Reply #2: I'm trying for the basic paternal lines stuff... [View All]

[fudge stripe cookays]

but I have to get a volunteer first.

In our huge 3000 member plus tree, most of the lines go through women. I have very few sons of sons of sons I can ask to do this. I've already asked one, and he turned me down. My brother would be a candidate, but we are completely estranged, so that's out.

I have found a DNA group that is tracing the origins of all the Smiths and Schmidts that settled in northeastern states like PA and NY, where ours originated. I am SO eager to get more information to help us get back to the old country.

My problem right now is trying to figure out who our "Ancestor Zero" was-- the first Schmidt to hit American shores and found our dynasty.

The basic kit I found is about $200, I think. I'm even willing to cough up the bucks the minute I find a volunteer, but no dice yet.