DNA and Lineage-Heritage Societies

As indicated on the main page of the SRT Corsicana Chapter website neither DRT nor SRT accept consideration of DNA in any facet when trying to apply for membership. They are not the only ones, by far.

However, not all lineage/heritage-based societies are as exclusionary and do accept the use of DNA in a certain minority of cases. I have not looked at all societies but four stand out as agreeable to considering DNA with an application. They are the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Mayflower Society, and the Texas State Genealogy Society’s First Families of Texas. As with the DRT and SRT the First Families of Texas requires ancestors to reside in the Republic of Texas between 1836-1846. I anticipate conducting a more in-depth study of accepting/not accepting societies in the future.

When DNA is considered by the four accepting societies it is dealt with not as absolute evidence but as a part of the total evidence presented in an application. In some societies the DNA evidence is laid out in a precise and meticulous format often as a Proof Statement Report.

The International Society of Genetic Genealogy(ISOGG) was founded in 2005 by DNA project administrators who shared a common vision: the promotion and education of genetic genealogy. Their mission is to advocate for and educate about the use of genetics as a tool for genealogical research, and to promote a supportive network for genetic genealogists. ISOGG maintains a WIKI website where genetic genealogists can go to learn all facets of genetic knowledge.

One such page on the site is pertinent to addressing why genealogists and those who advocate using DNA when people through no fault of the own attempt to join a DNA project and discover for the first time in their life they have do not relate to their father, grandfather or other ancestor.

As I was writing this article a thought came to me that the paper document evidence policy of the SRT/DRT might come back to haunt them.

I can foresee an applicant successfully using paper and digitized documentation, then becoming a member and later that person takes a DNA test only to find he does not match his father, mother or other relative.

The Daughters of the American Revolution has a very humane manner in which they would handle a situation like that. They close a patriot line whether it is for misattributed identification, lack of good evidence or otherwise. They don’t strip the member of their membership, they simply mark the line closed for further evidence and block others from joining that line without new evidence or clarification.

Return to the person who took the DNA and discovered they were not who they thought they were. Then they used DNA techniques and paper evidence to discover who they really were.

According to the policies of the denying societies if a man has paper evidence he gets in. If he knows his actual heritage but can’t prove it traditionally, he can’t.

I know a 60 year old man whose mother told him on her death bed he is not the 34son of the Greek father he always knew. She instead tells him the name of biological father. He took a couple DNA tests specifically, Y and autosomal. The tests tell him he has no Mediterrean ethnicity, He does, however, Scandinavian ancestry. Once he knew the name of the biological father;s and took the DNA tests, he matched men with his new surname and found he had many close cousins.

According to the rules, no mater what the science says, the man is barred from using DNA as evidence.

Following is a link to the ISOGG page about NPE’ https://isogg.org/wiki/Non-paternity_event .

NSDAR and DNA

The NSDAR has long accepted paternity, maternity and siblingship tests of the type used by the court system, as proof of parentage for members. In 2014 they began accepting the Y-37 maker test at Family Tree DNA and in 2020 they began accepting Autosomal DNA.

Y-DNA will not be considered as stand-alone proof of lineage because while it can be used as a tool to point to a family, it cannot be used as absolute proof for an individual. Y-DNA is passed from father to son, so only males can be tested; therefore, women applying for DAR membership using Y-DNA evidence will need to find appropriate male surrogates to take the Y-DNA test.

Those interested in submitting DNA evidence as proof of lineage along with their other traditional proof documentation must submit Y-DNA test results from at least two test subjects following the criteria outlined in the Guidelines for Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications.

As of July 2020, the DAR began accepting autosomal DNA (atDNA) for proof of lineage when traditional documentation is nonexistent or unavailable within the first three (3) generations of a lineage, i.e. the applicant, the applicant’s parents, and the applicant’s grandparents. The requirements are similar to those for using Y-DNA to prove lineage.

You can read the whole story on the DAR website at https://www.dar.org/national-society/genealogy/dna-and-dar-applications

SAR and DNA

If you plan to use DNA to support your application, you should read the official rules detailed in the SAR Policy Manual. It is highly recommended that you find and reach out to a local chapter registrar, as they can guide you through the exact paperwork and argument structuring required.

