When memories fail and the paper trail runs cold, where do we turn to determine
more information on our Curtis forefathers? It could be DNA. DNA's power
to identify individuals, free the innocent, pin down paternity, screen for
diseases, and type tissues for transplant has become an important tool for
genealogists. And your Curtis/Curtiss Society, in conjunction with Family
Tree DNA and its contractor, the University of Arizona, is kicking off its
Curtis Family database to assist any/all interested in identifying common
ancestors with others who submit their DNA samples for analysis and
comparison.
How does it work? The total process is described in detail at the web site:
familytreedna.com. Briefly, DNA
Y Chromosome samples of male Curtises are taken by gently scraping tissue
from the inside of the cheek which is submitted for comparative analysis
in containers provided to Family Tree DNA. The analyses are performed and
the submitter and those who match in the existing Curtis/Curtiss database
now and in the future, are advised of the match. Also, based on the degree
of the match, they are advised of their having a Most Recent Common Ancestor
(MRCA) within a certain number of generations. For example, on a 12-marker
sample (which is recommended for the initial test) if 12 of 12 markers match,
there is a 50% probability that the MCRA is within 15 generations, and a
90 % probability that the MCRA is within 36 generations. Mismatches of less
than 11/12 matches are considered a " non match "for genealogy purposes.
Those matching 11 or 12 would probably wish to increase the comparative analysis
to 25 markers to better define the number of generations within which the
MRCA occurred. Much more information is provided and most of your questions
are answered on the web site familytreedna.com.
The Curtis/Curtiss Society has a Curtis/Curtis Group Administrator, Dick
Curtis, who will coordinate with Family Tree DNA and manage the database
located there. Dick's email address is recusnret@aol.com. and his
phone number is 619-421-6802. If after viewing the information on the
familytreedna.com web site you want any further information about what is
envisioned for the database, contact Dick. Dick is a retired Navy officer
who lives in Bonita, Ca. We hope to have all major Curtis family lines eventually
in the Curtis/Curtiss Data Base to assist future researchers locate their
Curtis/Curtiss family roots. Male Curtis family members may order there sample
kit directly and get the low group rates cited below at the following link
and code. :
http://www.familytreedna.com/surname_join.asp?code=E32975
Special family group rates are $99.00 for the 12 marker test and an additional
$90.00 for expanding the comparative analysis to 25 markers.
Those desiring to participate may order their sampling kit at the above link
or, if they want more information, , contact the web site
familytreedna.com
.After reading the pertinent information provided there, key in on the Curtis
family and ask for the application form and sample kit OR call Family Tree
DNA at 713-828-4200 and follow their instructions. Make sure they know you
are part of the Curtis/Curtiss Family Group to obtain the above special low
rates.
Let's hope DNA will give you the breakthrough you need in finding your
Curtis'Curtiss Family roots! |
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