I have enjoyed following the recent messages in the CHAPMAN-DNA newsletter
including the several comments about possible UK connections in the
family. I am a 9th generation descendant in an all male line from Robert
Chapman who settled in Old Saybrook, CT, in 1635. Family tradition
suggests that he came from Hull, Yorkshire, England, and was born in
1616. As far as I know these details regarding his English origin have not
been documented.
In an attempt to research Robert's English roots I would like to follow the
Y-chromosome pattern in my family to compare it with others with the same
descent. With evidence of its pattern consistency we could then seek help
from our UK colleagues to identify potential ancestral lines in England.
I have obtained data on my own Y-DNA through Relative Genetics tests for 24
loci. A comparison with the database at Sorenson Molecular Genealogy
Foundation's website,
www.smgf.org, at present shows one near match, 22 of
24 loci, with a line named Willis. It was disappointing not to have a
Chapman close match, but Sorenson estimates our most recent shared ancestor
with Willis was about 20 generations back when surnames were just coming
into use.
It is important if you make Y-DNA comparisons at Sorenson's website to pay
close attention to their "Locus Comparison Table" because there are a few
minor adjustments to make in your data entry when your tests are done at
Relative Genetics or Family Tree DNA.
I would be interested in hearing from other CHAPMANs who are probably
descended through an all male line from the Robert who lived in Old
Saybrook, CT, in the 1600's so that we might compare alleles at these 24
loci. We then could call on Rupert and others in UK for help in further
research in Chapman descendants in England.
Rob