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Turner

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About us

TURNER DNA PROJECT GOALS

The Turner DNA Project is dedicated to the advancement of genealogical research on the Turner surname (possible spelling variants), using Y-DNA testing as the main research tool.  It is meant to supplement the more traditional forms of genealogy research.  All actual testing is done by professionals at the labs of Family Tree DNA Company in Houston, TX.  The Turner DNA Project is the outgrowth of the former study of Turner families who had their roots in the mid-Atlantic region of the American Colonies.  It has been expanded to include all Turners who wish to find their common heritage through DNA testing and sharing of information.  Participation in this project is open to Turners worldwide.

Having begun in 2002 with a limited geographic region, it has been successful in helping to confirm families with common ancestors and rule out Turner lines to which they can not be related.  During its first eight years' existence, some Turners joined in the project whose roots were from New England; a few members chose to join whose lines were located in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.  With the aid of the Y-DNA test results, some members have been able to document their Turners back to an early immigrant/emigrant and connections are becoming possible with branches which remained on the European Continent.

While it often is not possible to find the immediate link between matching lines, after a kinship has been established genetically through Y-DNA testing, this match may provide clues for searching for evidence of the exact connection.  Being able to rule out lines to which a relationship is not possible is a huge help on a common surname such as Turner.  In addition, identification of the “haplogroup” to which one belongs provides an interesting insight into one's deep ancestral origins.

The Y-surname study requires that the person actually participating in testing be a male Turner.  The minimum standard test required to join the project is the Y-DNA37 marker male paternal test.  Currently, if finances allow, it is advisable to purchase a Y-DNA67 marker test.  A Y-DNA 111 test is not recommended as an initial test.

Females must locate a male Turner of their family of interest who will provide the DNA sample.  She may be the sponsoring person and be the e-mail contact for his results although the test should be ordered under the male Turner's name.  Females doing autosomal tests, either Family Finder test at FTDNA or a similar autosomal test at another testing company may not join the Turner Surname Project.