DNA PROJECT

In 2002, the directors of the Gann Historical Society and Library, Inc. voted to pursue a DNA surname testing project.  The goal of the project is to assist our researchers in determining how the various Gann(e) families in the United States, England and Continental Europe are related.  Further, we hope eventually to establish the aboriginal homeland of the various branches of the Gann family.  We know, for instance, that the surnames Gan, Gann, Ganne are found in England, France, Belgium, Germany, Russia, Australia and South Africa.  Did these families stem from a single root or did the surname spring up in several different locations?

The ability of DNA to reveal connections has received much attention in the media in recent years.  The fact that the male Y-chromosome is passed unchanged from father to son, generation after generation, allows us to determine exactly which males share a common ancestor even if that ancestor lived hundreds of years ago.  DNA testing works especially well in families like the Ganns where archival research suggests relationships but existing documents are insufficient to prove those relationships.

After investigation, the Ganns selected a company named "Family Tree DNA" to do the testing for the project.  Family Tree DNA is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but the actual testing takes place at a laboratory associated with the University of Arizona. 

As of July, 2007, 93 males had requested collection kits.  Seventy-eight of those kits have been returned to the laboratory for testing.  The results show that the DNA of 35 of those 78 males either matches exactly or varies by a single mutation. It is highly probable that those 35 Gann males share a common ancestor. The 12-marker string of the matching Gann males reads as follows:

 

13

25

14

10

11

16

12

12

12

13

14

29

Among our 35 DNA matches are three men who live in England. This fact strongly suggests that the common ancestor of our matches lived in England. This does not preclude the possibility, however, that the ancestors of that common ancestor may have originated some place else, such as Continental Europe.  With further testing, we may be able to learn if this was the case.

All Gann (and similar surnames) males are invited to join us in this exciting and interesting study. To do so, contact Joy Gann Brown (joygannbrown@triad.rr.com) Group Administrator for the Gann DNA Surname Testing Project. A collection kit will be mailed to you.  The collection process is simple and painless.  The cost of an individual test in the United States is $101.00; overseas $103.00. Searching on Family Tree DNA will provide you with information about DNA and the testing process.