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Group Administrator: Gary Mullins revel55@msn.com
Project Surnames:| Adkins | Atkins | Atkinson | Hall | | Mullan | Mullen | Mullens | Mullings | | Mullins | Sloan | Slone | Project Background: This Mullins Surname Y-DNA Project was formed in the fall of 2004. Our original intention was to focus on a particular group of the Mullins surname that appears to descend from a common ancestor who first appears in the records of colonial Virginia in the late 1600s. Descendants believed to go back to this common ancestor represent a huge extended family with many branches that spread from the Tidewater region of old Virginia into the mountainous regions of the Appalachians and from there, into every state in the union. The believed progenitor (Matthew Mullins) first appears in existing records as an adult male on the Pamunkey Neck in the Tidewater Virginia County of King and Queen in the year 1699. Five males have been identified as probable sons of the immigrant--positive proof has only been established for one of these males, a son named William Mullins (born circa 1700), who died young (circa 1735) and left four known sons and two daughters. Descendants of this William Mullins have been identified for three of the sons. If you suspect that you are a direct male descendant from any of the branches of this line of Mullins (or associated surnames linked genetically to this line of Mullins), we hope you will consider joining this project.
By mid-2005 a subgroup had been identified who share the same genetic markers, but who carry a number of surnames—including Mullins. By late 2006, the project had enough evidence to re-name this group “Common ancestor in William Adkins of Early Virginia.” Associated surnames with this sub-group include: Mullins, Adkins, Atkins, Slone, Hall, McGuire and Adams. There are likely to be others.
By 2007, the project had identified 3 genetically separate groups of Mullins, plus one genetically separate group that contains a number of Mullins, but who have a common ancestry with a number of surnames leading back to a common ancestor whose surname was Adkins. Additionally, at present, the project also contains DNA test results for 5 other Mullins men who currently stand alone and do not match with anyone else in the project database.
The project’s 3 co-administrators have agreed it is time to expand the project; and would welcome male participants who meet the new criteria:
1) You are a male bearing the Mullins surname or variants, whose ancestors are known or believed to be from the British Isles;
2) You are a male bearing the Adkins surname or variants, who know or believe their Adkins ancestry goes back to colonial Virginia, or the Lancashire area of England, or you suspect that your direct male ancestry links to surnames the project has identified as genetically associated with an Adkins ancestry in colonial Virginia or Lincolnshire, England;
3) You are a male whose Y-DNA matches with any of the project’s participants
The project has had numerous inquiries from individuals linked to these surnames, but whose connections represent either indirect male lines or maternal lines which prevent them from contributing their own DNA to the project. For interested people who fall under these categories, there is a way to help us move the project forward—by contributing to the project’s general fund. This can be done in any amount, and in a general way, or you may stipulate that XX amount is to be used on a specific lineage and surname. Contributions may be made anonymously, or you may also contribute in memory or in honor of a particular family member. The project has very effectively used monies from the general fund to find and partially fund a number of tests in the last few years—especially, individuals representing key lineages important in establishing a wide database.
If you would like to contribute to the general fund for the project, use this link:
http://www.familytreedna.com/contribution.html | Family Tree DNA - Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. World Headquarters 1445 North Loop West, Suite 820 Houston, Texas 77008, USA Phone: (713) 868-1438 | Fax: (832) 201-7147 Contact Us All Contents Copyright 2001-2004 Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. Project Background, Goals, Results and News are copyright of the specific Surname Project Project Goals: This project hopes to further identify and sort out the descendants of the many branches that go back to the Virginia immigrant (in the case of the "core" Mullins lineage) , and, in the case of the I1b* group, to identify the surname of their common ancestor. Ultimately, our hope is to be able to link to individuals who descend from a common ancestry who did not immigrant to the New World (who remained in Europe) thus presenting an opportunity to further our collective genealogy back to a common denominator in our genetic past.
