The Surname DNA Project

Over the past few years, I have been considering attempting to organize a DNA Surname Project for the Bothwell line because I am convinced that the Irish and the Scottish Bothwells share a common heritage, perhaps even a single common Bothwell ancestor.

The problem has been to decide which of the many possible solutions would be best for the project, both on a cost basis and on the basis of the types of tests involved.

For myself, I finally settled on the Ulster Heritage DNA group project at FamilyTreeDNA.

Given the difficulty of finding records from Irish sources, I think the DNA testing is the best way for Bothwells to find the elusive links between the Irish and the Scottish branches of the family.

While surname (Y-chromosome) testing is only for males, there are tests available for both men and women that give excellent results.

So far, the test results have allowed me to link up with many cousins, though so far there have been no connections with any other males with the Bothwell surname. To date, I only know of one male Bothwell who has taken the test and his line from Co. Monaghan did not match up with my Co. Armagh ancestors. But I contine to hope.

I urge all Bothwells to give serious consideration to having genealogical DNA testing done. For male Bothwells taking the y-chromosome test, get the test with the most markers you can afford. The more markers they check, the better and more reliable the matches. Go for at least 37 markers and preferably 67.

Thanks for your interest.

Kearney Bothwell