Beginning in 2008, two Speed males (one from the Mississippi branch of Speeds & one from the Tennessee branch of Speeds) sent their DNA samples to FamilyTree DNA for comparison & to begin the Speed surname DNA project. (The company FamilyTreeDNA was chosen because it has the greatest market share in genealogical DNA testing & their website offers more features for family group projects, like hosting family project webpages.)

A project page has been set up for the Speed surname with Family Tree DNA here:

There are now 22 Speed Y-DNA lines participating in this Y-DNA project. We are always trying to locate additional male descendants of the Speed surname from different branches, who will consider participating in this collaborative & mutually beneficial project. It is very easy to participate. FamilyTree DNA will assign a participating individual a number & send a kit that includes two cheek swabs that resemble something between a q-tip & a toothbrush that are used to collect two samples. The person participating just follows the instructions & mails back the kit. Please feel free to take your time & read over materials on this subject to decide if this is a project you would like to participate in or encourage an eligible Speed to join. I am happy to answer any questions you may have...to the best of my ability. : ) FamilyTreeDNA states their policy on privacy here: http://www.familytreedna.com/privacy.html You can also look at how participants' identities are protected in FamilyTreeDNA's other Surname Projects.

More information on surname DNA studies are:

Even if you are unwilling to participate, We would still like to hear from you & exchange information on our respective Speed branches. I am a descendant of John Speed (ca. 1754-1806) and Catherine Stewart Speed of Richmond County, NC (formery Anson County, NC).

Many thanks for your time and, again, we are happy to try to answer any questions you may have.