Hello, my name is John Beardsley. I am an avid genealogy researcher of the Beardsley/Beardslee family. I am particularly interested in the field of genetic genealogy, which is becoming a major part of researching family history. I started and am the administrator of the Beardsley/Beardslee surname project at FTDNA. We currently have 9 Beardsley members in the project, and are trying to get more. The goal of the project is to attempt to use DNA research to assist in refining our knowledge of the Beardsley lineages, to correct lines that have been mis-identified, and verify established lines. We would also like to use test results in the broader sense to see where the Beardsley/Beardslee clan originated as part of the whole human family. We have already learned a tremendous amount! Most Beardsley/Beardslees in the United States trace their lineage back to the immigrants William and Mary (Harvie) Beardsley, who came here aboard the ship Planter in the early 1600s. Our DNA results show that the male line of descendants of William belong to a subclade of haplogroup I1, currently identified as I1-L338. This haplogroup is believed to be at least partly composed of Viking invaders of England. The reason I am writing is that we need more Beardsley/Beardslee members to join our project and test their DNA. FTDNA is the testing lab where our surname DNA project is hosted, they offer a range of Y DNA tests. I recommend the 37 marker Y DNA test as it has shown to be the minimum test level able to differentiate our family lineages. If you join the project and then order you will receive a small discount for the test. FTDNA also offers a number of other tests for genetic genealogy, including tests of the mtdna (which tests the mother to daughters line of descent) and autosomal dna (which tests all lines of descent and can connect you to genetic cousins going back 5-7 generations). Both of these tests can be done by male or females. If you or anyone you know might be interested in joining in our research, please contact me. I’d be very happy to answer any questions that I’m able to. John Beardsley administrator, Beardsley/Beardslee surname project https://www.familytreedna.com/groups/beardsley-beardslee/activity-feed http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Beardsley/_Beardslee_Surname_Study