Dear Cousin,

 

I am pleased to announce the creation of the Speer Surname Project at

Family Tree DNA. The objectives of this project are the following:

 

1. Determine which Speer family trees are related

2. Discover information not in the paper records

3. Discover information to help over come brick walls

4. Discover clues to help us with migrations of our ancestors

5. Discover clues to help us with our research

 

 

The scientists have discovered that a small portion of the Y chromosome

is passed from father to son. By testing this portion, you can

determine to whom you are related in a genealogical time frame, and find

out information about your distant origin. The test result is a string

of numbers, and contains no personal information. You will match or be

a close match to those men to whom you are related.

 

You must be male with the Speer surname to participate, or have a known

adoption or name change in your family tree, and your direct male line

was at one time Speer. Your direct male line is your father, his

father, his father, and back in time. If you are female, you would want

to find a direct line male in your tree to participate.

 

The test is easy and painless. A test kit is mailed to you, and you

swab the inside of your mouth.

 

Family Tree DNA offers several Y chromosome tests. The difference

between the tests is the number of markers tested, ranging from 12 to

67. You are encouraged, if the budget permits, to select the 25 marker

or 37 marker test. You can start at a 12 marker test, and upgrade in

the future, though this option costs a small additional amount. The

value of additional markers is in determining the time frame of the

common ancestor when you have a match.

 

I encourage you to participate in the project. Please let me know if

you have any questions.

 

Thank you,