a few last names to put with the wife's name to look up."
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Reprinted here with permission from James Beidler.
James Beidler is a freelance writer and lecturer on genealogy. Contact him either at Box 270, Lebanon, PA 17042 or by e-mail to james@beidler.us.