My Family Tree DNA 37 marker DNA results were posted 11 February 2009 and I can now compare my markers with my father’s markers as tested by Genetree and Sorenson Lab. I have to make two assumptions. I assume my father’s yDNA and my yDNA are exactly the same. I also must assume both labs made no errors while performing the test. Making these assumptions, I should be able to normalize the results between the two labs. There are only a few markers in question.

Sorenson vs. Family Tree DNA
DYS389I and DYS389II equals DYS389-1 and DYS389-2 respectively.
DYS394/19a equals DYS19
DYS442 subtract 5 from Sorenson
GATA H4.1 subtract 10 from Sorenson to make FTDNA’s GATA H4

There is no FTDNA (37 marker test) equivalent for:
DYS441,  444, 445, 446, 452, 461, 462, 463, GGAAT1B07, YGATAA10, and YGATAC4.

So it looks like Sorenson’s conversion chart is correct and FTDNA’s chart is completely bogus. Here’s Sorenson’s chart:

From SMGF’s conversion chart for FTDNA:
* DYS441 – add 1 if converting from FTDNA to Sorenson, subtract 1 going the other way
DYS442 – add 5
* YGATAA10 – add 2
GATA H4.1 – add 10

* These markers not tested in FTDNA’s 37 marker test.

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The following DNA match from Ancestry.com is from a descendant of Aaron Griffin, born about 1812 in Burke County, Georgia. According to the calculations, a match this close indicates a common ancestor at around 150 years. Since Lunsford was born 209 years ago, Aaron must be a very very close relative of Lunsford’s, maybe a brother or first cousin. This is very exciting news and another piece of the puzzle.

Click on the image for a larger view.