Adding DNA to your genealogical research?

I'm currently taking a marketing class while working towards my MBA, and our assignment is to write a marketing case plan study about a company of our choice. Recently, I've been fascinated with the expansion of DNA research in genealogy, and have been researching the differences between the services offered by both FamilyTreeDNA and Ancestry.com.

I'll admit that I've been skeptical in the past to the claims of some who've offered these services. The science was above my paygrade, and the "it's too good to be true" factor seemed high. The paper trail genealogy was the way to go for me, even though I've been guilty of not gathering as much documentation as possible.

There are two types of DNA tests available, the Y-chromosome (Y-DNA) and the mitochondrial (mtDNA). The Y-DNA traces the paternal line, the mtDNA traces the maternal line.

My paternal line goes back to a Jacob Lemasters (1770-1852) who first appears in Mason Co., VA (now WV) in 1806. As of yet, no paper documentation has been able to connect him as a descendant of Abraham Lemaster (c1636-1722), the emigrant to Maryland who is the claimed ancestor of approximately 90% of all Lemaster, Lemasters, Lamaster, etc. in the United States. A Y-DNA test would enable me to determine if I am related to other Lemasters who have documented their connections to Abraham.

My maternal great-grandmother was illegitimate, and the likelihood of discovering her true parentage through traditional documented genealogy is low. I wonder if it is her father's heritage that has left me, my mother and grandmother with the dark eyes and complexion. Was her heritage Italian? Who knows? A mitochondrial DNA test might give me some clues as to my ethnic origins. I would imagine that the majority would be European, but who knows what 'surprises' might lie in my DNA.

The tests are not cheap, but they are definitely getting cheaper. Recently, Ancestry has lowered its prices on the tests, and I'm tempted to jump into the DNA research waters.

Claud Francis Miguet obituary

Source: Oelwein Register, Oelwein, Iowa, September 1, 1920, page 4

Frank Miguet

Our departed brother Claude Francis Miguet was born in Lesoul and State of Houtsone, France, April 2, 1831 and departed this life in Hazelton, Buchanan Co., Iowa, August 16, 1920, being 89 years, 4 months and 14 days. In the year of 1847 with his parents he came to the United States and settled in Dubuque, Iowa in November of that year (56 days in sailing). In the year 1852 he made the overland trip to the west coast from Dubuque, Ia., to Sacramento, Calif., driving two yoke of oxen and walking the entire distance of this trip, which can now be made in less than four days, at that time took six months. In 1856 he returned to Dubuque and later settled in Superior township which is now Hazelton township, Buchanan Co. Jan. 2, 1857, he was married to Eliza Netcott and to this union but one child, Henry, of Hazelton, was born. His wife preceded him to the Great Beyond April 8, 1891, since which time he has made his home with his son in this city. To cherish and revere his memory remain his youngest brother N.M. and son Henry, two grandchildren Frank and Myrea Nolan and one great grandchild Bobbie. In the year of 1888 he united with the Presbyterian church of Hazelton. Uncle Frank, as he was familiarly called, was every inch a man among men, a thorough citizen, loved and revered by a host of friends. He was a noble worthy representative of the liberal large hearted class of men that constitute the great body of laymen of the churches of our land. The Lord and Master so appealed to him that he ever found comfort in his service. The Bible meant untold things to him and prayer graced his lips and lifted his heart to God up to the last. He was a Christian in the full sense of the word. Relying upon Him in whom he believed, he fell asleep with full confidence that all was well with him. Honest, capable, unassuring [sic], genial, pleasant in his intercourse with his fellowmen, devoted to his family and friends, he is embalmed in the love and respect of all. Such men never die as far as this world is concerned. His career is closed but his memory will be warmly cherished. May the bereaved ones who so tenderly cared for him think of him as a glorified spirit, happy in the blessings promised to the pure in heart.

Henry Miguet family - Buchanan County, Iowa

Corinne's maternal 3rd great grandfather, Henry MIGUET, appears in the 1920 census of Hazelton Township, Buchanan County, Iowa. Henry was the son of Francis and Eliza (Netcott) MIGUET.

Henry was listed as age 60, born in Iowa, and owned his home free of mortgage. His father was born in France and his mother was born in England. No occupation was listed, though he probably was retired. His wife, Kate, was aged 54, born in Indiana, with her father born in Virginia and her mother born in Ohio. Both of them could read and write.

Also living in the household were daughter, Myra, and son-in-law, Fred E. Nolan. Myra was a 25 year old, born in Iowa, and her husband, was a 39 year old bank cashier, born in Illinois. Fred's age was a bit hard to read, he may have been only 29 years old.

Henry MIGUET b. November 27, 1858 Buchanan County, Iowa, d. January 11, 1944, m. 23 December 1883 Buchanan County, Iowa to Katherine JARRETT, daughter of Judson and Jane (________) JARRETT. Katherine was b. September 1865 Iowa and d. August 4, 1952. Their children:
i. Frank Field Miguet b. November 1885 Iowa, d. January 28, 1954 Evansville, Vanderburgh County, Indiana, m. Amelia Matilda Sauer.
ii. Ethel Myrea Miguet b. May 1894 Iowa, d. 1962, m. Fred E. Nolan, m(2) ______ Steninger.