Another of this project's goals is to confirm the descent of the various branches of the Mullins and associated lines, and where breaks in the genetic string have occurred, identify the genetic surnames associated with those breaks, and come to some understanding of where and how these breaks may have taken place. An example follows:
Two of our original participants both descend from Booker Mullins (b. ca. 1767--d. ca. 1864) through two of the sons of Sherwood Mullins (1790-1881), son of Booker. Although by all accounts (of existing records, and family history) Booker Mullins appears to be a member of the family of William and Elizabeth Mullins of Pittsylvania Co. (later, Franklin Co.) Virginia, a letter written in 1936 by a grandson of Sherwood Mullins (son of Booker) cast doubts on this relationship from a Y-DNA standpoint, and indicates that the genetic father of Booker Mullins was an Adkins. Our two original participants (kit # 29967 & kit # 30210) hope to find evidence that will either confirm or deny this. | Family Tree DNA - Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. World Headquarters 1445 North Loop West, Suite 820 Houston, Texas 77008, USA Phone: (713) 868-1438 | Fax: (832) 201-7147 Contact Us All Contents Copyright 2001-2004 Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. Project Background, Goals, Results and News are copyright of the specific Surname Project Project News: 2.8.07--The Project has a new criteria!!!
2.8.07--New Updates for Project Results!!!
2.8.07--6 new members!!!
11.4.07--New Project Updates!!!
2.26.08--New Updates!!! | Family Tree DNA - Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. World Headquarters 1445 North Loop West, Suite 820 Houston, Texas 77008, USA Phone: (713) 868-1438 | Fax: (832) 201-7147 Contact Us All Contents Copyright 2001-2004 Genealogy by Genetics, Ltd. Project Background, Goals, Results and News are copyright of the specific Surname Project Project Results: Project Results:
Test results from our two original participants confirm that they are genetically linked--they matched exactly on 36 of the 37 markers tested.
Our two original participants also matched with other individuals who have had the FTDNA 37 marker test--one traces back to James Sloan who married Mary Justice, and who was a son of John Sloan and Eleanor (surname unknown). Another match is a descendant of a Henry Hall (apparently the great-grandson of a John Hall--believed to be a son of Thomas Hall--an early Pigg River settler). The Hall family was also near neighbors of the Mullins in the counties of Lunenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania (later Frankin). The ancestors of all of our matches are found at about the same timeframe and close geographic location (Pittsylvania County--later Franklin Co., VA) to the Mullins. Based on the comparison of the test results of these 4 men, we now believe that all share a genetic Y-chromosome link to each other that MAY converge with a common male ancestor living in the mid-1600's. It is possible that this common ancestor had the surname of Atkinson, and it is hoped that additional participants and further testing may firm-up this possibility. All of the men who match the Booker Mullins descendants are also undergoing a SNP test (an additional test to further refine their haplogroup--test results are now (8/8/05) suggesting that all are members of Haplogroup I1b) . This additional test may also help in understanding our shared genetic past.
Lastly, all of the men who match with the descendants of Booker Mullins also match an individual who apparently descends from one Henry Atkisson (a.k.a Atkinson or Adkin/Atkins) born circa 1687, and died circa 1730, who was living in one of the parent counties of Lunenburg, and who apparently had at least two sons who (it is believed) resided in Pittsylvania Co., VA. This individual (who was tested with a similar Y-DNA test from Relative Genetics) matched exactly on 20 comparative markers, but was not tested for 13 markers that the FTDNA test routinely uses in their 37 marker test. Despite all efforts, this individual has not responded to our inquiries, and so at present, remains a dead-end for further research.
Comparisons of the test results of 29967 & 30210 with other Mullins descendants who (it is believed) descend from the same ancestral lineage were made (and are continuing to be made). Results of a comparison with a known descendant of a son of William Mullins (originally thought to be the father of Booker) indicate no Y-DNA genetic match to Booker Mullins. This descendant (kit # 25909) of Ambrose Mullins SR (son of William and Elizabeth Mullins) DOES however match several other Mullins men who have also been tested and appear to descend from ancestors who have been linked to William through independent genealogical research. With this information in hand, we have made some tentative conclusions that further testing will be able to confirm:
Kit# 25909 appears to represent the Y-DNA of the Mullins who descend from the immigrant ancestor--he matches exactly with two other test results in the database representing descendants of Mullins men who have been independently identified as descendants of the immigrant;
Test results from (kit# 29967 & kit# 30210) appear to confirm the 1936 letter indicating that Booker Mullins was genetically (on the male, or Y-chromosome) NOT a Mullins;
Currently (July 2005) we are waiting for test results from two other participants. One is a descendant of John Mullins (b. ca. 1754--d. ca. 1849), son of William and Elizabeth Mullins of Franklin Co., VA. If results from this participant (kit# 38298) match those from kit# 25909, then the Y-DNA string that we believe represents evidence of the immigrant Mullins ancestor will be strengthened. If, on the other hand, they do not match, then we may be looking at representation of branches of this family who are not genetically linked by the Y-chromosome.
