THE SMITHSON DNA PROJECT

THANKS TO THE DNA TESTERS!
AUTOSOMAL DNA (ANCESTRY AND FAMILY TREE DNA) TESTING HAS CONFIRMED MATCHING DNA SIGNATURES IN FIVE OF THOMAS SMITHSON OF KINGSGROVE’S SIX MALE DESCENDANT LINES IN AUSTRALIA.
THE QUEST NOW MOVES BACK IN TIME. THE ASSISTANCE OF DESCENDANTS OF PETER SMITHSON OF BRAMLEY AND RICHARD SMITHSON OF WEARDLEY, ENGLAND, IS NEEDED.

DNA genealogical testing has proved useful in linking families to their common ancestor where written records were not produced or have not survived. DNA tests are needed to link other Smithson families to our Smithsons from Weardley.

DNA testing has also been used to explore the deep ancestry of families – long before surnames evolved. More recently, the gap between ancient ancestry and document-based genealogy has narrowed with advances in DNA testing. In the case of the Smithsons of Weardley, DNA testing has revealed that an ancestor living around the 8th century AD gave rise to several descendant lines that spread relatively rapidly through the British Isles in the 9th century, later reaching as far as Sweden. DNA testing is needed to further explore the ancient and medieval history of the Smithsons from Weardley.

DNA testing for genealogical research IS NOT concerned with providing medical information.

How does this work?

Each man inherits, intact from his father, the human y-chromosome, so William Smithson of Weardley’s DNA signature should be shared by all his male descendants. Mutations do occur within the Y-chromosome and significant mutations are passed on to males in subsequent generations. Thus, Smithson males not only carry an indication of their relatedness, they also carry a deep ancestral history in their DNA. Of course, there are events that may break the DNA link – the most obvious being illegitimacy and adoption. While events such as these frustrate the use of DNA analysis as a tool to establish relatedness, they have limited bearing on family history. It should be remembered that families are individuals held together by social bonds, not mere genetic signatures.

Where do I go to do it?

Remember: you can obtain help by using the contact button on this website.

The preferred Y chromosome DNA testing organisation is FamilyTree DNA, a leader in genealogical testing, at https://www.familytreedna.com – the Y-67 is the recommended test, while the BigY-700 is the premium and most informative test.

It is suggested that testers join the Smithson project at FamilyTree DNA. The Smithson DNA Project is administered by Christopher T. Smithson and results can be viewed at: https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/smithson