MEET YOUR VOLUNTEER PRATER PROJECT ADMINISTRATORS

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1 Prater* Project NEWSLETTER i Vol I, No 1 Click on graphic above to view the latest Prater Project Results Tables using the drop-down menus MEET YOUR VOLUNTEER PRATER PROJECT ADMINISTRATORS Laverne Piatt IN THIS SEPTEMBER 2014 ISSUE Meet your volunteer administrators How does DNA testing help genealogy? Y-DNA Interim Results mtdna testing for men & women What you can do to help See what WORLDFAMILIES.NET does to help DNA Understanding References and resources The original founder of the PRATER project, Laverne is a 7th generation descendant of Revolutionary War soldier Archibald Prater of VA and his wife Sarah Fugate. DNA suggests that Archibald shares a common ancestor with others who trace from Thomas Prater of early VA but until Archibald's parents are identified with certainly the path from Archibald toward Thomas is not established. As an only child with 50 cousins she was "always" interested in family. Serious genealogical research began in 1980 with work on her husband's Piatt surname. Happily retired for 11 years after spending 35 years in education, Laverne has become active in Daughters of the American Revolution. Currently Laverne is a Registrar for the Jared Mansfield Chapter DAR in Mansfield, OH, and also State Chairman of Lineage Research for Ohio DAR. She lives in Springfield Township, Richland Co, OH. You can contact Laverne at laverne.piattdna@gmail.com Page 1

2 Steve Coker Steve has been involved with both traditional genealogy research and DNA testing supporting his and other families for several years. He got his genealogy bug from his father, uncle, and grandmother, some 35 years ago. Since about 1996 Steve has managed the SCRoots, DuBose, and Coker genealogy mailing list groups at Rootsweb and also discusses genealogy on FaceBook now. In recent years, he has served as Administrator for several other DNA projects (Coker, Whittle, DuBose-DuBois, Barrineau). He is also doing genetic genealogy and has supported the performing of DNA testing on some 26 family members to help substantiate traditional research and fill in some lineage gaps. The genealogy work Steve shares will be his future legacy to brothers, nieces and nephews, and other family members. Having retired from the Corps of Engineers this year, Steve has more time to devote to his genealogy research. With his engineering and scientific education, as well as management skills developed at the Corps, Steve is well suited to help administer DNA family projects. You can contact Steve at Marty Prather Marty has been researching his PRATHER/PRATER family for over 25 years. And over the past few months has been getting up to speed on the usefulness of DNA testing for genealogy. With the help of Gary Benton Prather, he initiated the first Prather-Prater genealogy web site in 1996, currently at And last year launched a Prather Prater FACEBOOK page: Marty and his wife moved to southern California 3 years ago and is enjoying his 12 th year of retirement from his job in aerospace, where he worked for a major NW Commercial Airplane firm for 32 years as a structural engineer. You can contact Marty at martin@prather.net HOW DOES DNA TESTING HELP GENEALOGY? by Marty Prather Figure 1 Click on Chart graphic to view large To graphically illustrate how DNA testing supports genealogy research, we created this simple chart. The first row outlines the Traditional genealogy research method. The 2 nd row shows what DNA testing supports. When we have others who have researched similar lineages, DNA testing can substantiate traditional analysis. Page 2

3 Y-DNA TESTING FOR THE MEN INTERIM RESULTS for Thomas of VA Sub-group by Laverne Piatt, Steve Coker, and Marty Prather As of the publication of this newsletter, there have been 10 Y-DNA37 test results returned for the Thomas of VA sub-grouping, and more pending. See the current FTDNA Table: click HERE. So what do all these numbers mean? To clarify, here is an analogy: Let s say the rows in the table represent highways. Everyone (each kit contributor) in the table has an opportunity to travel a different highway. As you travel down YOUR highway you stop at many mile markers; for example, at mile marker "DYS456" you get out of your car and count 16 rocks there. You continue to stop at others, where for example you stop at mile marker "DYS570", you get out of your car, and count 19 rocks. You stop at all the other markers and count and record the number of rocks, or "repeats". Figure 2 Click on THIS Chart graphic to view the lineage chart created from the link above and pedigrees. See the analysis of this chart on the next page. Next, I get on MY highway, stopping at markers along the way and find that almost all are the same as the road you traveled. I stop at mile marker DYS456 and count 17 rocks, instead of your 16 (so 1 mutation). Maybe the wind blew an extra one to the pile. This has been shown to be expected, now and then...more so at certain mile markers (the dark red ones). I continue on with my many stops and find at your same mile marker, DYS570, the same 19 rocks. I continue on and record all the other numbers of rocks, or "repeats", at all the same mile markers as you. Conclusion: When comparing both roads we traversed, there are only slight differences in the results we found of say, 37 stops...differences (or mutations ) perhaps because of the wind or rain. Many differences implie we were on different roads. So with so few a number of mutations, there is a high probability that we were on the same road. Back to DNA: Since the Y-DNA results are close, we are likely to have had the same male common ancestor. Page 3