We are also waiting results from test kit# 37871. This participant is a descendant of another son of Booker Mullins, and his results will confirm the implied genetic break in the Y-DNA of the Booker Mullins line--IF he matches the test results of kit# 29967 & kit# 30210.
Additional July 2005 updates:
–waiting on SNP test results for kit # 8172(testing for Y-HAP-I1b);
–waiting on further? SNP testing for kit # 27753 (currently showing as suggested I haplogroup);
August 8, 2005--SNP test results for kits # 29967 & 30210 now indicate that their suggested haplogroup is I1b. The same is true for kit #27753 (haplogroup is now listed as suggested I1b). Their results were expected since Y-HAP-I1b results came back on July 25th for kit # 8172 confirming that he is an I1b. There is some belief that all of the above are more likely to be a sub-group of I1b known as I1b2, but FTDNA currently does not do a SNP test for this sub-group. I1b2 represent a sub-group of I1b, and migrated into western Europe during the Neolithic era. Descendants of this sub-group include many Welsh and Basque populations. This sub-group was firmly in place in Europe long before Celtic and Germanic groups.
August 29, 2005--updates:
Kit #30152 has joined the project and his 12 marker test results have been posted. He has ordered the additional testing (37 marker) and it will be interesting to see if his test results continue to match with members of Group 2 (Mullins men who have a paternal genetic link to the immigrant Matthew Mullins). Kit #30152 's most distant known paternal ancestor was Archibald MULLENS (born circa 1804 in NC?).
Results are in for kit# 38298 and we were surprised to see that he does not match kit# 25909 (a direct descendant of Ambrose Mullins SR) as we had predicted. Kit # 38298 does not match any of our test participants, but does match over 10 Y-DNA tests whose participants fall under the surname Lawson. So, it appears that we are looking at yet another Mullins descendant who, as a result of an event outside of marriage, has a paternal genetic ancestry that is non-Mullins. (UPDATE) Kit #38298 has opted to take himself out of this project.
Kit # N7476 has also joined the group and his 12 marker test has been posted. He does not match any of our current group members but does match three test results in the Y Search database. Two of the tests he matches closest have had the 37 marker test, and we recommend that he consider upgrading his Y-DNA test to the 37 marker, and to contact the closest test matches he links to in the Y Search datbase. Only through further testing will he know whether he closely matches these apparent matches to his 12 marker test. One of his matches (user ID Y2FW8) descends from a Jesse Mullins (1790-8) who was orphaned and raised by his grandparents named Swift. Another 12 marker match (user ID 59UKF--37 marker test) descends from a Thomas Estes (1806 NC) who doesn't match any Estes test results, but whose family has a tradition that they go back to a Mullin ancestor 6 generations back.
We will shortly be joined by our second Atkins/Adkins/Atkinson descendant--(kit # 43115), who descends from Henry Adkins (born circa 1783? in Pittsylvania Co., VA migrated to western NC to SW VA (Wise Co., VA)). We are very interested in seeing his test results to see if he matches any of the Booker Mullins descendants as well as the Hall and Slone men.
In summary, the project is progressing but I feel that we still need additional test participants to join us in helping to determine when, where and who was the common ancestor to the Mullins men (out of Booker), and the Hall, Slone, McGuire and Atkins/Adkins/Atkinson men. We also need additional Mullins men to help us determine the genetic line of the immigrant Mullins ancestor. We really could use additional test participants for all the surnames in the project. We will be sending messages out to the various family sites, and GENFORUMs to plea for additional participants.
