Jackson

Project Background

Project Background and Purpose:
The Jackson surname is one of the most numerous in the United States (within the top twenty) with most of the original immigrants coming from the United Kingdom England, Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Shetland (for the most part): patronymic from JACK. This Jackson DNA Project was started in 2002 and has grown tremendously since. Several administrators have moved the work forward for a number of years, John McAnally, Mary Ann Theiss, Evyonne Andrews Eddins and Don Jackson. These folks worked diligently not only maintaining the data base but also in recruiting more members so that now our database at FTDNA has the most material available for comparison and finding matches. (See why size of data base is important here: https://www.familytreedna.com/why-FTDNA.aspx)

Our goal is to create a database of as many Jackson males as possible, in the hope of finding matches among the samples. This should be particularly helpful for those who trace their ancestry back to the period before the earliest census records and do not know where their family came from.

How does DNA testing work?
Each participant receives a kit, which contains instructions and materials allowing him to swab his cheek for DNA, preserve it, and return it to FamilyTreeDNA. The lab then analyzes the DNA found on the Y-chromosome. This DNA is passed down (almost) unaltered from father to son. Therefore, those who share a large percentage of "markers" share a male ancestor within a certain number of generations (depending on how many and the type of test).

FamilyTreeDNA has tests for 12, 37 or 67 markers. You can start with any level of test, and then upgrade later. However, while no additional swabbing is necessary for an upgrade, the sample must be processed again (which takes several weeks). The added cost of the upgrade is also more than the initial combined price. In our experience, almost all participants that start with the 12-marker test ultimately upgrade to test to a higher level, so starting with 37 markers usually saves time and money. If there is a strong chance you are related to one of the lines already tested, a 67 marker test will be most useful in helping to figure out just where your line falls.

What do the results mean?
The results are expressed in matches. If you do the 37 marker test, for example, you'll find out those with whom you match at the 12 and 37 marker level. You also know, through our website, those lines that you do not match. So in general, the results can tell you several things:
• Confirm that a participant is related to a particular male line, even if he doesn't know (yet) how that connection may come in.
• Or, confirm that a line already traced is likely accurate - if two 21st century men share markers, and they've traced their male lines back to a common 18th century forefather, this is good evidence that their lines are accurately traced.
• Or, the test can tell you you're not related to a particular line. This, while disappointing, can save one years of researching in the wrong places.

Who should participate?
Any man named Jackson. Your male line must either be all Jackson (no known illegitimacy or adoption) or you're trying to prove that such a thing did/did not occur. See the Results Page for those already tested to see if we have information on your line.

Are you a Jackson female or grandson? Sponsor your father/brother/cousin. They don't have to do anything except swab their cheek - you'll get all the results. Do 'Join' the Jackson Project before ordering the kit as the prices listed here are for members only.
Y-DNA tests run $99 (12-marker), $124 (25 marker), $149 (37 marker) or $239 (67 marker) and may be paid for when ordering the kit or when returning the kit for processing. Kits for testing the female line, called mtDNA are also available separately or at a discount if ordered in combination with the Y-DNA test.

Still have questions? Do read our FAQ page at https://www.familytreedna.com/faq/answers/8.aspx#511

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Why is DNA so important? -
#1 - To confirm your dedicated family research. DNA and a good thorough paper trail go hand-in-hand. Each compliment the other. Now we have two methods of proving our ancestors, both going a different route, both coming to the same conclusion.

#2 - To reach those conclusions, one must MATCH with another of the same surname (or variation). We all have searched for a possible “research” candidate for DNA testing (not one who is closely related, but one we suspect and have found “weak” or even PRIMARY documentation (with a little variation) to support a PROBABLE distant cousin. Doubts? There are always doubts – we need a second opinion, which is when we turn to DNA to confirm our research and remove those doubts!

#3 - What if you do not match another Jackson through DNA testing? Do NOT GIVE UP – in the meantime, continue your dedicated standard genealogical research – as you progress, you will begin to find a cousin or two – persuade them to be tested to confirm your new research – DNA testing is still young – more and more are coming around, dis-believers are beginning to realize its importance – of being able to have their research proven by a different type of “research” other than standard genealogical methods.

#4 – What if you match a surname(s) other than Jackson? You will be provided contact information for the specific surname(s) for further research. This is not an unusual happening – there are many reasons for this occurrence. DNA has given you guidance, not a defeat, only a little twist and turn in your road to reach your quest. Imagine the unknown mystery you may uncover about your family. Yes, more comprehensive research will be needed. However; you’ll never regret it – documentation is out there which is waiting for you to discover – it’s unbelievable the amount of often-neglected sources – Check out our GOALS page for suggestions.

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Some of our Jackson earliest ancestors (some conjectured, most proven) are:

5th Century – Niall of the Nine Hostages (FTDNA Kit#17281-Clint Jackson)
1582 – Richard Jackson b. 1582 England came to Conn. c1630
1605 – Robert Jackson 1605 – 1681 Hempstead, Long Island, New York
1645 – John Jackson b. abt 1645 VA
1650 – Ralph Jackson b. 1650 England d. 1708-1709 England
1675 – James & Rebecca Hallett Jackson circa (1675-1735 NY)
1713 – John Jackson died within the Colony of Virginia
1719 – Benjamin Jackson Sr. b. 1719 Queens Co. NY, d.abt 1805 SC
1730 – Samuel Jackson b. 1730 Chester County, Pennsylvania
1730 – Richard Jackson b. circa 1730 England
1730 – Thomas Jackson, Sr. b. circa 1730
1737 – William Jackson b. 1737 N. Ireland d.1792 in Guilford Co., NC
1745 – Ambrose Jackson b. Colony of VA d. 1745 Brunswick Co., Colony of VA
1758 – Churchwell Jackson b. 1758 VA d. aft 1858 Marion Co., TN
1761 – Richard Jackson b. 1761 (place unknown) d. Barnstable Co, Mass.

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February 2008 - Family Tree DNA, through its sister company AfricanDNA.com, tests Morgan Freeman, Maya Angelou, Tina Turner, Chris Rock and other prominent African Americans for "African American Lives 2". Follow the link http://www.africandna.com for additional information regarding male and female testing, and how successful it has become. Contact information is not available through FTDNA – Visit the AfricanDNA site for further information.

Dec 2002 The Jackson FTDNA Surname Project became a reality with two members. We have grown to our current membership as population becomes aware of the benefits of using DNA to confirm their research. You will find our Project Member Status History within our RESULTS web page

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In visiting our website, we have matched close cousins as well as distant cousins, with some having more research than others giving all the ability to advance the lineage, and perhaps go beyond that presently known common distant ancestors.

With DNA, our Jackson group has matched many with the Jackson surname confirming GOOD DOCUMENTAL RESEARCH to a common ancestor. Then we have quite a few who have yet to find a match. We have some Jackson surname members as matching other surnames. – Another challenge, but it is being accomplished. We’ve even included some TRUE events as to how it happened (these circumstances can be found within our Jackson GOAL web page. We are dedicated in helping all members in their quest for their earliest ancestor

Edited 22 Mar 2010