Blair DNA Project
From ISOGG Wiki
 Blair of Blair | |
| Administrator | |
|---|---|
|
John A. Blair | |
|
| |
| Website | |
| Blair DNA Project | |
| Additional Project Information | |
| DNA type(s) used | Y-DNA |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Project size | 170+ |
| Surname variations | Blair, Blaier, Blaire, Blare, Blaer, Blear, Bleare, Blayr, Bleer |
| Geographic areas | Worldwide |
| Predominant haplogroup | R1b1b2 |
| Requirements | Must have male Blair bloodline; must submit a pedigree chart; must allow kit number, test results, and oldest known Blair ancestor to be posted on the Blair DNA website |
The Blair DNA Project was established on June 29, 2002. On July 1 I placed an order for the first 5 kits with Family Tree DNA. I got kit 3947 and the Blair DNA Project became the 49th surname project with FTDNA. By the end of July we had 17 participants and by the end of the year we had 43 participant. We now have over 170 participants.
Contents
The Blair Surname
The BLAIR surname, unlike many others, has a fairly well established origin. Although there is some question as to who was the "First Blair", it is generally accepted that he was an heir of Jean Francois, a Norman, granted Barony of Blare by King William, between 1165 and 1200.
There were two principal Blair families in Scotland; the Blairs of Blair in Ayrshire and the Blairs of Balthyock in Fife and Perthshire. The ancestor of the Blairs of Blair in Ayrshire was William de Blair, who was mentioned in a contract dated 1205. William is believed to be the son or grandson of Jean Francois. The ancestor of the Blairs of Balthyock was Alexander de Blair, who received a charter of lands about 1214. There are some who believe that Alexander is a direct descendant of Jean Francois, either a brother or nephew of William de Blair (Blairs of Blair in Ayrshire). Others believe that these families were not related.
These may have been the "Original" Blairs but the Blair name was adopted by many others with no blood connection throughout history. Every Blair that adopted the name started a new line.
The Blair DNA Project
The Blair DNA project is a Y-DNA STR Project, meaning we test the Y-chromosome which is passed from father to son. See DNA 101: Y-Chromosome Testing for a layman's explanation of DNA and the Y-chromosome and how they apply to genealogy.
The project is open to any male who descends from a direct Blair bloodline. You don’t need to have a Blair surname, just the bloodline. Although most of the participants have the Blair surname we do have three that do not have the Blair surname. In one case the Blair ancestor was adopted by another family, in the second case the Blair ancestor was born out of wedlock and took his mother’s last name, and in the third case the Blair ancestor took his wife’s name and inherited her title.
Females who wish to participate must find a MALE Blair donor to provide the DNA sample.
Goals and Objectives of the Blair DNA Project
The goal of the Blair DNA Project is to further the genealogical research of the Blair surname.
The objectives of the Project are to determine:
- how the different Blair family lines are related
- if the Blairs from Ireland are connected to the Blairs from Scotland
- which Blair researchers should be collaborating
- if suspected or suspicious pedigrees are supported or refuted
Blair DNA Project Requirements
- Individual who submits the DNA sample must be a MALE with the BLAIR bloodline.
- Participant must submit a pedigree chart.
- They must also allow their kit number, test results, and oldest known Blair ancestor to be posted on the Blair DNA website.
- I promise not give out any other information without the participant’s written permission.
- All participants (especially those with matches) are strongly encouraged to fill out and sign an Information Release Form, allowing me to publish their name, email address and pedigree chart (minus living information). If they don’t want their name and email address published I will act as the contact and direct specific member queries to them.
How to Join the Blair DNA Project
To participate in the Blair DNA Project:
- First go to http://blairdna.com/application.html and complete the application. When you're done, click on the submit button.
- Then go to http://blairdna.com/pedigree.html and fill in the pedigree chart. When you're done, click on the submit button.
Each of the forms will be automatically be sent to me when you click "submit".
I will send the application information to FTDNA and they will send you the DNA Kit and the bill. It takes about 10 days. Follow the instruction sent with kit, take your DNA samples, and return the samples and payment to FTDNA. That's it.
Papers, Articles and Presentations
- Recruiting Participants Tips for running a successful DNA project and recruiting participants.
- When Conventional Research Dead-Ends Article written for the Summer 2004, Blair Family Magazine
- Blair of Ladymuir, DNA Testing Provides New Insight Article written for the Spring 2006, Blair Family Magazine
- Interpreting Test Results Presentation I gave at a Guild of One-Name Studies DNA Seminar in Cheltenham, UK on February 20, 2010