The following news release is from the August 17, 2011 edition of BusinessWire.com:
- Analysis Shows Governor Herbert is Related to Numerous Historical Figures, Including Butch Cassidy, Joseph Smith Jr. and Others
- GeneTree.com Presents Family History Research to Governor and Mrs. Herbert Based on DNA Samples and Other Information Provided by the Couple
- GeneTree.com has the Largest Correlated Genetic Genealogy Database in the World with More Than 110,000 DNA Samples
SALT LAKE CITY–(BUSINESS WIRE)—GeneTree.com today announced it has found family connections between Utah Governor Gary Herbert and some prominent historical figures, including Utah native and notorious leader of the Wild Bunch Gang Robert LeRoy Parker, better known as Butch Cassidy, and Joseph Smith, Jr., the religious leader and founder of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.Building on personal genealogical research and DNA samples provided by Governor Herbert, GeneTree.com used its expertise in genetics and genealogy to match the governor to many individuals and family lines that had not been discovered by the Herbert family. Building on genealogical evidence, GeneTree.com researchers have confirmed that Governor Herbert is a second cousin twice removed with Cassidy. In addition, Governor Herbert’s DNA showed that his family hails from the same area in Ireland as Smith and the two likely share a common paternal ancestor.
“On a personal level, this experience has been eye-opening as I have been able to discover these previously unknown connections to my ancestors,” said Governor Herbert. “But beyond that, it is exciting to witness firsthand the advancements a Utah company is making in the biosciences, and how these new innovations are able to make a profound personal impact on the lives of millions of individuals.”
GeneTree.com, a wholly owned subsidiary of the non-profit Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, has created the world’s largest repository of correlated genetic and genealogical information, and can link customers to nearly 9 million ancestors and living relatives with its database of more than 110,000 DNA samples from more than 170 countries.
“For more than a decade, GeneTree.com has been building the most robust and comprehensive collection of DNA for genealogic research purposes,” said Scott Woodward, president of GeneTree.com. “With our database, we are building a global genetic family tree and finding unique and powerful evidence that connects each person on earth with one another. What we uncovered while exploring Governor Herbert’s genetic family history is indicative of the type of discoveries we routinely make for those who use our services, as we help them find branches on their family tree that they never even knew existed.”
GeneTree.com also prepared a detailed DNA-based family history analysis for First Lady Jeanette Herbert. These findings were presented to Governor and Mrs. Herbert today at the Utah State Capitol.
GeneTree.com offers customers a variety of specialty genetic DNA tests that assist in providing the most complete and accurate account of an individual’s family history. In addition to using DNA, GeneTree.com supplements genetic findings with research from an extensive collection of records and data, such as birth records and marriage certificates.
About GeneTree.com
GeneTree.com (www.genetree.com), a wholly owned subsidiary of the non-profit Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation, is a leading provider of genetic and family history services that unlock peoples’ ancestral legacy. Powered by the world’s largest, most comprehensive repository of genetic and genealogical information, GeneTree.com’s best-in-class genetic testing, genetic genealogy consulting and family history research enables individuals and extended families alike to dramatically extend their families.About Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation
The Sorenson Molecular Genealogy Foundation (SMGF) is a non-profit research organization that has created the world’s largest repository of correlated genetic and genealogical information. The SMGF database currently contains information about more than nine million ancestors through linked DNA samples and pedigree charts from more than 170 countries, approximately 90 percent of the nations of the world. The foundation’s purpose is to foster a greater sense of identity combined with a sense of belonging among all people by showing how closely we are connected as members of a single human family. For more information about the foundation’s free, publicly available database, visit www.smgf.org.