5.4006 Policy with Respect to the Use of DNA Evidence. SAR looks at the breadth of information, including genetic information, to prove lineage. We also recognize the importance of respecting privacy. Therefore, any use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of living people for DNA evidence will require affirmative consent from those individuals. The Genealogy Staff will review DNA proofs that are limited to generations one to two or generations two to three only. Proof of the parentage of an applicant in the absence of a birth certificate or similar proof confirming the parent’s names, is the preferred circumstance for use of DNA testing. If DNA testing of minors is precluded for legal reasons and when DNA cannot be used, sworn signed affidavits submitted by a close relative with first-hand knowledge of the circumstances of the birth or, in the case of a surrogacy, by the surrogate birth mother attesting to the identity of the biological parent of the child is acceptable.

1. DNA proofs linking earlier generations can be used only if the DNA proof argument is prepared by a professional genealogist with expertise in DNA analysis such as DNA specialist holding certification by the Board for the Certification of Genealogists with a specialization in DNA, or other known specialists in DNA research who have been vetted and accepted by the NSSAR. Applicants shall submit a professional bio, or similar listing of qualifications, of the proposed genealogist to the GC 2. Committee Chair, who will then forward to the DNA Subcommittee Chair. The DNA Subcommittee will consider the qualifications of the proposed genealogist and advise the applicant of their approval, or rejection. The applicant will bear the cost of the accepted genealogist. The SAR will accept the conclusions reached by a recognized DNA expert without re-review. However, the proof argument used, including all supporting documentation and consent forms, must be included with the application submittal

Mayflower

https://www.dar.org/national-society/genealogy/dna

Genie Clips – DNA

Completing the Autosomal DNA Report

Note: There are 3 u-tube videos about dna

https://www.dar.org/national-society/genealogy/dna-and-dar-applications

DNA and DAR Applications

Home
DNA and DAR Applications

Paternity Tests

The DAR has long accepted paternity, maternity and siblingship tests of the type used by the court system, as proof of parentage for members.

Besides paternity tests, there are three types of DNA tests that are available commercially to genealogists. These include Y-DNA, mtDNA (mitochondrial DNA) and autosomal DNA tests. Each type of DNA test has its advantages and limitations. At this time, autosomal DNA and Y-DNA tests offer the most reliable means of using DNA evidence for DAR application papers. Y-DNA is passed from father to son, so only males can be tested; therefore, women applying for DAR membership using Y-DNA evidence will need to find appropriate male surrogates to take the Y-DNA test.

Y-DNA

The DAR has accepted Y-DNA evidence in support of new member applications and supplemental applications since 2014. Y-DNA evidence submitted along with other documentation will be considered along with all of the other source documentation provided to prove heritage. Y-DNA will not be considered as stand-alone proof of lineage because while it can be used as a tool to point to a family, it cannot be used as absolute proof for an individual.

Those who are interested in submitting DNA evidence as proof of lineage along with their other traditional proof documentation must submit Y-DNA test results from at least two test subjects following the criteria outlined in the Guidelines for Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications.

Family Tree DNA — Y-DNA 37 Marker Test

Family Tree DNA, the DAR’s preferred testing partner, is offering $30 off their Y-DNA 37 Marker Test as a special DAR discount. Family Tree DNA is not the only provider of genetic genealogy tests, but they have the largest Y marker database in the world. The Y-DNA 37 test offered by Family Tree DNA includes a designated marker set that meets the reporting criteria outlined in the Test Requirements for Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications.

Those who are interested in using Family Tree DNA results for DAR applications can visit the DAR page on their website for more information and to take advantage of this special offer: https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/nsdar/about

Autosomal DNA Tests

DNA and DAR Online Genealogy Course

If you are interested in learning more about DNA and how it can be used for the DAR application process, there is an online genealogy class “DNA and DAR: Using DNA as a Piece of the Evidence for a DAR Application.” The course will provide an introduction to the basics of DNA and applying DNA to genealogical research along with the impact of DNA on the process of documenting a DAR application.