August 31, 2005--We have just received the Y-DNA test results for Kit # 37871, (a grandson of Kit # 25909 whose genetic lineage on the y-chromosome goes back to Matthew Mullins [1668-1720—emigrant to Virginia]). Kit # 37871 is a direct male descendant of David Mullins (son of old Booker Mullins) who married Jane Short. I am pleased to announce that Kit # 37871's results (markers 1-12 and markers 26-37--we are still waiting for test results for markers 13-25) match with all our project participants who apparently go back to a common paternal Adkins male ancestor. Kit # 37871’s results are significant, because we now have strong evidence that Sherwood and David Mullins (both sons of old Booker Mullins) were full genetic brothers, and that the "event outside of marriage" that makes the Booker Mullins SR descendants genetically NOT Mullins (on the male, paternal, or Y chromosome level) had to have occurred with the parents of Booker (and not afterwards in the later generations).
October 26, 2005--New Updates! Test results are in for kit # 43115 who is a direct male descendant of Henry Adkins (born circa 1786 in Pittsylvania Co., VA). As predicted, the test results exactly match kits # 30210, 29967 and 37871--descendants of Booker Mullins SR (1768-1864). In addition, he also matches 27753 and 8172 (Hall and Sloan). Based on the test results AND on genealogical research which places the oldest known ancestor of all six men in the same geographical location in roughly the same time period, we can say without a doubt that all six men have a common male ancestor—who was in Virginia, and within the last 300-350 years!
Also--another important milestone has occurred with the test results (1 through 25 of a 37 marker test) of kit # 43177 (a direct descendant of John Mullins SR (1754-1849) who was raised up with Booker Mullins SR and whose father was William Mullins (1720-8--1791). 43177's markers match with 30152 and 25909 (both who descend from William Mullins (father of Ambrose SR, John SR etc.). We predict that markers 26-37 will continue to match with 30152 and 25909--proving that all three descend from William Mullins (1720-8). More significantly, if these three men match 36/37 markers, this will add strong proof to the body of genealogical evidence that indicates that all three share a common lineage back to the immigrant (Matthew Mullins).
The complete 37-marker test results for kit #30152 have been posted and as predicted, we have an exact match with other men who are direct male descendants of William Mullins SR (1720-8).
November 1, 2005 Up-Date: the entire 37 marker sequence for kit #43177 has been posted, and we have an exact match (as predicted) with kits 30152 and 25909--proving that John Mullins SR and his brother Ambrose Mullins SR were full brothers and sons of William Mullins (1720-8).
The 37 marker test results for kit # 41672 are in and have also been posted. Our descendant of William Atkinson (1740's) whose earliest known ancestor died circa 1807 in Brunswick Co., VA does not match with any of our current participants, or at present with any others of that surname in the Y-Search database, and so represents a separate branch of the Atkinson surname. (UPDATE: Kit # 41672 has opted to leave the project)
November 21, 2005--Update:
Haplogroups--Our first six participants listed (kits # 8172, 27753, 30210, 43115, 29967, and 37871 plus N4217 and 38298 are showing up as haplogroup I, or subgroup I1b. Of this group, 4 participants have had the SNP test that confirms haplogroup. Out of the confirmed participants, 8172, 30210, & 29967 have the further refined haplogroup of I1b; kit # 27753 and 38298 are showing the confirmed haplogroup I; 43115, 37871, and N4217 are suggested I1b.
Other participants in the project have a suggested haplogroup of R1b. None of these participants has elected to confirm their haplogroup at present, however, one of the number of R1b matches has committed to have this additional test to confirm his haplogroup (and by implication, his matches). Those participants who are showing up as suggested haplogroup R1b are: N7476, 30152, 43177, 25909, and 41672.
All of our current participants show haplogroups found among European populations--with the R1b group the most commonly found in European populations and descendants today. The I and I1b haplogroup is also found among European populations and descendants but is less common than R1b. These two groups represent different timelines of migration into Europe--with the I and I1b group most represented today in populations of Northern and Eastern Europe and the R1b found most frequently in Western European populations and descendants.
February 20, 2006 update:
Lots of new information to add—FTDNA has added several new features that have helped the Project to better represent our results to date. Test results showing common ancestry are now grouped together and color coded. The Mullins DNA Project has two distinct groups that each go back to a common (but separate and unrelated—at least on the Y) ancestor. Both of these two groups have had additional members added as a result of new test results (discussed below). In addition, we currently have 5 Project members who are unmatched with any others in the group. We have grouped three of the unrelated men who have a suggested I haplotype together. Additionally, we have 1 test participant listed as suggested R1b haplotype that is unmatched now in a separate subgroup. And we have one test participant from Australia whose earliest known Mullins ancestor was John Mullins, b. ca. 1776 in Dorset England, and whose first 12 marker results are in (still waiting for markers 13-37) currently not matching any of our other test results and showing a suggested haplotype E3b (a much more rare haplotype—particularly in the British Isles, and suggesting that his lineage goes back to a Middle East ancestry which may have entered the British Isles during the Neolithic period).
