About us
The goal of the Isbell Surname Project is to prove if and how all of the Isbell lines originating from Virginia are related. It is also expected to prove relationships to other families with similar surnames; viz., Isabelles, Isabels, Isbills, etc., and the degree of relationship between the Isbells of Virginia and Robert Isbell, 17th century settler of New England.
The paper trail for many of the Southern Isbell families is very scarce. Therefore, genetic genealogy used in conjunction with traditional genealogy methods, offers hope of proving relationships not otherwise totally provable. The most helpful test is the Y-DNA which can only be done on men since only they have a Y chromosome. The Y-DNA is passed from father to son almost unchanged for many generations. This test result, when combined with a constant surname, is a good indicator of family relationship.
All male Isbells and all others with variant surnames are cordially invited to be test participants. The test kit consists of two cheek scrapers and two collection tubes. Using the scraper is like brushing your inside cheek with a small stiff cotton toothbrush. Test results take 6 to 8 weeks.
To obtain the best results we are recommending the 25 marker test which cost $171 and which can later be upgraded to the 37 marker test if needed. Twelve marker tests are available but these allow for many matches and are not really discriminating enough.
To participate meaningfully, participants will need to share their direct male line ancestry back to the earliest known Isbell either in the form of a pedigree or ancestor chart. Our purpose is to find common ancestors for Isbells with matching DNA. The more men who participate, the faster we will be able to draw some conclusions from the data.
The paper trail for many of the Southern Isbell families is very scarce. Therefore, genetic genealogy used in conjunction with traditional genealogy methods, offers hope of proving relationships not otherwise totally provable. The most helpful test is the Y-DNA which can only be done on men since only they have a Y chromosome. The Y-DNA is passed from father to son almost unchanged for many generations. This test result, when combined with a constant surname, is a good indicator of family relationship.
All male Isbells and all others with variant surnames are cordially invited to be test participants. The test kit consists of two cheek scrapers and two collection tubes. Using the scraper is like brushing your inside cheek with a small stiff cotton toothbrush. Test results take 6 to 8 weeks.
To obtain the best results we are recommending the 25 marker test which cost $171 and which can later be upgraded to the 37 marker test if needed. Twelve marker tests are available but these allow for many matches and are not really discriminating enough.
To participate meaningfully, participants will need to share their direct male line ancestry back to the earliest known Isbell either in the form of a pedigree or ancestor chart. Our purpose is to find common ancestors for Isbells with matching DNA. The more men who participate, the faster we will be able to draw some conclusions from the data.