Click here to learn more and to register for the online DNA genealogy course: DAR Genealogical Education Program Courses

Additional Resources

Please use these other DAR resources to learn more about DNA and the DAR application process:

General DNA Resources

BIBLIOGRAPHY — Proper Use of DNA in Genealogical Research
ONLINE COURSE — DNA and DAR: Using DNA as a Piece of the Evidence for a DAR Application
FAMILY TREE DNA — NSDAR DNA Group Project
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS — Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
DNA GENIE CLIPS — Using DNA Evidence for DAR Applications

Y-DNA Resources
Please note that the following policy documents regarding the use of Y-DNA evidence were written in 2014, prior to the acceptance of autosomal DNA evidence. Since July 2020, DAR has accepted autosomal DNA, as well as mitochondrial DNA, in certain situations.

DNA and DAR — Press Release, January 2, 2014
POLICY STATEMENT — Using Y-DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
GUIDELINES — Using Y-DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
DNA TEST REQUIREMENTS — Using Y-DNA Evidence for DAR Applications
Y-DNA REPORT FORM — Using Y-DNA Evidence for DAR Applications

Autosomal DNA (atDNA) Resources

DAR BEGINS ACCEPTING AUTOSOMAL DNA — Blog Post, July 31, 2020
AUTOSOMAL (ATDNA) REPORT FORM — Using atDNA Evidence for DAR Applications

DAR

Yes, the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) accepts DNA evidence, but it is not a stand-alone proof and must be accompanied by traditional documentation. The DAR accepts Y-DNA, Mitochondrial (mtDNA), and Autosomal (atDNA) tests—primarily via Family Tree DNA—to support lineages, especially when conventional records are unavailable or to prove connections for adoptees.

Daughters of the American Revolution +2

Key details on how the DAR accepts DNA:

Not Stand-Alone: DNA must be part of a “proof argument” and cannot replace the requirement for documentation (birth, death, marriage records) in most cases.
Types Accepted:
- Y-DNA (since 2014): Passed father-to-son, typically used for direct paternal lines.
- Autosomal DNA (atDNA) (since 2020): Used to prove relationships within the first three generations.
- Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA): Used in specific situations, generally in combination with other tests.
Usage Rules: It is primarily used to bridge gaps when official documents (e.g., birth certificates) are missing, particularly in cases of adoption.
Targeting Patriots: To use DNA, you must be connecting to a previously established Patriot ancestor in the DAR database.

The DAR recommends using Family Tree DNA for testing to ensure the results meet their specific criteria.

Daughters of the American Revolution

SAR

https://www.sar.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/2022-3-5_Policy_Manual.pdf

See Page 5.4005

Yes, the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) accepts DNA testing, specifically Y-DNA and autosomal DNA, as part of a “proof argument” to support lineage, especially when traditional documentation (like birth certificates) is unavailable or incomplete for generations 4 and beyond. It is generally used alongside conventional, documented evidence to confirm parentage.

The Legal Genealogist +2

Key Details for Using DNA with SAR:

Types Accepted: Y-DNA and autosomal DNA are accepted, with some allowance for mtDNA in certain scenarios.
Application Usage: DNA is primarily used to bridge gaps in proof (e.g., proving parentage) rather than acting as a total replacement for documentation.
Limitations: No raw DNA data is accepted; only analysis reports from recognized companies or third-party tools are acceptable, and these must be accompanied by a consent form.
Privacy: A consent form must be submitted allowing the SAR to use your DNA results, and you should expect that this evidence will be stored, though not shared with outside entities.
Updates: As of September 2023, guidelines allow DNA evidence to be submitted for generations 4 and further back.