Another new feature to the Project is the addition of a map showing locations of our test participants as well as a map showing location (where known) of their oldest identifiable ancestor is now a clickable feature of the Project.
The test participants of varying surnames that go back to a common ancestry (with a suspected Adkins progenitor, and previously listed as haplotype I, have now been classified as I1b which is a further refinement and based on the deep-clade test results of one of the participants (kit #8172). Test participant #27753 is also undergoing this deep-clade test and we expect his results to also reflect the I1b designation. The I1b participants are showing one, two and three step mutation matches with a number of men whose ancestry go back to the British Isles—particularly Ireland. However, at this time it would only be speculation as to the origin of the common ancestor of the I1b men. Additional refinements to the I Haplogroup, as well as the increase in testing of individuals who may have this ancestry (and thus match with our I1b men), and the possibility of the creation of further sub-clades as a part of that refinement process, may shield light on this ancestry in the future. Since the last update, the related I1b group has had one additional member added (test kit # 42995) who is another descendant of Henry Adkins (b. ca. 1786)—note: that we now have among the members of this group, two descendants of Henry Adkins (1786) descending from two of his sons, and matching our other I1b members exactly. We have also received word that another test participant (another Booker Mullins descendant) who should be a match to this group has returned his kit.
Regarding our test participants who were listed as R1b (those who descend from a common ancestor e. g. Matthew Mullins [1668-1720—emigrant to Virginia])—in the last few days this group’s haplotype has been redefined as sub-clade R1b1. This definition may be transient however, as further sub-clades for R1b are identified. FTDNA will shortly have available a deep-clade test for R1b, and the Project has elected to have one of the R1b1 participants go through this process.
Now, for the BIG NEWS of this update---because many the represented Mullins participants have a long-standing and multi-generational claim of Irish ancestry, As group Administrator, I have enrolled the R1b1 members of this project who all match in another DNA Project—the Irish Heritage DNA Project—see:
http://homepage.eircom.net/~ihdp/ihdp/index.htm
This was done for the express purpose of comparing the “core” Mullins 37 markers to others whose surnames and multi-generational claims point to Ireland. This comparison has led me to believe that the “core” Mullins descendants can be secure in stating that the ancient roots of this lineage undoubtedly comes from the Island of Hibernia (modern-day Ireland) and represents an ancient ancestry and continuity of type that may have some additional surprising revelations to come as sub-clades of R1b continue to be created as the refinement continues. My conclusions have been validated by the associated professionals at FTDNA as well as those working with the Irish Heritage DNA Project (with one word of caution—that the Mullins could also directly match with Scottish men with similar surnames or genetic links from a more recent past; this may be because of the common genetic ancestry of many Scots with men from Ireland). Validation of this ancient Hibernian ancestry for the Mullins has not been without some controversy stemming from whether to further link this lineage with the Ui Neill Dynasty (or not). It is hoped that additional attention and further clarification on the part of geneticists involved will settle the issue in the near future. Because of this, I will not discuss this further at this point in time, but do hope to address it in a later update. One further note: any test participant in this Project may wish to consider joining this Irish Heritage DNA Project as a secondary project—if you wish to do so, you may go to your individual test web page and click on the join Icon, and follow those instructions (note: any test participant may join and be members of up to two FTDNA projects without worry).
Since the last update, the related R1b group (now R1b1) has had two additional members added (as a result of their test results). Kit # 45308 is a descendant of James Harmon Mullins, son of John Mullins JR (1784-1859) and his results have enabled the Project to be able to state that John Mullins JR (otherwise known as Holly Creek John) was indeed a biological son of John Mullins SR (1754) and his genetic markers match those of other male descendants of Matthew Mullins (1668). Our other added member (kit # 48753) is a direct male descendant of yet another son of John Mullins JR (1784-1859). This descent (through John’s son Solomon, who married Elizabeth Hall) can now be proved without a doubt, and augments and reinforces the proof of unbroken ancestry that we were able to achieve with kit # 45308.
