About us
The Cantrell Project is a surname study that includes all variations of Cantrell, Cantrall, Cantrill, Cantwell, and the like. The primary goal is to gain a better understanding of individual family groups. We hope to accomplish this by discovering Y-DNA Haplotree "branches" of Cantrell, including related surnames and non-paternal events.
Which Y-DNA test should I take?
The Big Y-700 test provides full STR coverage, full SNP coverage, and a confirmed detailed haplogroup. These haplogroups involve SNPs, which help identify where and when a surname line branched off. Additionally, Big Y-700 results help estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) between you and your matches. Therefore, we encourage participants to take the Big Y-700 test to help determine their location on the Haplotree. However, standard STR tests are also helpful to both individuals and the Project as a whole. The Y-111 provides mid-level STR coverage, and the Y-37 provides the lowest STR coverage. Both provide a basic haplogroup prediction, often not within genealogical times (surname era). Regardless of which test you choose, you will be well on your way to advancing your genealogical research.
Already have a Y-DNA test?
Consider an upgrade. If you previously had a basic Y-DNA test processed by FamilyTree DNA, you may be able to order more definitive testing using your original sample. For more information, contact one of our project administrators.
Checklist for Joining the Project
Thank you for participating in the Cantrell DNA Project!
Which Y-DNA test should I take?
The Big Y-700 test provides full STR coverage, full SNP coverage, and a confirmed detailed haplogroup. These haplogroups involve SNPs, which help identify where and when a surname line branched off. Additionally, Big Y-700 results help estimate the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) between you and your matches. Therefore, we encourage participants to take the Big Y-700 test to help determine their location on the Haplotree. However, standard STR tests are also helpful to both individuals and the Project as a whole. The Y-111 provides mid-level STR coverage, and the Y-37 provides the lowest STR coverage. Both provide a basic haplogroup prediction, often not within genealogical times (surname era). Regardless of which test you choose, you will be well on your way to advancing your genealogical research.
Already have a Y-DNA test?
Consider an upgrade. If you previously had a basic Y-DNA test processed by FamilyTree DNA, you may be able to order more definitive testing using your original sample. For more information, contact one of our project administrators.
Checklist for Joining the Project
- Join the Cantrell DNA Project at FamilyTreeDNA with a Y-DNA kit. We encourage Y-DNA participants to share autosomal (atDNA) test results. Please consider taking a Family Finder test or transferring your results from another site.
- Set your Earliest Known Ancestor.
- Fill in the Earliest Known Ancestor part of your profile. This is essential information for understanding how your DNA fits with known lineages. For example, John Doe, b. abt 1800 in SC, d. abt 1860 in GA.
- There are two schools of thought here. Some participants choose to name the earliest ancestor they can document via primary records. Others opt to name their earliest potential ancestor based on theories, family tree books, or their own research.
- Add your family tree to FamilyTreeDNA.
- If possible, please add, at the very least, your great-grandparents.
- Feel free to upload your GEDCOM.
- Fill in the Beneficiary Information section of your profile. This allows others to continue your genetic genealogy work.
Thank you for participating in the Cantrell DNA Project!