Why join the Roache DNA project?
The aim of the project is to reveal connections between family groups. There are many uncertainties in family tree research when you enter the early 1800 time period. It can be a frustrating exercise; assumptions often need to be made and there are many dead ends. Also an added confusion is the spelling of the Ro(a)ch(e) name; it is interchangeable within the one family lineage. Therefore the traditional paper trail can effectively disappear for dates prior to the early 1800’s.
In addition, many questions often arise during family research:
1. How is our family line connected to the other Roche / Roach families? Do we have any common ancestors?
2. Is our family line descended from one of the main ancestral lineages?
3. Where did our ancient ancestors really come from?
The Roache DNA project will answer these questions. It will identify connections with other family groups and provide an additional avenue for exploring and extending your family history.
Who should be tested?
Only males inherit the Y chromosome, therefore surname analysis can only be performed on a male with the Ro(a)ch(e) surname. Females who would like to check their direct paternal line can have a male relative with the surname order a Y-DNA test. For a particular family group only one male would need to be tested. Thus if you have a family tree from a great grandfather downwards only one descendant is required. All males descended from a great grandfather will have almost identical Y-DNA markers. Therefore if Y-DNA testing is a financial issue, maybe some family members could share the cost.
About the DNA testing company
Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) is the oldest and largest DNA genealogy company in the world. It is used by more than 90% of people who undertake a DNA test to investigate their ancestry. FTDNA works in association with a scientific advisory board and the University of Arizona. FTDNA’s Chief Scientist is Dr Michael Hammer who is a Research Scientist at the University of Arizona with appointments in the Department of Anthropology and the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. He is also Director of the Genomic Analysis and Technology Core facility. Dr. Hammer received his PhD in Genetics from the University of California at Berkeley and was a post-doctoral fellow at Princeton and Harvard Universities.
Family Tree DNA also provides the tests for the Genographic Project, which is a partnership between the National Geographic Society, IBM and the Waitt Family Foundation. The Genographic Project is seeking to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species, by using the same laboratory and computer analysis of DNA that is used for DNA genealogy research.
In addition, the Group Administrator of the Roache DNA Project has over 20 years professional experience in DNA analysis (see Contact section for details).
What Y-DNA test should I consider ordering?
The Y-DNA test is available at 4 different levels based on the number of DNA markers which are tested; Y-12, Y-25, Y-37, and Y-67. The Y-12 order which tests for 12 markers is not recommended for studies to identify common ancestors and trace family lineages. It is suitable for determining your deep ancestry, eg. ancient migration group. The Y-25 marker set is the entry level for studies on common ancestors and family lineages.
The Y-37 marker set is the one that is recommended for these studies. The additional markers refine the predicted time period in which two individuals are related and eliminate unrelated matches.
The Y-67 marker order is not necessary for most initial studies. If required a 37 to 67 marker upgrade can be ordered after the initial Y-37 results are obtained.
How do I join?
You can order a Y-DNA test from the
Family Tree DNA Roache webpage.