The Timen Stiddem Society

DNA Testing Appeal Sent to 80 Stidham* Males

Dear________,

Modern advances in genetics are just about to arrive to the genealogical community. Bryan Sykes, a professor of Human Genetics,and his team in the world-renowned Institute of Molecular Medicine at Oxford University, England, has patented a procedure called MaleMatch, which will soon be made available to the public through his new company called Oxford Ancestors. This procedure gives men with a common surname, the ability to ascertain whether or not they descend from a common male ancestor with that surname. How this is done is by analyzing and comparing the Y-chromosomes in the DNA samples of MaleMatch participants, to see whether they match or not. Fathers pass their Y-chromosomes, or “DNA fingerprints,” down to their sons with little—if any—variation, from generation to generation. Therefore, men with identical, or near identical DNA fingerprints (some minor variation can occur), are genetically proven to be descendants of a common male ancestor.

Now here’s where you come in. A copy of this letter is being sent to 80 men bearing one of the many spelling variations of the Stidham* surname, including yours [insert proper surname here]. Your participation is cordially invited. Would you consider taking part in this ground-breaking study? My hope is to have at least one individual from each of the spelling variations participate, more if possible. In fact, the more participants, the better. This would provide a definitive DNA fingerprint of Timen Stiddem’s descendants to be established. Surname spelling variations would include: Stidham, Stidam, Stidom, Stidum, Steadham, Stedham, Steddom, and others following this phonetic pattern.

As you can see, with the results gathered from a study like this, we’ll finally be able to determine with scientific certainty, who is a direct male-line descendant of Dr. Stiddem, and who is not. Remember, many individuals who bear the Stidham* surname are not necessarily descendants of Timen Stiddem. We know that some who bear this surname are really descendants of the Scottish immigrant John Steedman of South Carolina. This study will separate the Stidhams* from the Steedmans once and for all. At least for those of us who participate in the study.

As of this writing, Professor Sykes MaleMatch procedure was not yet available to the public, but their web site states it will be ready for business in the next few months. I want to get a jump on these exciting developments by finding out now, who would be willing to participate in this study with me?

The cost of this test per participant has yet to be determined, but it will probably be similar in price to another procedure they offer called MatriLine, which costs $180 per individual. This procedure analyzes one’s Mitochondrial DNA, which is passed down through the maternal line, mother to child, from generation to generation. The problem with this test, as you may have guessed by now, is that for our purposes, it won’t be any good to us in determining direct, male-line descendence from Timen Stiddem. There may be quantity discounts available, so we’ll be ready for that possibility should it present itself. That could be another reason why the more participants in our study, the better.

A good way to lower your individual expenses for the MaleMatch procedure when it becomes available, would be to share the cost with other males in your immediate family, such as your brother(s), father, uncle(s), and/or grandfather. Remember, all of you will have matching Y-chromosomes in your DNA. Daughters do not carry their father’s Y-chromosomes in their DNA and are therefore unable to participate in this study. Thus the name MaleMatch.

I understand that all the DNA material one would need to contribute for analysis can be retrieved with a swab to the inside of one’s cheek. The cells collected on this swab would then be sealed in a container (which would be provided at a later date), and then sent to Oxford Ancestors in England for analysis. The results would be made available to us in a matter of a few weeks, once they receive our samples by post, their web site states. At least this was the guarantee for their MatriLine service.

By the way, you can visit their web site for yourself at: http://www.oxfordancestors.com/

Are you interested in knowing for sure, who your immigrant ancestor to America was? I sure am! And that’s why I’m taking part in this study, and inviting your participation too.

You don’t need to commit to this study at this time, but if you’re willing to consider taking part in this MaleMatch service when it does become available, would you please respond to this letter with your thoughts and questions as soon as possible? I would like to have as many of us who are willing to step forward, be ready to do so when the service is made available to the public.

I look forward to your prompt reply,

Richard L. Steadham
Newsletter Editor
The Timen Stiddem Society

Return to the Stidham* Family DNA Study page