The Renshaw DNA project was launched in 2003 to help Renshaw, Rencher, Runshaw, Ranshaw, Ramshaw, Olorenshaw, Wrenshaw, and Wrench researchers learn whether various families of these names were closely related. Begun as a Y-DNA project those who have taken the Family Finder also invited to join. We also have expanded the surnames to include other variations: Rancher, Ranshaw, Ranshe, Ransher, Ranshous, Ravenshaw, Reinshaw, Remshard, Renche, Renchey, Renchy, Renshall, Renshaw,Rensche, Renshe, Rensher, Rentch, Rentchler, Reshaw, Rimshaw, Rincher, Runche, Runsha, Runshe, Runsher, Wrencher, Wrenchey, Wrenchy, Wrenshall, Wrentch, etc.

For more information about the project, check the tabs labeled, Goals and Results. Don't forget to check the News tab to determine what is happening in the greater Renshaw community.

How does your testing benefit the Group Project?

One thing the Project administrators, learned very early on (over 20 years ago), is that the more men we had that tested Y-DNA, the more matches and data we had to work with. It has helped us to be able to prove certain lines, as well as connect some dots that we didn't know about. We even asked some of our newer male testers their thoughts on benefits to the project. Here's a few of their comments:

"The Project potentially benefits each time a new person takes a DNA test and joins a project, thereby bringing new DNA data, information and knowledge to the entire group."

"As with any type of research, the project benefits through the input of new knowledge and new points of view. In this way the database of knowledge grows, increasing the ability of the project to help those who come along in the future."

"From another perspective, as the project's knowledge base grows, it leads to more success stories, encouraging more researchers to recommend DNA testing and project involvement."

Due to the nature of the Y-DNA test, only males bearing the Renshaw, Rencher and other variant surnames are eligible to submit a DNA sample for that aspect of the project (for more information on this, see the explanation on the Family Tree DNA website. It is hoped, however, that other researchers will find the results useful, and they are encouraged to contact eligible family members in their line of research about submitting a DNA sample for testing and inclusion in the project. The more test results in the database, the greater the chance of establishing DNA profiles for known lines of descent, as well as finding links between what may appear to be unrelated lines or lines which show as matches, but have gaps.

With the advent and growing popularity of autosomal DNA testing, such asFTDNA’s Family Finder, it is appropriate that our project includes and welcomes members who have taken other DNA tests. Family Finder test subjects should have an identified Renshaw surnamed direct ancestor on their ancestor chart within the past five generations, or have strong matches to other Family Finder test subjects who have Renshaw surnamed ancestors.

If you know of anyone who is a Renshaw descendant and has not yet done DNA testing, please suggest that they join the project and take at least a Y-DNA 111 test and Family Finder test. If you or a family member have previously tested your autosomal DNA at 23andMe© or AncestryDNA™, you may transfer your results to Family Tree DNA by uploading your raw data file. For more information, check this link.

Y-DNA test results are shown on the pages marked "DNA Results", and you will note that test participants are identified only by their test kit number. Names of participants are confidential, though participating individuals may give the group administrator permission for their contact information to be released to interested parties. For help in interpreting results, please refer to the appropriate pages on the Family Tree DNA website.

There is also a Project General Fund which allows anyone to contribute funds to offset the expense of a test. The use of the donation is either left to the discretion of the group administrator or maybe earmarked for a specific test. To make a donation, go to https://www.familytreedna.com/group-general-fund-contribution.aspx.

Further questions or requests for more information should be directed to the group administrator.