Which would be the best way to proceed with DNA testing?

Question

I've tested through 23andMe and then transferred the raw data to Family Finder. My uncle contributed yDNA to Family Tree DNA. From reading, I know he has his mother's Ward DNA, but is that also included in the DNA stored at Family Tree DNA? Is there anyway they can test his mother's side of the family with the contribution they've already received from him? We're absolutely stuck on my grandmother's grandfather, Jefferson Ward, and at this point, DNA seems to be the only way to crash through the brick wall. It would be very difficult for me to find a Ward to contribute yDNA because I don't know any of them.

Answer 1

Hi Debby,

FamilyTreeDNA should be able to do this for you.  I originally (over ten years ago) had my dad's mtDNA tested through them.  A few years later I had them test his Y-DNA with the same sample, and earlier this year I had them do his autosomal DNA -- again with the original sample.

You'd want to do the autosomal DNA test, since from what you've said it seems your uncle is your mother's brother, therefore he has his Ward mother's mtDNA (so not Ward Y-DNA).

FamilyTreeDNA recently lowered the price of the autosomal DNA testing from $69 to $39 (or free if you can get four people from 23andMe and/or ancestry.com to transfer their raw data -- even if they only do the free test currently being offered and don't pay for a complete test!).

Good luck!

Darlene

Comments

Thanks, Darlene. The fact that you were able to use the original DNA ten years later is very encouraging. $39 is very doable and the autosomal DNA should help since I don't know of a male Ward to contribute yDNA.

Answer 2

Family Tree DNA keeps submitted samples specifically for use in re-testing or additional testing. If a sufficient amount of your uncle's original sample remains, FTDNA can certainly test his mother's side of the family from that. Although sufficient sample usually remains after initial testing, you'll have to contact them directly to confirm that in your uncle's case.

Comments

Thanks, Patrick. I will contact them.

Answer 3

This was just announced late this afternoon:

Family Tree DNA is now allowing people that have taken an AncestryDNA™ or 23andMe© (V3) test to transfer their raw data to the Family Finder database for FREE by visiting www.familytreedna.com/AutosomalTransfer!

Comments

Great information! Thank you.