Results
UPDATED September 21, 2009: Many of our participants have already found y-DNA matches and are comparing their paper trails, leading to new genealogical discoveries for them.
WARD / WARDLE / WARDEN SUBGROUP #4 (Highlighted in purple on the yDNA chart): Ten members have matching y-DNA showing a connection between the surnames WARD in the United States and WARDLE in Manchester, England in 1556; Quorndon, England in 1786; and Worcester, England in 1808. The members are busy comparing their research!
WARD SUBGROUP #6 (Highlighted in dark green on the yDNA chart): As of July 13, 2009, participant #46221 matches the other two participants in only 10 out of 12 markers. This individual requires more testing before we can determine that he shares a common ancestor with the other two individuals. The remaining two individuals are pursuing their paper trails in search of their common ancestor.
WARD SUBGROUP #8 (Highlighted in pink on the yDNA chart): On July 13, 2009 Emily Krause Murphy of FTDNA analyzed the differences in markers of the 12 participants in WARD Subgroup #8 and wrote:
"I agree fundamentally with your placement of these individuals in this group. The distinguishing characteristics of the Niall signature, which are also distinguishing characteristics in R1b1b2a1b5b, are a 13 at DYS385b and a 14 at DYS392. A 12 at DYS385b is not a significant difference, but I notice there are several who have the more classic 13 at DYS392 instead of 14. Unless these are confirmed to be R1b1b2a1b5b, they may not fit in this group. However I do note that all four of these individuals also have a 12 at DYS385b, which is unusual for haplogroup R1b. They either make up a subset of this group or, if they are not R1b1b2a1b5b, they make up a related group of their own.
Kit #96157 has many differences among the last markers we test, which tend to be faster mutators. It does not seem to share these mutations with others but because it has the DYS385b = 13 and DYS392 = 14 combination, if you continue to define group 8 as those belonging or suspected of belonging to R1b1b2a1b5b, I think this sample should stay in the group.
Especially in cases where the known genealogy does not identify or suggest the relationships among these members it is very reasonable to identify subgroups based on these haplogroup branches, and I think that at least until additional evidence that links or refutes a relationship among these men comes to light, it is good to group them together."
WARD SUBGROUP #9 (Highlighted in lime green on the yDNA chart): Initially, two WARD participants had matching y-DNA. They subsequently matched three members of the ASBILL / ASBELL y-DNA group who, much to their surprise, did not match other ASBILLs. They located our WARD SUBGROUP #9 through matching y-DNA. Tracing their ASBILL paper trail back to Margaret ASBILL of Bertie County, NC, they had earlier discovered bastardy references and apprenticeship records linking her to a Thomas WARD of Bertie County, NC. When their y-DNA matched the WARD participants in WARD Subgroup #9, they were delighted! Their matching y-DNA proves they are either descended from Thomas WARD of Bertie County, NC or from a WARD male who is closely related to this Thomas WARD. These results also help the other two WARD participants in Subgroup #9, as the findings of these ASBILLs lead them, also, to Bertie County, NC. This is the science of y-DNA at its best!
WARD SUBGROUP #14 (Highlighted in pale lilac on the chart below): Of the 5 participants in this group, two have expanded to 37 markers and match 36 out of 37 (with one mutation at a fast-moving marker). This y-DNA test helped one of the two individuals, as described in her own words: "For 30+ years I have beat my head on the brick wall. I can't describe the elation I have felt. I want to thank you for fostering the DNA program for the Ward group." Finding a match in the 37-marker test has helped her sort some information out and has put her on the right track for UK research.
Many other participants have found matches and they are currently comparing their paper trails. Be sure to see our y-DNA chart (below) to see the names of their earliest-proven ancestors and where they lived.
Some of us (including my line - Subgroup #1, Jonathan Ward) have not yet found a match. Our markers have been established and will be there as benchmarks for those who continue to join the process. At least we know where NOT to look for clues and that, in itself, is a very important step in one's research.