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1. To which CALDWELL individuals am I most closely related? Will this help me push back my own CALDWELL genealogy a couple of generations?
2. From where does my own particular CALDWELL branch originate?
3. Is it possible to link my CALDWELL branch to ancient genealogies and historical texts?
4. What can DNA tell us about the origins and evolution of the surname CALDWELL, and its different variants? How are they related to each other (if at all)?
5. What does the larger Family Tree of the CALDWELL surname look like, going back to the origins of the surname? Can we define it based on the mutations we find in the DNA?
Some of these objectives can be realised very quickly, others will take years to achieve, so this is very much a long term project and will take a lot of time, dedication, and patience to achieve maturity. The standard starting test for most people is the Y-DNA-37 test (which tests 37 STR* markers). This can be ordered via the project for $149 (as of May 2016). Additional testing may include: a) upgrading to 67 markers or 111 markers; b) SNP testing (either via a specific SNP Pack, a single SNP* test, or an NGS* test such as the Big Y from FTDNA).
In order to achieve these goals, there are several things that members can do to help themselves and each other.
1) Fill in your MDKA information (Most Distant Known Ancestor) for both your maternal line and (especially) your paternal line. Surname spelling & birth location are the most important details. Simply click on your name in the top right of your home page after logging in - click on Account Settings - Genealogy - Most Distant Ancestors ... I have posted instructions on how to do this on the following link.
2) Post your CALDWELL Pedigree to the Activity Feed page. This will potentially help other people to connect with you. It would be best if you could provide it in the following format:
- 1. Thomas CALDWELL born c1788 ? Ireland, died 7 Aug 1853 St Louis, Missouri
- 2. Richard CALDWELL born Mar 1836, Antrim, died 13 Apr 1906 Kansas
- 3. Grandfather (i.e. no birth info <100 years ago, no marriage info <75, and no death info <50)
- 4. Father
- 5. Yourself (initials, FTDNA Kit number 123456, gedmatch F567890, email address, link to your online family tree)
3) Add your Ancestral Surnames (click on your name in the top right of your home page after logging in - click on Account Settings - Genealogy - Surnames). I suggest to put SURNAMES in capital letters and Locations in normal text.
4) Collaborate with each other by using the Activity Feed page to ask questions, post photos and documents, exchange genealogical information, and help others with their family history research. This is very much a group effort and the success of the project depends on collaboration and sharing of information.
Doing these 4 simple actions will maximise the chances of finding long lost cousins and breaking through your Brick Walls.
Good luck with your genealogical endeavours!