CORRELL DNA PROJECT- Background

Background

Traditionally there have been just two ways for a family historian /genealogist to gather data: word of mouth, or some form of written or graphic information. Now we have a third way of connecting people “genetic genealogy”. It does not replace either of the original methods, it just adds another powerful tool to our ability to expand family knowledge.

During the last twenty years there has been a huge advance in the power of genetic science. As a result of these new discoveries a small group of special laboratories have been created solely to allow the extension of family trees.

Primarily they compare the Y-Chromosomes [DNA] of living males of a given surname (or some form of that name) to determine the probability of these men having a common male ancestor somewhere in the past. (There is another system (mtDNA) which usually follows the female line, but that is beyond our research goals.)

In July of 2002 the CORRELL DNA Genealogy Project was started.

In addition to the family groups we have identified who have the same “haplotype” there are many other Correll families in America of various spellings. Some of these other families are also well documented, but to date, there has been no way to determine if they are, if fact, parts of the same larger family. And beyond the United States there are many Correll families. There are about 2000 nuclear families [husband, wife & children] families in the USA who spell the name with “rr”, and hundreds in Germany when both the “one r” & “2 r” families are counted. Some of these German families also have rather complete family histories. We know of families in Scandinavia, Ireland, England, Australia, Canada - - - plus folks with the other name spelling variations. Most of these families know little of their origin or about any connections to any of the other like, or similarly named, family groups. AND, we have mentioned here only the two most common spellings of the name!

Now, for the first time, it may be possible to “connect” many of our families through the analysis of the Y chromosomes (DNA) of we men who were born CORRELLs/ CORELLs/ CORYELLs/ CORIELLs/ CORRIELLs/ CORILLs/ KORELLs/ CORRELLOs/ CORELLIs/ etc.

WHO SHOULD PARTICIPATE?

Any male Correll of whatever spelling, who was born with that surname. However, if there is a family of grandfather, father, and some sons, the most economical way to start is for the oldest man to be tested. There is less chance of a spontaneous mutation because there will be fewer generations back to a presumable MRCA. However, all generations are welcome to participate. When the results are returned, there will be time to add other folks to the project. Some of us may find that it will be useful to have our samples analyzed using many more markers.

HOW DO I GET STARTED?

1. First, click on "Request to join this group."
2. Next, click on "Order test" and place your order.

We recommend “Male 37” for $149 (regularly $169), but you might want to start with "Male 12" for $99 and consider upgrading later. With analysis of more markers we may be able to determine which branch of a larger family is yours.

Additional discounted rates are available to prospective members who already tested with Relative Genetics, DNA Heritage, Ancestry, Oxford Ancestors, or Genebase. These rates are less than those quoted above ("Male 37" is $119 as of March 2010). You will need to fill out a "Promotional Order Form" from FTDNA and provide them with a copy of your results from the other company.

We will be notified that you are joining our group.

The test kit will arrive in the mail from Family Tree DNA. The Lab usually takes 6 weeks + from when you return your test kit to provide your results.

If you are not the prospective sample provider, but you will act as an assistant, call us or email us if the information on “Request to Join this Group” or “Frequently Asked Questions” still leaves you in a questioning mode.

Vince Correll (co-administrator)
(559) 439-8404 or cell (559) 240-5940
vcorrell@sbcglobal.net

Lea Coryell (co-administrator)
leacoryell@hotmail.com

Rich Correll (co-administrator)
rcorrell@chime-office.org

(Rev.: Sept. 13, 2010)