The Legal Genealogist +5How to Proceed

https://www.sar.org/app/uploads/2026-10-Mar_Genealogy_Committee_Policies.pdf page 19/30

5.4005 DNA. DNA evidence can only be used as one element of a genealogical proof argument that includes additional conventional proof of the lineage. None of the major tests — Y-DNA, autosomal DNA, mitochondrial DNA, or X-DNA alone can prove descent from a specific individual. DNA tests can show with a high probability that two individuals are related but without traditional evidence, they fail to determine whether the person being considered is a specific individual, a sibling of that individual, a cousin of, or other relation to that individual. However, by combining the various tests and using techniques to support predicted relationships, coupled with traditional evidence, a case can be built to demonstrate relationships. 5.4006 Policy with Respect to the Use of DNA Evidence. SAR looks at the breadth of information, including genetic information, to prove lineage. We also recognize the importance of respecting privacy. Therefore, any use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) of living people for DNA evidence will require affirmative consent from those individuals. The Genealogy Staff will review DNA proofs that are limited to generations one to two or generations two to three only. Proof of the parentage of an applicant in the absence of a birth certificate or similar proof confirming the parent’s names, is the preferred circumstance for use of DNA testing. If DNA testing of minors is precluded for legal reasons and when DNA cannot be used, sworn signed affidavits submitted by a close relative with first-hand knowledge of the circumstances of the birth or, in the case of a surrogacy, by the surrogate birth mother attesting to the identity of the biological parent of the child is acceptable.

Mayflower Society

https://themayflowersociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DNA-Policy-2024-9APR2024.pdf

Yes, the General Society of Mayflower Descendants (GSMD) accepts DNA evidence to support lineage claims, but primarily as supplementary evidence to bolster a traditional, documented paper trail. It is rarely accepted as the sole proof. The society mainly accepts Y-DNA studies, particularly when traditional documentation is missing, such as in cases of adoption, to confirm paternal connections.

General Society of Mayflower Descendants +4

Key Details on Mayflower Society DNA Policy:

Primary Use: DNA is used in conjunction with traditional research (paper trails) to overcome gaps in documentation, adhering to the Genealogical Proof Standard.
Preferred Testing: The society focuses on Y-DNA tests (67-marker test or higher) and occasionally accepts full-sequence mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on a case-by-case basis.
FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) Partnership: DNA studies should be part of the official Mayflower DNA Project at FTDNA to ensure proper validation by experts.
Application Process: A DNA report must be part of an in-depth research report that attempts to resolve any conflicting evidence.

General Society of Mayflower Descendants +3

While many companies offer DNA testing, the Mayflower Society has specific guidelines, and using the recognized FTDNA project is recommended for applicants.

Fearless 59 Signers of Texas Declaration of Independence

+Mayflower Society

https://themayflowersociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/DNA-Policy-2024-9APR2024.pdf

General Society of Mayflower Descendants +4

Key Details on Mayflower Society DNA Policy:

Primary Use: DNA is used in conjunction with traditional research (paper trails) to overcome gaps in documentation, adhering to the Genealogical Proof Standard.
Preferred Testing: The society focuses on Y-DNA tests (67-marker test or higher) and occasionally accepts full-sequence mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) on a case-by-case basis.
FamilyTreeDNA (FTDNA) Partnership: DNA studies should be part of the official Mayflower DNA Project at FTDNA to ensure proper validation by experts.
Application Process: A DNA report must be part of an in-depth research report that attempts to resolve any conflicting evidence.

General Society of Mayflower Descendants +3

While many companies offer DNA testing, the Mayflower Society has specific guidelines, and using the recognized FTDNA project is recommended for applicants.

Pennsylvania Mayflower Society +1

Heritage Certificates -Texas State Genealogical Society https://www.txsgs.org/programs/heritage-certificates/

Available Certificates

TxSGS offers the following certificate programs for those with pioneers and for those with notable service to Texas in their lineage.

Texas First Families Certificate: Individuals who are direct or collateral descendants of settlers who resided in Texas prior to 19 February 1846 are eligible.
Gone to Texas Pioneer Certificate: Individual direct descendants of settlers that resided in Texas prior to 1886 may apply.
West Texas Pioneer Certificate: Individual direct descendants of settlers that resided in West Texas prior to 1901 may apply.
Greer County Texas Pioneer Certificate: Applicant must prove direct or collateral descent from a settler in Greer County between 1860-1907. This county included parts of Texas and Oklahoma.
Descendants of Texas Rangers Certificate: An applicant must be directly or collaterally descended from someone who served as a Texas Ranger and who is deceased. A collateral ancestor is a brother or sister of the Texas Ranger.

