| Current Participants |
| Over 1,000 |
Note:20 samples were collected in 2000 during phase 1 of the project that were not direct male descendants and were not be processed until phase 3 in 2006. Of those tested, 4 were from a sub project on the Auxier/Axer/Oxier families.
UPDATE: Over 200 results for phase I from BYU were released in 2002 and were posted on the results pages. The results provided some interesting information including the ability to connect several "orphans" to their baseline families. We began Phase II with Relative Genetics and processed an additional 227 Wells samples with another 19 from allied lines. We always had additional tests in various stages of being included. The current test results can be viewed on the results pages along with all the phase I results and hundreds of tests that have been processed since we began this project.
During that phase we organized the collection of samples based on being able to collect descendants of the selected families having documented deep ancestral lines typically dating back to the 1600s with the intent to find four descenants as far separated from each other as possible. Ideally we sought a descendant from each of four brothers of the earliest known ancestor. In a few cases we had to drop down a generation to get the right mix.
The objective was to demonstrate that the four individuals selected would have the same DNA Haplotype (all tested markers would match with some mutations that were normal over time). In the cases where we found mutations, which was most, we could extrapolate from among the four what the original DNA haplotype of the ancestor was. It also allowed us to exclude descendants who were the product of an NPE (Non Paternal Event) meaning that somewhere up the tree a male ancestor was not the child of the assumed parent. It also allowed for the occasional error in genealogy. We found some of each.
We selected 25 families that we thought we could find four suitible descendants. We ended up with 22 because we could not find any descendants of three of the alleged ancestors.
The results were better than we expected. They helped some genealogists finally find their ancestral families and others to discover they were not descended from the family they thought but a completely different family.
The Only Game In Town. Family Tree DNA allowed us to transfer a number of BYU/Relative Genetics/Ancestry/SMGF test results over to their system. BUT they have never allowed full integration for matching purposes. We still have some faint hope that eventually they will agree to allow the matching. For now we can see the results only on the project overview page.
Phase I of the project In several of the cases we were able to connect the phase I participants to their Ancestral families and with knowledgable researchers. We have been able to identify how they connect in many cases. We have not been able to link all the phase I participants. But we have a long way to go yet, so there is still hope.
We collected many samples from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, The Caribbean and other internation locations so far, but we will need a LOT more to make this work for everyone.
The first phase of voluteers for the Wells DNA study was limited to collecting samples from 4 direct line male Wells descendants from each of the 22 initial Wells families. This number is changing constantly as we see new clusters of related individuals. These families are being called "Baselines".
Also included in phase I were several additional samples from early American families, several Australian and New Zealand families and several families whose connection to their UK origins are known. We were able to add some UK families and a few Canadian families.
Phase II of the project
Phase II was designed for those researchers who are "stuck" on their family research and did not know how to determine which family they connected to. It was also for those who may have some question as to whether the genealogy on their family has them connected to the correct family or just to confirm they have it right. During 2005 we increased the emphasis on the Australian, New Zealand, UK and Canadian families.
All testing is currently done through Family Tree DNA (familytreedna.com) and can be individually purchased. We DO hope if you have a Wells in your tree you will want to join our project once you have a Kit Number (account).
Currently samples are being collected by using Buccal Swab kits which contain two large Q-Tip like collection swabs that can be completed in the privacy of the home. The two swabs are individually swished around the mouth to collect cheek cells for the DNA and then sent back to the lab by ordinary mail.
All samples are collected by sending kits to the participants who then are able to take their samples in the privacy of their homes and mail the sample back to the testing laboratory.
Everyone who is interested can participate.
We currently do not have a count of tested participants by country. When we can gather that information, we will post it here.
So, here is what we need curently. If you are a Wells or know of a relative who will work with us and match the criteria here, start preparing your genealogy to be submitted to the project. Here is where you researchers who have been stuck may be able to break through the dead-end paper trail and find the family you "belong" to. There are no guarantees we will find a match. But the odds should be pretty good.
Those of you who are female or do not carry the Wells surname but have ancestors where you are seeking connection answers can also be tested with the FamilyFinder test at Family Tree DNA OR take the AncestryDNA test at Ancestry.com. The advantage of doing it at Ancestry is that you can transfer the results to Family Tree DNA and search for cousins in both databases.
The famililes currently included in the study are the following.
If you believe we are missing a major family (or families) please let us know so they can be added. We are primarily focusing on the early colonial, Canadian, Australia, New Zealand and UK Wells/Welles families and will add the "orphan" branches as we go, so don't feel you will be left out. You won't. We are also be adding families that don't match what we have tested previously.
Phase II and beyondThis page shows the current family lines.
Most recent update 02/08/2026