Origin.

This project was formed to aid family research for Stinnett surnames or their variants.  Genetic genealogy can be especially beneficial to researchers who had encountered road blocks in tracing family origins.  It is often helpful in correcting existing records particularly where documentation is absent or lacking.

Although created initially for Y-DNA research, the project is now open to any male or female with a Stinnett ancestor (male or female).    Included are all variations of the Stinnett surname, not limited to the more common STINNETT, STINET, STINNETTE, STENNETT or STENNETTE.

There are also variant pronunciations of the surname. Here are several common examples:  st-UH-net, st-EYE-net, st-IN-net, st-EN-net. 

Links.

FTDNA members are strongly encouraged to also join and post messages and inquiries to Stinnett Genealogy on Facebook.  This public group is the successor to Stinnett DNA Project, a Facebook public group initiated by Janet Crain.  

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Available Tests.

FamilyTreeDNA offers competitively priced tests for Y-DNA, mtDNA, and autosomal DNA. 

• Y-DNA testing is appropriate only for males and tracks a man’s direct paternal line.  Y-DNA matches share a common ancestor.  It can also provide insight into a paternal ancestor’s county of origin.
• mtDNA testing is appropriate for both men and women and tracks one’s direct maternal line (mother, her mother, her mother, etc.).  It is also helpful in discovering geographic origins.
• Autosomal testing is labeled Family Finder by FTDNA and looks for matching segments on the other 22 pairs of chromosomes.  The 23rd pair are the sex chromosomes that determine gender.  FamilyTreeDNA offers advanced tools for comparing matching segments.

The Y-DNA test is especially beneficial in helping to identify families with the same DNA structure, providing a means of associating ancestors with particular family groups.  Within the Stinnett Genealogy Project there are currently two major subgroups from different haplogroups (branches of the human family tree).  

FTDNA frequently discounts its pricing to incentivize new and existing customers to purchase a test.  Such sales may be for only one or two testing categories to celebrate occasions such as Mothers Day or Fathers Day, or to celebrate holidays or seasons.  Patience in ordering a test can save money.

Financial Assistance.

In selective circumstances, administrators of Stinnett Genealogy may be willing to use General Fund resources to pay for a test or subsidize the cost where it is felt that the candidate’s results will fill a gap or provide special insight into family relationships and origins.  To inquire about financial assistance, contact a project administrator.  

Members are encouraged to contribute to the General Fund, a particularly appropriate way to recognize close relatives or ancestors.