Many, many years ago, the genealogy on my mother’s side was researched in length. I feel so fortunate to have been given a copy of that information. It was done long before the internet, so I can’t imagine the leg-work involved. I’ve tried to keep it updated, making notes in the margins whenever I learn of a death, marriage or new baby in our huge family.
Our family was traced back to Jamestown, by way of William Spencer, who arrived on a ship named The Sarah in 1611. He was, therefore, designated as one of the Ancient Planters, a term given to anyone who arrived in Virginia prior to 1616.
Although most in the family don’t seem to think much about it, a few of us (myself, my son, my nieces and a couple of cousins) are pretty darned proud of these deep roots we have in this area.
My niece, Donna, recently gifted me with a DNA test through Ancestry, and the “results are in”. I must admit that I was rather surprised – not so much at my ethnicity – but rather how concentrated it is.
We knew, from the genealogy research, that my mother’s family came from England. My father’s side of the family has also been documented, although in much less depth than my mom’s. And, from that, we learned that his family was from Glasgow, Scotland.
As you can see, I actually have MORE Great Britain ethnicity than do the typical natives there. Donna included a note to me along with the test results, and in it, shared her thoughts about why she believes that to be so. She wrote: “I’m not sure, but I see that the people living there now have had their DNA “diluted” over time by other ethnicities moving in to Great Britain in more modern times. Since we know several branches of our family came to America early and have pretty much stayed in the Surry/Isle of Wight area since then, I’m guessing most of the marrying was done with families who came from similar areas in Great Britain, so much less “dilution”.
After seeing my DNA results, I somehow feel even more grounded by these deep roots than I did before.
~These Days Of Mine~
these days of mine 
How Neat! And a definite concentration. No wonder you feel such an attachment/affinity for our locale. You should feel ‘darn proud’ of your routes – makes the Bacon’s Castle link even more precious/special.
Pretty interesting, Dianna. I have been told I am Scotch Irish. I have been wanting to do the DNA test through Ancestry.
Wow, this is so incredibly interesting! You deserve to feel “darn proud” of your deep roots, Dianna. It’s so neat that your family has been in your neck of the woods so long. Aren’t the folks who did the research before the internet came along amazing? My dad’s ancestry has been traced back many centuries to England too (there’s even an English Manor ancestral home). Both sides of my Dad’s family (the other side is German) have been here in Pennsylvania since the early 1600’s so I, too, am proud of my roots. My mom’s family is less documented, but it seems like they came from Great Britain and Germany as well. I do think it would be interesting to do one of those DNA ancestry tests.I’m fairly certain my results would show Great Britain and Germany, but it would be fun to find a surprise nationality.
I’ve always thought this would be a really interesting thing to do – how nice that you have pursued it and found out a bit more about your ancestry. I know I’m English/Irish but nothing about concentration, etc.
Pam
One of my daughters gave me the DNA gift for CHristmas – I was surprised at my results because my mother’s Father was 100% German – although born in America – his wife was of unknown heritage -as she was adopted – but she seemed french/irish to me – my fathers parents were traced to England in fact one of my grandmothers ancestors was at Jamestown! , Needless to say I was surprised when my results showed only “trace” german ancestry (in the 3% other regions) . – Here are my results – Ethnicity Estimate
83% Great Britain
14% Ireland
3% Other regions
VIEW FULL ETHNICITY ESTIMATE
Fascinating! You must call on the Queen when you go. You may be more British than she is.
Very interesting results ! I’m darned proud ; )
What great and interesting news. I also have thought about the DNA testing. Maybe someday.
How interesting! I spent tons of hours in my genealogy and only let it go once the grandson was born. My ancestor, Captain Charles Barham, came from England and lived in Isle of Wight and was quite wealthy (it didn’t get passed down). It would be interesting to know if he knew your ancestors.
That is so fascinating to be able to research DNA roots now. I think it’s wonderful that you have such deep roots there. I would be so very proud too. Now I’m inspired to gift a DNA test to my sister for her next birthday. Kind of two birds with one stone 😉
That’s so neat.The DNA is an interesting added avenue of research. It’s wonderful your family has been able to keep up with their history and trace the lineage back so far. Well done.
Hi Sister!!
That is so interesting! Our genealogy is mostly anecdotal. Getting DNA would clear up a number of things.
Thanks for sharing!
Nellie’s Mom Barb