Using DNA Proof Arguments for Heritage Certificates

TxSGS is now accepting DNA as evidence of parent-child relationships for applicants for heritage certificates (First Families of Texas, and so on) and for the Early Texans DNA Project. Click to Learn More.

Application Process

The same application form can be used for all Texas State Genealogical Society certificate programs by indicating at the top of the application form to which program you are applying .
Applicants do not need to reside in Texas or be members of the Texas State Genealogical Society.
Applicants must be able to prove descent with acceptable documentation for each generation and for the qualifying service or settlement.
A supplementary family group sheet is included as well. You may make copies of it for each generation.
A separate application must be completed for each Texas ancestor (except in the case of a husband and wife) for which a certificate is desired.
The $30 fee must accompany each application and is non-refundable.
Completed submissions with application form, all supporting documentation, and payment should be mailed to:

Texas State Genealogical Society
c/o Lela Evans
1167 County Road 411B
Glen Rose, TX 76043-6337

Frequently Asked Questions PDF forms.
For additional questions: certificates@txsgs.org
An index of the ancestor and applicant names from volumes one and two of Texas First Families have been indexed and are available online.

The TxSGS DNA Project

Using DNA Proof Arguments for Heritage Certificates and Early Texans DNA Project Members

Using DNA Proof Arguments for Heritage Certificates and Early Texans DNA Project Members

In plain words, TxSGS needs a few paragraphs (up to several pages for more complicated cases) describing how the DNA evidence supports a parent-child link in your lineage. This might be a relationship where no supporting document exists or where a document erroneously names a parent (such as when a birth certificate names adoptive and not biological parents) and so on. The narrative you write will be a DNA proof argument explaining in a logical sequence how the documentary and DNA evidence conflict or are consistent with your conclusion about a relationship. DNA testing company match lists, output of DNA tools used, and pertinent documents should be included with the proof argument narrative.

Anyone effectively using DNA as evidence for a genealogical relationship has probably already done this analysis even if it was all done mentally and is not yet written down. Writing it down allows TxSGS DNA Committee members to evaluate your proof argument and attachments to determine whether the relationship claim is credibly supported.

If you already know how to write a proof argument and what is needed to prove a parent-child link with DNA you can skip directly to the Requirements: The Proof Argument Must Include section. If you want guidelines on the process and links to sample proof argument articles then continue to read. A glossary is included at the end of the document for proof and evidence terms; we assume you understand DNA terms if you are using DNA evidence.

Content Links
Background
Need for Proof Argument
Requirements: The Proof Argument Must Include
Guidelines for Minimal Testing Needs
Y-DNA
mtDNA
atDNA and X-DNA
Sample Proof Arguments
Glossary
Reference notes
Attachment A: Relationship Chart Examples
Attachment B: Relationship Chart with Shared atDNA Added
Attachment C: Charts With Likely Mutation Occurrences

Note: Inclusion here of any companies, websites, or tool does not constitute endorsement. DNA test takers should investigate any company, website, or tool and the policies, terms of service, and user agreements before using any such service or tool.

DNA is treated like any other genealogical evidence in a lineage application. The requirements below may seem daunting, but TxSGS is only asking submitters to explain how the DNA evidence supports the genealogical conclusion about a relationship. Adherence to these requirements should lead to more successful applications using DNA evidence.

Background

DNA is considered an accepted type of evidence by almost all genealogists.¹ Genealogical use of DNA has been taught at genealogy conferences since about 2000, has been taught in institutes in the US since 2014, and has been defined in Genealogy Standards² since early 2019. Online resources explaining and demonstrating the use of DNA evidence are readily available.³ For several years now, some lineage societies have accepted DNA evidence. However, many of those societies place restrictive rules on using DNA.

Some applicants for heritage certificates (First Families of Texas and others) are using DNA evidence to support a biological relationship to a qualifying ancestor, as are some applicants to the Early Texans DNA Project.

