To all Merle families:

Earlier, I posted a message having to do with "free" DNA testing. Come to find out, of the many people who have sent off DNA to this company, not one to my knowledge have actually had the testing done and results posted.

Until March 7th, DNA Heritage has their 43-marker test on for a never seen before, rock-bottom price. They are a very well respected company.

If you would like to have links, pricing information and so forth, please contact me off-list. My email address is dave@merrell.net

Let me explain why DNA testing is important to have done:

(1) Most of humanity did not use surnames until the 1400's;

(2) DNA testing allows a family to connect up with their proper family lines;

(3) It not only helps establish or connect those near-term family markers, but it speaks volumes about our deep ancestry;

(4) One Merle-surnamed male of a family line can establish the markers for his brothers, sons, Merle-surnamed cousins, father, grandfather and so forth for generations. Therefore, only one man has to be tested to establish the unique mutations of their whole all-male family line;

(5) It is something to add to your family history, passing it along to all your children, nephews, nieces and grandchildren;

(6) Most importantly though, it is the only way to verify a family line back to a specific patriarch. Of course, that patriarch must have had other descendants who have been tested to establish the mutation of that line.

As I said, if you want to know more or if you would like to know current prices for such tests, please contact me ASAP. The rock-bottom testing price is valid only until March 7, 2006.

David Merrell

dave@merrell.net

www.merrell.net