Join Us!    Member Login

 

 

 DNA Project  |  Information  |  Test Results

The Townsend Surname DNA Project

The Townsend Society of America launched this DNA Y chromosome testing and analysis project in 2002 when DNA testing became a cost effective new tool to use in genealogical research. Townsend  participants from around the world with any spelling of the surname are welcome.

 
Objectives 

The objectives of the Townsend Surname DNA Project are to:

  • Identify Townsends by family group

  • Prove or disprove theories regarding ancestry

  • Resolve brick walls in Townsend research

  • Validate existing research

  • Determine areas for further research

  • Link to Townsends in England and other countries

Targeted Townsends  

The target group includes all Townsends/Townshends (and any other related surname spelling) around the world. The Society’s membership of 550 includes 150 Townsend surnamed persons, however the group of potential participants is much larger with the addition of Townsend surnamed relatives of members.  As the number of participants who have completed the DNA analysis has grown, several Townsend groups, with their beginnings in various parts of the US, some with overseas members and links back to England have emerged. 

 

Townsends from the US, England, Canada, and Australia are already participating in the project and persons from New Zealand, and South Africa are actively sought.

 

The Process  

The Y chromosome is passed from father to son unchanged, except for random  mutations.  Testing the Y chromosome will provide test participants with a genetic "fingerprint" consisting of 25, 37, 67 or more markers.  By comparing this "fingerprint" to others with the Townsend and other surnames, one can determine if they are related. 

 

As the database of the test results continues to build (currently over 100) the findings are yielding further understanding of the Y chromosome makeup of a number of Townsend family groups, allowing the project to draw conclusions about common ancestors and descendancy lines.

 

Steps will be taken to protect the privacy and anonymity of persons tested, if they wish. but keep in might that the use of DNA testing as a tool in genealogical research suggests that sharing and comparing  of test results is important. The Y chromosome test data shown in  test results section of this website shows the kit #, first name of person tested, TSA membership number and earliest known ancestor.

 

Available Tests

The TOWNSEND Surname Project currently recommends the 25 marker test at a minimum, but choice of test is up to each participant.  Click on the test name to go directly to an application form on line at www.FamilyTreeDNA.com at the group rate.

 

Y-DNA37 - 37 Marker Test: tests the Y chromosome for genetic matches between males. Results are placed in FTDNA's Y-DNA database and when 2 people show the same identical or near identical results, they will inform both parties if both have signed the FTDNA Release Form. A perfect match of 37 markers means that the two individuals matching shared a common ancestor in recent times. The customer receives a Certificate & a Report generally describing Y-DNA sequencing and the meaning of probability between matches.  TOWNSEND Group rate $189 plus $2 postage  Order now

 

Y-DNAPlus 25 Marker Test: same as above but fewer markers are tested. TOWNSEND Group rate $148 plus $2 postage  Order now

 

Y-DNA67 - 67 Marker Test: same as above but the highest resolution Y-DNA test in the world.  A perfect match of 67 markers means a very tight connection: a common ancestor in very recent times. TOWNSEND Group rate $269 plus $2 postage  Order now


Y-DNA 12 Marker Test: same as above but the least number of markers that can be tested. This test is not recommended as to many matches might result to be meaningful. TOWNSEND Group rate $99 plus $2 postage  Order now


Y-DNA Refine: This refinement of the 12 marker Y-DNA test dramatically reduces the time (in generations) to the Most Recent Common Ancestor. Y-DNARefine adds 13 additional markers to your previous results without the need for you to provide an additional sample. Therefore it can't be ordered as a stand-alone test without you having previously ordered the Y-DNA test.

 

Financial contributions are welcome and necessary to help fund this study. While most participants can and do pay for their own tests some persons need some financial assistance in order to participate.  Tax deductible contributions (the Townsend Society of America is classified by the IRS as a US 501 C 3 charitable organization) maybe sent to the Society at 225 Townsend Square, Oyster Bay, New York 11771.

 

Some Questions and Answers  

  1. How much does Y chromosome 25 marker analysis cost? A 25 marker test costs $148 plus $2 postage.

  2. How is the DNA sample obtained? DNA can be obtained from any cell, but one of the easiest samples is obtained by swabbing the inside of the cheek with a sterile cotton swab.

  3. Why do we analyze the Y chromosome? The Y chromosome is the only chromosome passed unchanged from father to son, and therefore indicates the paternal line of descent. All males in a patriarchal line have the same Y chromosome. The Y chromosome is not present in females.

  4. What is analyzed? We look at specific parts of the Y chromosome to obtain a “signature”. Two or more males whose Y chromosome signatures match come from the same paternal line of descent. Those whose signatures do not match are from different lines.

  5. Exactly what does a Y chromosome match demonstrate? A Y chromosome match shows that two males have a common male ancestor. This ancestor could be their father, or it could be a male from a thousand years ago.

  6. Can we analyze female descent? Yes, but not in the same way. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from the mother but, unlike the Y chromosome, it is passed to both male and female children. Mitochondrial DNA from either sex can be analyzed to see if two people have a common female ancestor. The present project will not analyze Mitochondrial DNA. 

  7. If no Y chromosome match is found, what does that show? It demonstrates to a very high degree of probability that the two males analyzed do not share a male ancestor. Although this is true for the two individuals tested, it may not be true for the family groups of the individuals who were tested, because there are a number of sources of “non-paternal events”.

  8. Does a Y chromosome match prove this relationship? Although no evidence is ever absolutely certain, the confidence level for such a match is very high. Typically, there is less than one chance in a million or more that the demonstrated relationship is in error.  

  9. Couldn’t it be embarrassing if an individual’s Y chromosome does not match when it should? Yes, and for this reason no individual volunteer’s Y chromosome analysis will ever be revealed by the project except by a participant code. The individual volunteer will receive a confidential personal report. Names of volunteers will not be published or released in any way. No one will know the names of participants except the project director unless the participant chooses to release this information.

  10. Do Y chromosome analyses sometimes match, but not at every point? Yes. Over a period of many years, a small number of mutations can be counted on to appear, so there may be one or more points where the Y chromosome analysis does not match exactly.

  11. Is this surname DNA study something new?  No, a number of surname groups have similar projects underway.  Many of these have website with results, project progress and substantial information.

  12. Where can I see more information?  The website  http://www.mumma.org/DNA.htm is a good example of an advanced surname project with a large number of test results. There are many surname DNA website from simple new projects to more advanced ones.

 

Feel free to contact the Townsend Surname Project administrator at DNAProjectDirector@TownsendSociety.org

 

Last update: May 15, 2007

Issues Or Problems With This Web Site? Contact:  DNAProjectDirector@townsendsociety.org 

 This Entire Web Site Copyright © 2002 Townsend Society of America