Hello Steve,
I will address your third question.
3.
The vendor FamilyTreeDNA supports many surname groups.
One of those groups is Overton. So you are lucky.
This is what the group says, and I quote :-
"The purpose of this Overton DNA project is to define the various lines of
the Overton surname existent today in the USA. To facilitate the discovery
of historical links, we encourage any male Overton to participate,
regardless of country of residence. PLEASE NOTE THAT ONLY MALES WITH THE
SURNAME OF OVERTON MAY JOIN THIS PROJECT!!! (The exception to this rule is
the situation where adoption of an Overton male has resulted in a name
change from Overton to another surname.)"
The link to one of that groups Y-DNA results page is :-
https://www.familytreedna.com/public/overton?iframe=ycolorized
I do not understand why they say "existent today in the USA" and then go on
to state "regardless of country of residence". Anyway you seem to fit that
criteria.
However, they do have a restriction on joining. Please read their sentence,
which they put in capitals. They do give an exception but don't seem to
understand that there are a dozen or so good reasons why someone with a
different surname is actually an Overton.
You might find it of value to get your DNA tested through that company and
join that group. Please let this mailing list know what you decide.
I went to your website, and a nice looking one it is. I wasn't able to
access much at all. I appreciate you want to keep information on current
generations private. However, withholding information on the early
generations works against your own best interests.
Aside - You consistently spell Shropshire differently to what I would have
expected. Is there a reason for this?
Regards,
Peter G. Evans