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Archiver > SCOT-DNA > 2002-12 > 1041073302


From: "Thomas Beall" <>
Subject: Re: [SCOT-DNA] Re: DNA tests & St. Andrew's
Date: Sat, 28 Dec 2002 04:01:42 -0700


I meant my last e-mail to be sort of introductory.I didn't mean to imply I
wanted "instant" "answers" to my research.Nor that I expected DNA to 'prove'
where they came from.I'm well-aware of how to do research.

>Like other Bealls,I'm trying to establish just where in Fifeshire
>we came from.Early parish records show Bells being baptized at St.
>Andrew's back in the late 1500s and early 1600s.This has led people
>to believe that we all originate there. I'm wondering, however, if
>St. Andrew's could also have been just a repository for some records
>then,and that we could have come from another city in Fife. Any
>experts on this out there?

I am unsure how DNA testing will *prove* which City one's ancestors
came from. My thought is that you need the advice of someone versed
in the History and Genealogy of the Bealls/Bells. That in conjunction
with the DNA testing of individuals with well documented genealogies
will begin to draw a pattern of migration that others can compare with
their genealogy, based on their DNA matches.

For instance, it is a known fact that an Ancestral home of the
Boyd Family is Kilmarnock, Scotland. It is also a known fact that
many of the Boyd Families of Kilmarnock were sent to Antrim, Ireland
and resided, primarily in Ballymena. Given this, and in conjunction
with sound genealogical data, one may, given sufficient data, conclude
that other Boyds came from this area, based on their DNA matches.
However, it would be sounder science to include Boyds from Bute and
other geographic locations to see if there is a marked difference,
or if the DNA is too similar to pinpoint specific geographic location
right on down to the name of the City or townland.

We live in an instant society. We want all our answers now.
We are used to one hour photo, transcontinental travel in
a matter of hours. However, with Science, one must allow
enough time to garner sufficient data to support the theories
we so stronly desire to prove. It may take several years to
be able to say that the Bealls or other families came from
a specific location, based on their DNA matching. It all
depends on how many participants join the projects and how
well their genealogies are documented.

Someone else more familiar with the history of Fife and St. Andrews
can respond to the question of its use as a respository. I think
that may be likely. And a very valid question.

Aye,

Lauren


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