TxSGS now allows DNA evidence for lineage proofs; however, the evidence must be presented following the requirements and recommendations listed below. This follows practices accepted by the genealogical community.

Need for Proof Argument

DNA evidence for parent-child links is allowed in applications submitted to TxSGS for heritage certificates and for the Early Texans DNA Project. The evidence must be presented in a logical narrative or proof argument.

The DNA evidence analysis may contradict the traditional documentary evidence used for genealogy. Even official government documents such as birth certificates may contain incorrect information, possibly from an informant who did not know the truth, had reason to hide the truth, a scribe who heard or wrote the wrong phrase or word, or as when a birth certificate names only the adoptive parents. While DNA evidence does not lie, it can be misinterpreted—just as evidence from a probate file or deed can be misinterpreted. For correct interpretation the DNA evidence must be correlated with documentary evidence. Both the DNA and documentary research must be sufficiently thorough to reduce the chance of future findings contradicting the current interpretation.

A written narrative, or proof argument, should correlate the documentary and DNA evidence in a logical manner and explain the reasoning for acceptance of the DNA evidence. The proof argument should be detailed enough to allow TxSGS to evaluate the assertions and the evidence. Source documents and printouts from DNA testing companies should be attached. These can be assigned document numbers for easy reference in the proof argument. This will assist TxSGS in following the logic and evaluating the validity of the assertion. A scatter-shot collection of printouts would require an inordinate number of hours for evaluation. It might also leave open the possibility of TxSGS’s evaluation focusing on something other than the key element an applicant used to determine an ancestral line.

An applicant might need to consult example proof arguments demonstrating best practices or, alternately, consult a professional with experience in interpreting and writing about DNA. Good examples of proof arguments are listed below in “Sample Proof Arguments.”

Requirements: The Proof Argument Must Include

Real names for test takers in proof argument narratives and images. This sharing is allowed by Genealogy Standards as the names will not be shared outside of the small, closed group that reviews the proof argument. The names and identifying information will be held confidential by these reviewers.
A logically-reasoned correlation of the DNA evidence with the documentary evidence. Both the DNA and documentary research must be sufficiently thorough to reduce the chance of future findings contradicting the current interpretation. In the proof argument, the applicant must explain the reasoning for acceptance of the DNA evidence.
A clear representation of the relationships between the test takers and the lineage of each back to the common ancestors (shared ancestors). See “Attachment A: Relationship Chart Examples” and “Attachment B: Relationship Chart with Shared atDNA Added.” In some cases, documentary evidence supporting a match’s link to the common ancestor will be required. An undocumented family tree, printed or online, is not sufficient evidence to support an assertion about relationship links. In general, the word of a test taker can be accepted to identify a parent because an error at this level would be easily disproved by the DNA evidence. In some cases, this acceptance might be extended to grandparents. For all other relationships, documentary proof should be presented.
DNA test and result details, listed below, for each supporting and matching test taker.
- The testing company name, tests taken, the level of the test when multiple versions are available (Y-37, Y-67, Big Y-700, mtFullSequence, etc.), and the amount of DNA shared by two test takers (atDNA, X-DNA) or the genetic differences between the two (marker names and values, for example, Y-DNA DYS449=31 or mtDNA T12705C).
- A sufficient number of test takers to support the conclusion. Depending on the case, this might be only a a few matching test takers. Most cases require many more test takers. Consulting Genealogy Standards and sample proof arguments should help determine what is needed.
- Printouts or digital copies of match lists and shared DNA amounts from a testing company or tool that include the printed test taker / account name(s), unless the website does not display the name or account number. Names handwritten after the page is printed are only accepted when the testing company or tool does not include the name as part of the display.
- A statement from any test taker using an alias or initials that identify the associated real name and placement within the family tree. This can be an email message or a printed and signed form.

The submitted proof argument will be evaluated by a minimum of two persons experienced in DNA analysis.

