Tracing The Cotten Surname With DNA

Thought DNA testing was only useful in crime scenes and paternity claims? Think again.  More and more, genetic analysis is being used to confirm genealogy.   While many tests are available, the most successful one traces male lineage.  I don't understand the science of it, but a common trait of the Y-chromosome is passed from father to son.

Steve Cotten has sent his DNA to the Cotton/Cotten database http://home.comcast.net/~cottondna/ and we hope to have a full report at the time of the family reunion.

Picture Update

I found the second half of the picture posted earlier.  Now how many people can you identify?

"Years Ago In Battle, Both The Grandpas Fought"

Lola loved Joe, and Joe loved Lola, but had their grandfathers met in the 1860's they would have tried to kill each other.

Joe's Grandpa, J H Cotten served for 3 years with the Confederate Army as a volunteer in Company B of the 19th Texas Infantry. 
The Regiment participated in the  battle at Milliken's Bend, the Red River Campaign, and at Jenkin's Ferry.

Lola's Grandpa, Thomas Alexander Rowlan, was a soldier in the Union Civil War at Adair Troop, Missouri.

Missouri was severely divided between Confederate and Union sentiments, and this regiment was mustered to protect the local township from rebel intruders.