D N A 

The use of DNA testing has gathered pace in genealogy circles as an additional aid in tracking ancestors and can be a help breaking down that wretched `brick wall` that we all eventually hit.  From my own researches into the Orr name worldwide I know that very many of you have roots in  Northern Ireland  (Ulster) and will reach a brick wall there sooner rather than later. If you didn`t already know, Ireland is a difficult place in which to research because of the absence of the usual primary records, an awful lot of them were destroyed in a fire in 1922; Census records were used as waste paper and scrap during WWII.

Once your search goes back before civil registration began (1845 for Protestants, 1864 for Catholics) there is a need to find alternative records that can depend on religious persuasion, politics of the time ( such as religious discrimination requiring Non Conformists to marry in Church of Ireland (Episcopal) churches); and whether registers are available and accessible. Occupation can also be a factor as land leases expired or were not renewed, while traditional industry became more mechanised, and concentrated around the ports, especially Belfast. This saw many families `disappear` from localities without apparent reason, as they migrated towards the work, or sought out better opportunities in the Colonies.

Testing can point you to other people with whom you may have a common ancestor. A low level - 12 marker test, will point to your `long distance` ancestry, maybe 10,000 years ago. The more markers tested,( 25,37,or 67 by Family Tree DNA) and matched, can help identify  relatives with a greater probability of there being  a Common Ancestor within a reasonable time frame. Linking with other researcher who have close matches with yourself not only identifies new `cousins`  but allows exchange of information and another opportunity to break down your brick wall. For example, the Orrs in Co Donegal have emerged as a family group who migrated to several parts of the US, and who have links to other Orrs in  Co Antrim, Co Armagh and Co Down

  A recent success story for the Orrs is that of Bob Orr (boborr@abelink.com)  who has made contact with Ord Orr. They have a  match which points to their common ancestor being Matthew Orr and Mary Eagles of Coshocton, OH ca 1810.

Ord's Matthew Orr (ca 1763,  bef. 1840 Coshocton Co, OH), wife Mary Eagles. Matthew & Mary lived in Newark Twp, Essex Co, NJ prior to going to Coshocton Co, OH.

Bob's Andrew Orr (1802, Co. Donegal, Ireland - 1879, Delaware Co, IA), His wife was Sarah Love. Andrew lived in 1824 in Madison Twp, Muskingum Co, OH until 1856 when he and Sarah moved to Delaware Co, IA.

If you want to know more about DNA testing then visit

  www.familytreedna.com/faq.html 

My own research and link to the Ulster Pedigree is here. My current interest and research is of the Orr`s of Castleaverry, near Scrabo, Newtownards, Co Down.

The Viking Connection.

I would be very interested in any other tests, results, or other information that may be available.

THE MORE TESTS THERE  ARE , THE BETTER OUR UNDERSTANDING OF FAMILY GROUPS AND THEIR MIGRATION. PLEASE CONSIDER  HAVING A MALE MEMBER OF YOUR ORR LINE TESTED.