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 In 2003 Tom Nesbitt started a DNA project for Nesbitt-Nisbet Society members and others who want to use this new scientific tool to help trace their Nesbitt-Nisbet line and ancestors. We are using Family Tree DNA who work with the University of Arizona, which does the actual testing. The test is a simple saliva test and is done in your home with a kit that is mailed to you. You will receive DNA coding results along with our DNA administrator, Tom Nesbitt. We recommend the 37-marker test due to its accuracy - the male test kit is $189.
As more and more NNs are tested (56 people at February 2007), it is possible to interpret test results in even greater detail. Key results so far are that most people belong to one of three groups
- Group 1: closely related to the Clan Chief, originating in the lands of East and West Nisbet, Berwickshire in the 12th century. Includes several project members of the Dirleton line, proving that this is descended from the Chief’s line.
- Group 2: A large group that arrived in New Jersey in the 1680s and migrated through Philadephia in the 18th century. Possibly the Greenholme line, reaching North America through Ireland. Tom Nisbet has a huge amount of data on this extended family.
- Group 3: Includes some families originating in Ayrshire, and others with a long history in England.
Since only the men have the Y chromosome, it is cheaper, easier and more accurate to test them. This Y chromosome remains unchanged in men throughout the generations. Therefore, by comparing the DNA coding of one male family member to another possible connection, conclusions can be made about how many generations back you have a common ancestor. If all 37 DNA markers are identical, then the 2 individuals have a 93% chance of having a common ancestor in 6 generations, and a 99% chance of having a common ancestor in 12 generations. Family Tree DNA assists us with computer programs, making comparisons of many types once we have the DNA results.
Results from the test give very practical help in focusing the search for documentary evidence, and have led to a number of research breakthroughs (and the discovery of many cousins).
To receive the testing kit at the special project discount, please contact Tom Nesbitt, our DNA administrator tnesbitt @ ibydeit.org
Test kits can be mailed anywhere in the world.
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