Guidelines for Minimal Testing Needs

It is impossible to make a rule about a minimum test level that will be adequate for all situations. Some low level tests or testing a single person can provide evidence against an assertion (to disprove) in any situation or to support an assertion with a rare name or haplogroup. Higher level tests (more Y-DNA STR markers or a full mtDNA sequence) are needed in some situations and with common names. The following general guidelines are provided; however, the real standard of measurement is based on Genealogy Standards and best practices.⁴

Y-DNA

A Y-DNA STR test for fewer than 37 markers is best used as evidence against an assertion. For several years, the minimum level Y-DNA STR test recommended was 37 markers. Most experienced researchers now recommend a minimum of 67 markers. Some now recommend a Y-DNA SNP test such as Big Y-500 or Big Y-700, Y-Elite, or similar information from a test such as a Whole Genome Sequence (WGS).

Whenever possible, it is better to use at least 67 or 111 Y-DNA STR markers. Exact matches are not required. However, a descendant chart should show the likely locations where any existing mutations could have occurred. See “Attachment C: Charts With Likely Mutation Occurrences.” Information from surname projects are likely to be helpful in explaining where mutations may have occurred.

mtDNA

An mtDNA test that does not include the full mitochondrial sequence is best used as evidence against an assertion. Unless the mtDNA haplogroup is a very rare type, even a full mtDNA sequence is only “consistent with” or “does not contradict” an assertion. This is because mtDNA mutations happen less frequently resulting in the same exact sequence being passed down for hundreds or thousands of years. A person can share a full mtDNA exact match with another even when their common ancestor is no closer than two thousand years ago, for example.

atDNA and X-DNA

Shared atDNA amounts between two test takers of a presumed relationship should be consistent with statistical probabilities,⁵ or better yet, the reported amounts from the Shared cM Project.⁶

The Shared cM Project findings are automated and freely available at the DNA Painter website (https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4).⁷ The output shows the probabilities of multiple relationships there might be between two test takers sharing a specific amount of DNA. Where multiple possible relationships are shown, the proof argument should explain why relationships other than the hypothesized relationship are improbable (ruled out).

Shared match lists and clustering tools may support claims of a common ancestor. Useful DNA evidence may also be found with chromosome maps (such as those created on DNA Painter’s main pages or tools like GEDmatch) and triangulated DNA segment maps (such as those provided by GEDmatch and MyHeritage). Shared Ancestor Hints and ThruLines at Ancestry.com, Theories of Relativity at MyHeritage.com, and similar clues displayed by testing companies and other analysis tools must be treated as clues supplemented by documentation that supports the hypothesis.

Only atDNA segments longer than 15 cM should be used in a proof argument unless short segment can be shown to be a portion of a longer segment shared with a relative on the same line or the short segment can be “walked back” through each generation of ancestors to the common ancestor between two test takers.⁸ There are multiple means of walking back a DNA segment to a specific ancestral line.

For X-DNA, an understanding of the unique inheritance pattern of the X chromosome and its application in this case must be incorporated into the proof argument. Only X-DNA segments longer than 20 cM will be considered without the inclusion of substantial supporting evidence.

Sample Proof Arguments

A close relationship should be much simpler to write about than many of the more distant relationships covered in some National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) articles incorporating DNA evidence. If an applicant is not an NGS member,⁹ most genealogy libraries carry the NGSQ, which has many examples using DNA in recent issues. Many libraries in Texas and elsewhere carry Stirpes, the Journal of the Texas State Genealogical Society. There are also many blog posts with examples of DNA analysis included in a proof argument.¹⁰ Using recent articles is recommended as the best practices in using DNA have evolved with time and experience.

See also “DNA Resources” in the BCG Learning Center (https://bcgcertification.org/learning/dna-resources/).

Articles can also be found in other scholarly and peer-reviewed journals. Be careful using articles printed in journals that do not use peer review. Some such articles may be excellent, but some may have undergone less rigorous investigation before being published and will not demonstrate best practices.

