The Toole Surname DNA Project

July 4, 2000

Introduction

Due to recent advances in genetic science, it is now possible to extend family trees by confirming family relationships using DNA testing.  Called "Y polymorphism", the technique involves comparing the Y chromosomes of living male members of a surname group to determine if the members have a common male ancestor.  It has been shown that the male Y-chromosome can be used to trace the descendants of a particular male through many generations.  See the articles "Genetics and Genealogy" by Kevin Duerinck and "The Y-chromosome in the Study of Human Evolution, Migration and PreHistory" by Neil Bradman and Mark Thomas.  This technique is particularly useful when one has extended the family tree as far as possible using available written records. 

The Toole Surname DNA Project

I have been researching the Toole surname since 1988, and during this time I have had contact with many others who have been researching this surname.  What we all seem to have in common is that, after a period of time, our research is hindered by a lack of written records that could be used to extend our surname research.  We are then temped to assume relationships based on common given names, common geographical locations, "tradition",  or other factors which we assume to be too coincidental to be the result of chance.  However, such assumptions cannot be relied upon to establish familial relationships with any certainty.

Much well documented research has already been accomplished for many of the Toole surname lines.  But I have yet to find many researchers who have solved the puzzle of their original Toole immigrant or how their line is related to other Toole lines.  For example, did Anderson Toole descend from the Isaac Toole line?  Did the Irvin Toole line in Georgia descend from Isaac Toole?  Were Edward Toole, Lawrence Toole, Matthew Toole, and Robert Toole of North Carolina related?  Are the Toole descendants in Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Virginia, and Ohio related?  Using Y-chromosome DNA testing we could answer many of these questions, particularly the question of whether the Toole surname lines are related through a common male ancestor.

The Plan

The Toole Family DNA project began in early 2001 with the collection and analysis of the DNA from a know descendant of the Isaac Toole line of Barnwell South Carolina, and from myself (Anderson Toole line).  Since that time we have collected DNA from an additional seven participants as of October 2002.  As of this time we have identified 4 distinct DNA haplotypes for the Toole Family line.  We also have a sample from the John Toole line of Maryville, TN that is currently being processed.

DNA analysis is provide by Family Tree DNA.    See the Family Tree DNA website.   The current cost of a 12 allele DNA test, when ordered through the project is $99.00.  Twenty five allele testing is available for $169.00.

I cannot personally provide the financial resources to fund the entire project.  It is hoped that there are enough Toole family members who feel that this project is sufficiently important to Toole surname research that they will be willing to pay for the cost of the analysis of their own sample.  Since testing of  males within each documented Toole line will provide the required information  for the entire line, perhaps family members of the line, who would benefit from the knowledge gained, would be willing to provide financial assistance for testing the male participants in their line.  I will volunteer my time to serve as administrator of the project to coordinate the testing, distribute the collection kits, serve as liaison with the laboratory, and disseminate the project results.

To Participate

If you would like to participate in this project as a provider of a DNA sample Sign Up Now.  If you would like to serve as coordinator of your Toole family line or would like to make a donation to the project, please email me.  If you would like to talk with me directly, my telephone number is 910-295-6676.

Lets honor our Toole ancestors by using  proven technology to expand our knowledge of our common Toole Family.

Initial Project Results (click here)

Sanford Toole