This checklist helps participants ensure that their DNA results can contribute effectively to the Clay Family Society’s ongoing genetic genealogy research. Completing the steps below allows project administrators and researchers to interpret results accurately and integrate them with documentary genealogy.
1. Order the Appropriate DNA Test
Begin by ordering a Y-DNA test through FamilyTreeDNA.
Recommended starting point:
- Y-DNA 67 (good entry-level test for surname research)
Recommended upgrade for advanced research:
- Big-Y 700 (provides detailed SNP results and placement on the Y-DNA haplotree)
If you are unsure which test to order, contact the Clay Project administrators before purchasing.
2. Join the Clay DNA Project
After ordering or receiving your test kit:
- Log in to your FamilyTreeDNA account.
- Navigate to Projects.
- Search for and join the Clay Surname DNA Project.
Joining the project allows your results to be compared with other Clay participants.
3. Enter Your Earliest Known Clay Ancestor
In your FamilyTreeDNA account profile, enter:
- Earliest known Clay ancestor
- Approximate dates
- Location (town, county, and country if known)
This information helps administrators group participants and interpret matches.
Example:
John Clay, born ca. 1720, Goochland County, Virginia.
4. Provide a Documented Lineage (If Available)
If you have a documented Clay lineage, please submit it to the Clay Family Society.
Helpful information includes:
- direct paternal lineage (father → grandfather → etc.)
- key dates and locations
- references to supporting sources
Use the Lineage Submission Template available in the Member Resources section.
5. Enable Project Sharing
To assist the Clay DNA Project administrators:
- Ensure your Y-DNA results are visible to project administrators
- Allow your results to be included in project analyses
This allows your test to be compared with other Clay testers and included in haplogroup studies.
6. Upload Autosomal DNA Results (Optional but Helpful)
If you have taken autosomal DNA tests with other companies (AncestryDNA, MyHeritage, 23andMe), consider uploading your results to FamilyTreeDNA.
Autosomal DNA can help identify more recent connections between Clay families.
7. Monitor Your Matches
After your results are processed:
- Review your Y-DNA matches
- Note any matches with the Clay surname or related families
- Contact project administrators if you see significant matches
Matches may help identify previously unknown relationships among Clay lineages.
8. Stay Engaged With the Project
Genetic genealogy evolves as new testers join and new SNP discoveries are made.
Participants can support the project by:
- responding to project administrator questions
- sharing new genealogical findings
- upgrading tests when recommended for strategic research questions
9. Protect Privacy While Supporting Research
The Clay DNA Project respects participant privacy.
Members should:
- share only information they are comfortable making available to project administrators
- avoid posting private information about living individuals without consent
10. Ask Questions
If you have questions about testing, results, or interpretation, contact the Clay DNA Project administrators or the Clay Family Society.
Why DNA Testing Matters
Y-DNA testing helps identify relationships among Clay families that cannot be determined from historical records alone. When combined with documented genealogy and historical context, DNA evidence can clarify lineage connections, identify migration patterns, and distinguish between unrelated Clay families who share the same surname.