Last, but not least…we have secured the mtDNA testing of a direct descendant of the wife of John Mullins JR (1784-1859) and are awaiting results at present. The Project hopes to be able to prove or disprove the longstanding claim of Native American ancestry coming out of this maternal lineage. (UPDATE—test results of this direct descendant of Ollie Cox Mullins, wife of John Mullins JR have disproved any claim to NA ancestry that would have come out of this maternal lineage; the mtDNA test results shows that Ollie Cox was out of the K maternal haplogroup—rarely found in large numbers in Europe, but with an ancestral origin in the area of the Alps).
2/26/06 Update: The R1b1 Mullins who go back to the common ancestry of Matthew Mullins (1668-1720) have now been classified as descendants of Niall of the Nine Hostages (or, more precisely, out the genetic gene pool that Niall was a member of) both by FTDNA and by the Irish Heritage DNA Project--to which they now hold joint membership with. This significant acknowledgement validates what was apparent to us for several weeks now--the "core" Mullins descendants are Irish in their origins and apart of the Ui Neill Dynasty of Irish Kings that ruled Ireland for over 700 years. See:
http://homepage.eircom.net/~ihdp/ihdp/index.htm
The identification of the R1b1 members who match each other as inherently "Irish" in their origin also puts to rest another controversy regarding the early Mullins in Virginia--that they were of French Hugenot origin (des Moulins). The Y-DNA evidences says that they were Irish.
March 19, 2006 Update:
We are still waiting for the Deep-SNP test results for kit #27753 (projected results date is 3/27/2006.
One of the R1b1 test participants (kit #259909) who matches with other Mullins men who have a close (recent) shared ancestry has volunteered to have a Deep-SNP test (results of this test should be posted in early May of 2006).
We have been joined by a new project member (kit #N18436) who descends from a Grant Mullins of Pike Co., KY. This participant has only had the 12 marker test at present. Currently, he is listed as a suggested I haplotype, but does not match any of our other members (either the R1b1 group or the I1b group). Because at present we believe that all Mullins descendants from the Pike Co., KY area should be genetically linked (either out of the “core” R1b1 Mullins line, or the I1b1 Mullins who represent an old “event outside of marriage”) this 12 marker test result is likely to also represent an “event outside of marriage,” and underlines the necessity of testing on the 37 marker level in order to have significant matches that could point to the true male genetic ancestry of the test participant. We would recommend that Kit # N18436 upgrade his test to a 37 marker test.
A descendant of Walter Cloyd Mullins, born ca. 1887 in Rockcastle Co., KY (kit # 57878) has joined the project and we are particularly anxious to see if he matches with the core R1b1 Mullins group. No doubt, so is the test participant who has hit a stone wall in being able to identify their ancestor’s lineage further back. We do have historical records that indicate that several Mullins families that should be genetically linked to the core Mullins line migrated into Rockcastle Co.
The Project has received some funding for support of additional tests, and we have indicated on the Mullins and Adkins GENFORUMs that we are looking for male test participants who have identified their ancestry as going back to any of the sons of William Adkins (b. ca. 1689—d. ca. 1774), and any male Mullins descendant who can reasonably prove their descent to any number of Mullins men who descend from William Mullins (1700—1735) or his father Matthew Mullins (1668-1720). Until funds are exhausted, the Project will pay $75. for 2 tests for Mullins men fitting the description above, and $75. for 1 test for an Adkins descendant (again, fitting the description listed above).
UPDATES TO THE MULLINS DNA PROJECT--MAY 15, 2006
• Kit number 8172 (a Slone descendant whose DNA exactly matches with descendants of Booker Mullins tested) has received the test results of a Deep SNP-I test; the test results confirm and firmly cement his haplotype as I1b (the haplotype that was suggested by earlier test results). Since 8172 has a common ancestry with the descendants of Booker Mullins men tested, the inference we can extrapolate is that they too are firmly and undeniably I1b haplotype as well. Because it is always better to have something to compare with in regards to DNA testing and genetics in particular, one of the Booker Mullins descendants (kit number 29967) is also having his markers tested with the Deep SNP-I test (results expected | | |