4 Lineage Chart Comparing Mutations- The focus here in the chart 2 above is on the Y-DNA sub-group Thomas Prater of VA. The chart is a merge of lineages contributed by the participants, showing the common ancestor. The chart will be updated, as more contributors results are made available. The upper-left legend describes the meanings of the dashed and solid lines. Only selected generations were included to reduce the clutter of the chart, since the emphasis of the chart is overall lineage connection and mutations. To explain what we see in the chart, let s take an example of one contributor s results. Let s pick kit # nd col from the left. His two mutations in the Y-DNA37 test are at CDYa and DYS442: where value of the repeats (colorized boxes) are 35 and 13, respectively, compared to the "mode" (most frequently occurring) repeats of 36 and 12. See table- The headers in the table that are maroon are the "faster changing markers", which just means they have been shown to change more frequently in genetic studies, compared to others. The CDYa series is one, but the DYS442 is not. If you follow down the left side of the attached chart, Jackie Lee Prater had zero mutations from the common ancestor we believe to be Jonathan. If #74341 descends from Basil, then these mutations likely happened at some generation(s) between Basil and # If for example, we had a test from a living ancestor in between Basil and #74341 and that ancestor had zero like Jackie, the mutation would have been between that ancestor and # or at any generation in between. Testing other living relatives in between might help reveal where the mutation began. You will note in the chart the DYS442:13 occurs in several places and not just through one ancestor, which is unusual. We are studying this result to discover how this happens. Otherwise, the group is pretty close with only a few mutations between the contributors. If one s test had come in with several mutations signifying not being related to this Thomas Prater of VA sub-group, other explanations would have been needed to explain the differences, such as an adoption with the surname being PRAT(H)ER, but a different father s DNA introduced. Some Y-DNA67 tests are under way by some participants to see if that will reveal more. Similar rationale applies to other contributors results in the table. If you have any particular questions about these results, please contact us. In one of our discussions, Steve made the following comments: Mutations happen. Backwards mutations also happen. It is possible that the common ancestor had DYS442 value of 12 or 13. If more of the tested lineage branches have values of 12, then it is more likely that the common ancestor had 12. But, it is possible he was 13 and that those with 12 values are all mutations. The more tests you have to compare, the more refined you can establish such probabilities. Page 4

5 The only way to know with 100% certainty when a given mutation (or backward mutation) occurred is to test and compare DNA for each generation. That would tell with certainty when each change happened. Obviously, it isn't possible to test the deceased. So, we can't have 100% absolute certainty. But, by testing many descendants, and comparing their genealogical records, we get probabilities telling us about relationships. Comparing DNA results gives probabilities about relationships. The more of the DNA that is compared, the better the confidence one can have in the probabilities. Testing 67 Y-DNA markers gives better confidence than 37 markers. If you test a large number of descendants, then you will find some that have a lot more mutations than most others. And, you will find some that have many fewer mutations than most others. In general, there will tend to be fewer mutations in descendants that are closer in generations to the common ancestor. And, there will tend to be more mutations in those that are farther in generations from the common ancestor. Any two given individuals could have an unexpected number or type of mutations. Differences change probabilities. Differences with reasonable probability ranges don't change genealogy. Known genealogy layered onto DNA comparisons adjusts how the probabilities are applied. Other sub-groups in the table will be discussed in future newsletters, as the results become significant. Page 5

6 by Laverne Piatt mtdna TESTING FOR MEN & WOMEN Mitochondrial DNA is one of three types of DNA that may be tested for genealogical purposes. Mitochondrial DNA is passed from mother to child but only the female child will pass it on. Therefore the mitochondrial lineage of an individual will be found on the lowest line of a pedigree chart following the person s mother mother mother and so on. Because many societies are patriarchal, giving the male surname to a couple and their children, mitochondrial DNA is less useful than Y-DNA for establishing a connection to a surname. MtDNA testing will reveal the haplogroup, or ancient group, of the test participant establishing an ancient heritage and possibly a region of origin for the maternal lineage. (MtDNA haplogroups do not correspond directly with those for Y-DNA.) Both males and females may test their MtDNA to learn the maternal legacy. While MtDNA may be less useful than Y-DNA for standard genealogical purposes, it does have some value in certain situations. Y-DNA degrades quicker than MtDNA. In some cases MtDNA may be retrieved from human remains and be analyzed to identify the victim. Such a case was that of a child victim of the Titanic. 1 A more personal instance involves an ancestor of my husband. This woman with a fine New England name died in Washington Co PA about She and her 11 children had been named in the will of her late husband probated in Suddenly, some dozen years ago this woman was given a new biological heritage of 100 percent Shawnee by a total stranger to the family. Subsequently, MtDNA testing on two lines of strict female descent through two daughters confirmed her true genetic heritage as Haplogroup U, 100 percent European. We encourage others to take an MtDNA test and reveal ancestry through their mothers, not only for current researchers, but for generations to come to analyze and explore. The current mtdna results summary is found by clicking HERE. 1 The Unknown Child on the Titanic. Page 6

