Appendix 1.4 Letter Sent to People who had Not Responded on Untested Lines

This letter was changed depending on the state of the research and a handwritten note about the individual’s line added.

Brimer and Brymer Surname Origin Research Project

01 March 2016

Dear

I am currently running a project to investigate the origin of the Brimer and Brymer surnames as part of the Genealogical Studies Postgraduate Programme at the University of Strathclyde.

The project is using DNA testing and documentary sources to study the ancestry of families bearing either the Brimer or Brymer surname within the United Kingdom. This could greatly enhance the knowledge and understanding of the various genealogical branches of these surnames and the project aims to discover whether or not they are all descended from one person or have multiple origins.

The approach, using genetic genealogy, seeks to show connections between individuals through their DNA. The whole process, which would involve no cost to yourself, is undertaken in strict confidence and participants’ names cannot be publically linked with the test kit – the kit is processed with the title ‘Sample’ followed by a unique set of numbers.  Results are only accessible by myself as the researcher and of course by the participant.  Samples are collected by participants themselves using a simple mouth swab from the inside of the cheek.

I have identified 10 branches of the Brimer / Brymer families going back to the early 1800s with living males in the UK. So far the project has ten people who have volunteered DNA samples representing 5 of these branches. Your branch is not represented at the moment and has very few living males born between 1916 and 1998 still residing in the UK. I am therefore writing to see whether you would consider taking part so that we can gain the fullest picture of all the branches within the UK and how they may relate to each other.

If you agree to participate, your results will be compared with the database of the genetic genealogy project to identify close matches to your own. A close match would indicate a shared ancestry between yourself and other individuals.

I would very much appreciate your participation in the research. If you are interested in participating, or would like further details, please return the enclosed questionnaire and I will send you more information on what the DNA test involves and attempt to answer any other questions you may have.

Yours sincerely,

 

Debbie Brimer PGDip (Genealogical Studies) Postgraduate Student Genealogical Studies Postgraduate Programme

Tel:

Address:

E-mail:

Website: http://brimer-brymer.org/


Brimer-Brymer database last updated at 2016-07-02 00:29:43 with 4028 census records and 2856 individuals