DNA Testing Confirms Calkins Ancestry
By Max Calkins
James Gilbert Calkins was born to Elizabeth Curtis, out of wedlock, on
March 11, 1732, in Hebron, CT. On February 7, 1732, Elizabeth married
Samuel Gilbert Jr., who together with Elizabeth, raised the boy
fathered by James Calkins. Samuel Gilbert Jr. raised James Gilbert
Calkins, as he would his own son, and upon his death willed his
properties to his son James.
At the Hartford County Court, Session #151, in April 1732, Samuel
Curtis filed suit on behalf of his daughter Elizabeth Curtis, with a
complaint against James Calkins, of Lebanon, CT. "for begetting her
with child … on or about 25th day of June 1731. It is presumed that
he was being sued for child support, but this was not confirmed by any
records.
In June 1732, at Session #226, the court was held. Samuel Curtis of
Hebron acknowledged himself liable for charges, and agreed that his
daughter would appear at the sessions in November 1732.
James Calkins was arrested and brought before the court, at Session
#227, when he pleaded not guilty to the charges. He agreed to appear
to answer the complaint of Elizabeth Curtis.
At the Court Session #215, in November 1732, the court held for the
defendant, concluding that James Calkins was not the father of James
Gilbert Calkins. Helen Tourney Sharps writes, in Volume IV of the
"Genealogy of the Calkins Family, "Every effort has been made to solve
the parentage of this man with no success", speaking of James Gilbert
Calkins.
Not until now could any evidence be provided in support of Elizabeth
Curtis' case. Max Jacoby Calkins, member of the Calkins Family
Association, is the 4th great-grandson of James Gilbert Calkins. As a
result of DNA testing of Max's DNA, by the FamilyTreeDNA Program, very
strong evidence shows a DNA match back to Hugh Calkins, as matched
with DNA from other members of the CFA. Max has a perfect 12 for 12
marker match with Ken Calkins, Al Calkins, Theron Calkins and Harold
Calkins. There is a near perfect match with 37 markers with Al, with
33 of 37, and with Myron Calkins, at 34 of 37, and a near match of 23
of 25 markers with Theron Calkins.
The tests show that Max Jacoby Calkins is related to Ken Calkins, Al
Calkins, Harold Calkins, Myron Calkins and Theron Calkins. All of
these persons have documented a paper trail, through their
genealogical research, that leads to a common ancestor, Hugh Calkins,
born in1603. Max Calkins shows this paper trail also, as is shown
below.
Max Jacoby Calkins should now be able to say, yes I am a "Calkins" in
more than name only. He is truly a descendant of Hugh Calkins who
came to America with his family in about 1638.
Max's line is as follows:
Hugh Calkins, b 1603 and Ann Eaton
John Calkins, b 1634, and Sarah Royce
John Calkins, b 1661, and Abigail Birchard
James Calkins, b 1702, and Elizabeth Curtis (not married)
James Gilbert Calkins, b 1732, and Mercy Mann
Frederick James Calkins, b 1765, and Polly Hester Keeler
Hiram Calkins, b 1801, and Rhoda (Roby) King
Willard Eddy Calkins, b 1835, and Francis Ellen Smith
Walter John Calkins, b 1872, and Henrietta Barnes
Charles Wesley Calkins, b 1901, and Phyllis Noll Jacoby
Max Jacoby Calkins, b 1936
James Gilbert Calkins married Mercy Mann on September 26, 1754, and on
July 10, 1765, had a son by the name of Frederick James Calkins, who
was one of the first pioneers in what is now Corning, NY. Then being
Painted Post, and the town of Erwin, Frederick built the first cabin
south of the Chemung River (now is in Corning), and after going back
to Vermont to marry Polly Hester Keeler, had their son, James B.
Calkins, the first white child born in the area. The area was Indian
territory at the time of his birth on November 23, 1790, and his
mother Polly was the 1st white woman to live there.
For further information on the FamilyTreeDNA Program, contact Al
Calkins, at al.calkins(a)gmail.com. Let Max know if you have a close
line with his, by sending your e-mail message to
maxcalkins(a)adelphia.net.