DNA:  Genetic Links

 

The University of Leicester’s Department of Genetics in England carried out research into genetic links between people with a shared surname, which produced an amazing discovery.  The methodology was to examine the Y-chromosomes of a sample of a 150 pairs of male volunteers with the same surname but no apparent common ancestry, to try and establish genetic links.  Whilst examining the DNA samples provided, they isolated a very rare African Y-chromosome from a person originating from Yorkshire in England.  This particular Y-chromosome had only previously been found in 25 people, all living in West Africa. The male in question had traced his ancestors back to the mid 1700s, using the traditional genealogists’ research tools--birth, marriage, and death certificates--but had found no indications that he had an African ancestry.  As a result of the findings, DNA samples were taken from a further 18 males with the same surname, of whom seven were found to have the same Y-chromosome.

 

Whilst there was significant immigration into Britain in the mid 20th century, this can be discounted in this case, because the family line has successfully been traced back to the 1700s without any notable African ancestry emerging.  It has been suggested that the line may date back to the Roman invasion and settlement of Britain, because their army in about 200AD included a garrison of North African soldiers.  However, a more plausible explanation lies with the 18th century slave trade.  During this era approximately 10,000 African slaves were domiciled in Britain.  Whilst there is little direct evidence to show that they had any impact on British genetic links, the fact that many of them were abducted from West Africa cannot be ignored.

 

In another piece of research undertaken by the University, some interesting facts emerged about Thomas Jefferson, the third President of the USA.  It was found that he fathered at least one illegitimate sibling, a son, by one of his slaves, Sally Hemmings.  Again this was found by studying the Y-chromosome.  Jefferson had an unusual “K2”, Y-chromosome, which is common to the Middle East and Eastern African region, but also has been traced to France, Spain, and England. The chromosome in question was also traced to two males from Yorkshire and the west Midlands.  They were part of a random sample of 85 males sharing the surname Jefferson, who can now claim that Thomas Jefferson is part of their ancestry.

 

By joining and taking part in this project, you will be sharing an exciting and unknown adventure, as we attempt to unravel the mysteries of our ancestry.  Who knows what we will discover in our amazing journey back in time, and where it will take us?  Whilst we are attempting to resolve the age old enigma of the ancestry ofJohn Keep of Longmeadow, what else will we discover?  Do we share genetic links with other well-documented Keep Lines, and where did we originate from? The only way we can succeed is by attracting a wide ranging group of participants, so why not join us?  You can find out more by going to other pages on this site.