BUMPUS SURNAME DNA PROJECT

Group Administrator: Barbara Good - Email: BWGood@aol.com

Project Background

The BUMPUS Surname DNA Project was established to create a growing databank of DNA profiles of male BUMPUS/BUMPAS (& VARIANT SPELLINGS) 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.

Our initial objective was to determine if the descendants of Edouad Bumpus of Plymouth, MA and Robert Bumpass of Tar River, Caswell Co. NC were descended from a common ancestor. To meet this objective, we tested two known descendants of each of these two ancestors, along with one descendant of William Bumpass of Hanover Co. VA, two descendants of William Bumpus of Bedford & Campbell Co’s. VA, and one descendant of a Bumpus family in Ohio whose oldest known ancestor had been born in NY. The results of this initial testing are posted below.

Other males who wish to participate in the project are welcome to join. If you have an unsolved roadblock in your Bumpus genealogy, DNA testing can provide an additional tool to aid in focusing your research if you match with another participant in the project.

The lab tests the y-chromosome which is passed down through an unbroken male lineage (father to son to son, etc.), so you must be a male with the Bumpus or variant spelling surname to participate. In order for a female to determine her paternal ancestry, she must use the y-chromosome of a male on her father's side - her brother, father, father's brother, grandfather, etc.

The following Y-chromosome DNA tests are available. Please see the FTDNA web site for availability of other types of DNA testing.

Y-DNA12 (12 marker test for $99)
Y-DNA25 (25 marker test for $124)
Y-DNA37 (37 marker test for $149)
Y-DNA67 (67 marker test for $248)

The 12 marker test is best at ruling out relatedness with another participant. The 37 marker test is more refined. And FTDNA is now offering the 67 marker test. Whichever you choose now can always be upgraded later for an additional fee as shown below:

Y-DNA12to25 for $49
Y-DNA12to37 for $99
Y-DNA12to67 for $189
Y-DNA37to67 for $99
Y-DNA25to37 for $49
Y-DNA25to67 for $148


DNA collection kits, which involve a painless swabbing of inside the cheek, will be sent to participants directly from the lab. Your payment is remitted to the lab with the completed kit.

To join the Bumpus Surname DNA Project click on the Join link at the left side of this page.