For sample proof arguments see these articles paying special attention to the DNA sections of the articles:

Garrett-Nelson, LaBrenda. “Parents for Isaac Garrett of Laurens County, South Carolina: DNA Corroborates Oral Tradition.” National Genealogical Society Quarterly (NGSQ) 108 (June 2020): 85–112.
Henningfield, Melinda. “A Family for Mary (Jones) Hobbs Clark of Carroll County, Arkansas.” NGSQ 107 (March 2019): 5–30; online, “Genealogical Work Samples,” Board for Certification of Genealogists (https://bcgcertification.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Henningfield-NGSQ_107-1_Mar2019.pdf).
Hobbs, Patricia Lee. “DNA Identifies a Father for Rachel, Wife of James Lee of Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania.” NGSQ 105 (March 2017): 43–56; online, “Genealogical Work Samples,” Board for Certification of Genealogists (https://bcgcertification.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Hobbs-NGSQ_105-1_March2017.pdf).
Raymont, Ann. “A Father for Walter Griffith of Tuscarawas County, Ohio.” NGSQ 108 (September 2020): 165–182.
Souders, Marilyn Cleves. “Adoption Mystery Solved: DNA Match with WWI Soldier Reunites the Gamble Family.” Stirpes, the Journal of the Texas State Genealogical Society (Stirpes) 56 (June 2017): 31–35.
Stanbary, Karen. “Rafael Arriaga, a Mexican Father in Michigan: Autosomal DNA Helps Identify Paternity.” NGSQ 104 (June 2016): 85–98; online, “Genealogical Work Samples,” Board for Certification of Genealogists (https://bcgcertification.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Stanbary_Jun2016.pdf).
Whited, Randy. “DNA Illuminates Kilgrove Connection.” Stirpes 56 (September 2017): 14–15.
Youngblood, Larry. “Y-DNA and atDNA—They Can Work Together.” Stirpes 58 (March 2019): 7–11.

Note: Some of these articles were written prior to publication of the 2019 edition of Genealogy Standards that added specific requirements for DNA analysis. Every article may not meet all of the current standards, but all have some good ideas on how to write about DNA analysis.

Glossary

assertion – a statement of fact or belief
correlate – compare and contrast
evidence – the body of facts or information supporting or conflicting with a hypothesis
lineage – lineal descent from an ancestor; one ancestral line of a pedigree
proof argument – a detailed, written explanation of the evidence and reasoning used to reach a conclusion

Reference notes

1. Widely accepted abbreviations for DNA types are used throughout this document: Y-DNA, X-DNA, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), and autosomal DNA (atDNA). These should be understood by anyone using DNA to prove a genealogical relationship.

2. Board for Certification of Genealogists (BCG), Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed. (Nashville, Tenn.: Ancestry.com Imprint, Turner Publ., 2019).

3. “DNA Resources,” BCG Learning Center (https://bcgcertification.org/learning/dna-resources/).

4. BCG, Genealogy Standards.

5. “Autosomal DNA statistics,” ISOGG Wiki (https://isogg.org/wiki/Autosomal_DNA_statistics).

6. Blaine T. Bettinger, “Shared cM Project,” The Genetic Genealogist (https://thegeneticgenealogist.com/). Search the blog posts for the most recent update to the project such as the March 2020 update at https://thegeneticgenealogist.com/2020/03/27/version-4-0-march-2020-update-to-the-shared-cm-project/. The March 2020 version of the PDF file is at https://thegeneticgenealogist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Shared-cM-Project-Version-4.pdf. The project charts are periodically updated.

7. Jonny Perl and Blaine T. Bettinger, “The Shared cM Project 4.0 tool v4,” DNA Painter (https://dnapainter.com/tools/sharedcmv4).

8. One method of walking back an ancestor can be found in Jim Bartlett, “Walking the Ancestor Back,” segment-ology blog, 4 January 2017 (https://segmentology.org/2017/01/04/walking-the-ancestor-back/).

9. (US) National Genealogical Society (https://www.ngsgenealogy.org/).

10. Jim Bartlett, segment-ology blog (https://segmentology.org/). Roberta Estes, DNA Explained (http://dna-explained.com/). Debbie Parker Wayne, Deb’s Delvings in Genealogy (http://debsdelvings.blogspot.com/). See also, “Genetic genealogy blogs,” ISOGG Wiki (https://isogg.org/wiki/Genetic_genealogy_blogs).