7 WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP UPGRADE: To help increase the certainty in the conclusions we draw, you are encouraged to upgrade to a higher test level. Ask your admin for specific recommendations for your specific case. When you login to your FTDNA account you will see an upgrade link, as well as on other pages. For the Y-DNA testing, some Y-DNA67 tests are in the works, so we are eager to see how those results will compare with others. To reiterate, we are volunteer admins and receive no financial rewards from FTDNA..it s just a labor of love. We don t know what new results might yield, so there is always uncertainty. RECRUIT: If there are other Prat(h)er family members who are candidates for testing, first consider having them join the Project. Also, see what they would like to accomplish through the testing and then pick the appropriate test(s). We can never have too many kits being tested in the project supporting the current Y-DNA and mtdna results. The FTDNA site has a list of what test reveals what, click HERE. CONNECT: Your test results will be more meaningful if you have entered a DOCUMENTED Distant Ancestor in your profile. Things can be confused if distant ancestors are guessed or if there is no documented, proven, lineage for them. And upload a GEDCOM file of your pedigree. If you need help with this, we have an extensive database developed by Gary Benton Prather where we can possibly generate a custom GEDCOM for you to upload.contact us. With these data at hand, we will be in a better position to compare your results to others, like we have done in the Lineage Chart shown in the previous article. UPDATE CONTACT INFORMATION/BENEFICIARY: If your personal information is not current, please update it. And include a beneficiary for your kit, in case you are no longer involved. If you have no one else who is interested in the role, add one of the administrator s info in the blanks and we will take over where you left off. CONTRIBUTIONS: Your contributions allow project administrators to buy additional testing for a project. Contributed funds cannot be used for any purpose other than testing at FTDNA. For more information, click HERE. Page 7

8 SEE WHAT WORLDFAMILIES.NET CAN DO TO HELP THE PRATER PROJECT By Terry Barton (excerpts from Here's The WorldFamilies.net (WFN) Story - The merger of genetic information with traditional genealogy is an exciting breakthrough. In some cases, it answers questions that traditional research couldn't answer. Probably more importantly, it energizes and expands the group of people working on the histories of many families. Today, WFN has one of the largest Surname DNA Projects in the world, but more importantly, we have a large community of researchers working together to share their information and puzzle out issues. Our learning evolved into the World Families Network in early 2004, when a web site was created to help Surname Projects by sharing learning and providing a place to find general information. Since late 2004, WFN has been supporting projects to help more families have the same opportunities we have enjoyed. What Do We, WFN, Do? Why Do We Do It? Why Do We Work With Family Tree DNA? What? For the project administrators, we provide free websites to display test results, family pedigrees, and shared information. There are also forums for family discussions. We are here to answer questions, as needed, and offer tips to help projects be a success. We realized quite quickly that many people are interested in getting Page 8

9 started in genetic genealogy, but lack an understanding of the vocabulary and the process. To provide that information, WFN has developed the information pages on its website, and a step-by-step guide that makes sure you don't overlook any of the things you should do to make sure your testing is as successful as possible. We make it easy to join a Surname Project and to order your test, if you haven t done so already. See our guide to DNA testing: DNA The Smart Way. Why? The WFN website grew out of our passion for genealogy and the knowledge we have gained as successful surname DNA project administrators since Since 2004, we have been offering our services to surname projects: sharing project administration tips and resource information, and by providing free websites. Ordering tests through a project is cheaper for some tests than ordering from FTDNA's main page - so we do encourage you to order through a project. It is still a labor of love, however, as the best rewards for hours spent at the computer is helping an individual or a project make a connection through the use of genetic genealogy. Why FTDNA? There are many testing companies offering DNA testing for genealogy these days. Many have beautifully done websites, but have little structure and few projects. If you tested at one of these companies with the lovely website - or one who sells you access to their genealogy information - you probably were asking - "What now?" as soon as you received your results. And - then, you were told - "Join your surname project!". And - you probably found that your surname project is based at FTDNA. FTDNA has most of the dna results for those focused on genealogy and nearly all of the projects supporting genealogy research. In addition FTDNA has the largest DNA databases in the field of Genetic Genealogy, a very important factor, as you want your results compared to as many others as you can. Family Tree DNA is run by genealogists and scientists who understand how genetic genealogy works, and who provide you with the most services of any testing company. To read more about the benefits of testing with FTDNA, click here. So, go to WorldFamilies.net and set up a FREE account, and set PRATER as a favorite, to gain full access to WFN tips, guides, and other resources. Page 9

10 REFERENCES AND RESOURCES i (pick the link): The Prater Forum on FaceBook Prather Prater Genealogy on FaceBook (ask questions, share information, and learn the latest) Prather Genealogy web site (since 1996: search the 120,000 person DB, read interesting family stories, learn some of the Prater Prather history and events) Using your Project's Website What if you die? Logging in Make this a Favorite 8 Things You Must Do If You're ydna Testing DNA the Smart Way DNA Genealogy What is a Haplogoup? Y-DNA Haplogroup Tree ISOGG Wiki Genetic Encyclopedia Identical by State Gedmatch ysearch Prater Mailing List on Roostweb Prater Mailing List Archives Prater Message Board on Ancestry Search Prater on Ancestry Answers to many of your questions: Another view of our DNA Donate to The Prater DNA Project To view other newsletter issues, click HERE Page 10