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Fergus(s)on DNA ProjectClan Fergusson Society of North AmericaA Cooperative Project - since August 1, 2003 |
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"It is improbable that the Fergussons had any single common origin. As far back as we can find enough evidence on which to base theories, we notice at least five main groups of Fergusson existing independently - two in the south-west, one in Argyll, one in north-eastern Perthshire and Angus, one in Aberdeenshire - not to mention others in Balquhidder and Strathyre, in Fife, and in Ross-shire. these groups were so widely separated that they never could and, in fact, never did regard themselves as one clan in the same sense as, for example, the Campbells, Macdonalds and Macleans of the Isles, Macleods, Grants or Munros."
[Sir James Fergusson of Kilkerran, The Fergussons, 1956]
Knox in his History of Mayo (Ireland) tells us that O'Fergus held the parish of Burrishoole in 1303. In county Leitrim, Ireland the Erenachs of Rossinver were the Fergusons or O'Fergusas. There is good reason to believe that not all Ferguson originate in Scotland.
Consistent with the above statements, the Fergus(s)on DNA Project has to date identified no less than sixteen different genetic families of men whose name is Fergusson, Ferguson or some variant thereof. Further there are another dozen or so Fergus(s)on whose DNA as yet defies classification meaning that in total there are at least thirty different Fergus(s)on families of independent origins.
Sharing of data is a project requirement! Participants are required to provide information on their Fergus(s)on ancestry which is then posted on this site along with test results and analysis.
Click here for an order form at group discounted pricing.
Contribute to our
General Fund
which is used to purchase kits for non-genealogically oriented FERGUS(S)ON
whose lineage is of interest to the group as a whole because they can document
a lineage back to the UK in a timeframe preceding civil records; see
Benchmark Pedigrees & Solicitation of Same.The Fergus, Ferriss, Hardy and Kidd DNA projects are similiar to our own. So long as on your personal page (click Orange Tab: Setup Preferences) you select I want my matches to be set against the entire database, then your data will be compared with theirs.
The Farris DNA project uses a different vendor; i.e. DNA Heritage. Nevertheless we can compare results by uploading to a common database such as Ysearch. This can be done automatically from your personal page (click Orange Tab: Y-DNA Matches); click on the statement Click here to upload to Ysearch.org. Note: This option appears only if you have not already uploaded your data.
Q: My 4th great-grandfather is David Ferguson born 1745 in Ireland. As I am female, could one of my sons do the DNA test?
A: No, the surname testing is based on the "Y" chromosome which is a paternal test and thus all samples must be derived from a male surnamed FERGUSON or a variant thereof.Q: My husband's mother's mother's mother is a Ferguson. Would he be able to participate in the DNA research?
A: It depends on your research objective. If it is directed at Mrs. Ferguson and her maternal line then yes, otherwise no.Q: What paternal test should I order?
A: For the FERGUSON DNA Project it is recommended that one purchase at least a 37 marker kit. This is adequate resolution to say that two people have a common ancestor and thus begin exploration of each other's genealogies. The higher resolution 67 marker kit allows one to make a better estimate of how many generations ago two people share a common ancestor. The higher resolution is necessary when one must examine conflicting genealogies or provide corroborating evidence to support a hypothesis or theory.Q: How is the DNA collected?
A: Its done at home by simply swabing the inside of the cheek. Family Tree DNA will mail you a collection kit and it comes with instructions on how to swab the inside of the cheek and mail it back.Q: How long does it take to get results?
A: Six to eight weeks.Q: My grandfather does not use the internet but would like to read about the project. Do you have a file that I can print and send to him?
A: Yes, click here for an article that was written for Clan Fergusson Society of North America which described the project.Q: If we realize a paternal match, how far in back in time does this mean we have a common ancestor?
A: For two individuals who match perfectly a 37 marker test gives you the following range: within 3 generations (50%) likelihood and within 7 generations (95%) likelihood. With 67 markers one can get to 2 and 5 respectively.Q: How long is a generation assumed to be?
A: It seems most researchers are using 30 and 25 years per generation for yDNA and mtDNA respectively.Q: What is a Haplogroup?
A: Research to date has identifed the most ancient of our ancestors as having originated from several different groups. Your Haplotype is that set of numbers which defines your DNA and your Haplogroup characterizes your most ancient ancestor. In a sense your Haplogroup is DNA's "brick wall" in your link to Adam or Eve.Q: If we all come from Adam and Eve then don't men in turn all have the same Y-chromosome?
A: Mutations occur resulting in different lines. In fact one complication in interpreting results is that mutations can occur causing once different lines to evolve with the same Y-chromosome and effect termed 'convergence'.Q: How can I be sure that an act of infidelity or adoption has not occured in the line between me and my most ancient paternal ancestor?
A: Convince your most distant relation sharing that ancestor to submit a DNA sample. You have to find someone who shares only that ancestor with you. If you both match then you will be sure.Q: Should I be concerned about privacy?
A: No. The DNA testing being done has no forensic or medical value. It will not reveal any genetic defects, diseases or uniquely identify you as an individual. You may wish to review the vendor's policy statement.Q: Please cite some examples of succesful projects as case studies.
A: Certainly! One of the best examples is: "Who Was Harvey Kelley?".
The surnames FERGUSON and ROSE are ranked 156 and 157 respectively in frequency of occurence in the 1990 US Census. The ROSE group was started in 2001 and has nearly 350 members. Their name is about as common as ours representing a good benchmark and goal by which we can measure our recruitment progress. The testimonials on their website makes for interesting reading.Q: When I order the test on the order site, whose information do I put in the box....the person being tested...or myself..the one paying for the test?
A: Put the name of the person being tested (and let me know his name) but use your EMAIL address.
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