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Davenport DNA project

From ISOGG Wiki

Davenport DNA project
Administrator
Bill Davenport
Additional Project Information
DNA type(s) used Y-DNA
Founded 2003
Project size Over 290 as of March 2015
Surname variations Davenport, Devenport
Geographic areas Worldwide

The Davenport Surname DNA project was established in January, 2003, to create a database of DNA profiles of male Davenport descendants to aid in genealogical research. DNA analysis can assist in supporting or refuting the premise that two or more participants descend from a common ancestor. By using a simple DNA test we hope to determine possible relationships between the various Davenport lines around the world.

Project Goals

We hope to achieve the following goals:

  • To determine possible relationships between the known Davenport lines in the United States, and try to discover how or if they are connected to Davenports in England or other regions of the world.
  • To determine possible relationships between other Davenport lines of British descent (including those in the British Isles and other countries).
  • To assist Davenports not sure of their lineage and to determine which of these broad groups they might fit into.

DNA Test Used By This Project

There are many types of tests used in genetic genealogy. The Davenport DNA Project is a surname project and utilizes the DNA on the Y-chromosome. This Y-DNA is passed down from father to son, generation after generation, virtually unchanged. So the Y-DNA of a Davenport male living today should be nearly identical to his male ancestor many generations ago. Thus, by comparing two individuals, we can determine if they have a common ancestor. It works very well.

Occasionally, there is a mutation in the DNA. The value on a marker has changed and may no longer match other members of that line. These mutations are neither good nor bad. They are just rare random changes in the Y-DNA. However, they can help in genealogy since once a mutation occurs, it is passed on to all future generations of male Davenports. If we find two individuals in the same line with the same mutation, then the odds are good they are a little closer related to each other than to the others.

The Davenport Surname DNA Project uses Family Tree DNA as our testing company. Davenport test results from other companies is always welcome. The test is a simple, painless, bloodless swab of the inside of the cheek with a "mini-toothbrush".

See also