Welcome to the Joines / Joynes / Jines DNA Project The Joines, Joynes, and Jines families share more than a name—they share a deep paternal history that stretches back centuries, across oceans, and through generations whose stories are often hidden behind missing records and uncertain traditions. The Joines/Joynes/Jines DNA Project exists to uncover that history using modern DNA testing alongside traditional genealogical research. By combining Y-DNA, autosomal DNA, historical documents, and collaborative research, this project works to identify common ancestors, reconstruct family lines, and trace the migration of our surname from its earliest origins to the present day. Why This Project Matters Paper records alone can only take us so far. Fires, wars, courthouse losses, name changes, and migration have obscured many Joines/Joynes/Jines connections—especially before the 18th century. Y-DNA testing changes that. Because Y-DNA is passed almost unchanged from father to son, it allows us to: Identify which Joines/Joynes/Jines lines are truly related Separate unrelated families who happen to share a similar surname Reconstruct paternal lineages beyond the reach of written records Explore deep ancestral origins in England and earlier This project has already identified a distinctive paternal genetic signature shared by multiple Joines/Joynes men, opening the door to discovering where—and with whom—our surname originated. About the Project This is a Y-DNA surname project, focused on tracing the direct paternal line of men bearing the surnames: Joines, Joynes, Jines, and all known spelling variants. Surname projects like this one work best when multiple descendants from different family branches participate. Each new test strengthens the overall picture, confirms existing hypotheses, or reveals entirely new connections. The project is administered by an experienced family historian and genetic genealogist and is hosted at FamilyTreeDNA, the world’s leading platform for Y-DNA research. Who Can Participate? Men with the Joines / Joynes / Jines Surname Men with the surname (or a documented variant) are encouraged to take a Y-DNA test, which traces their direct paternal line. Recommended tests: Y-37 – A good entry-level test for establishing close matches Big Y-700 – The most powerful test available, capable of identifying deep ancestral branches and timeframes Big Y testing is especially valuable for participants whose lines reach back to colonial America or earlier. Women and Descendants Women do not carry Y-DNA, but they play an essential role in this project by: Encouraging a father, brother, uncle, or cousin with the surname to test Contributing genealogical records, documents, and family histories Participating through autosomal DNA (Family Finder) to help identify recent relationships Women and men alike may also participate through: mtDNA testing, which traces direct maternal ancestry Family Finder, which helps identify cousins within the last several generations Researchers and Collaborators Historians, genealogists, and researchers with an interest in the Joines/Joynes/Jines families—especially in England, Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania—are welcome to collaborate and share findings. What We Are Working to Discover Through DNA and documentary research, this project aims to: Identify the earliest known Joines/Joynes ancestors Reconstruct migration paths from England to colonial America Determine how various Joines/Joynes/Jines lines relate to one another Distinguish unrelated surname lines Preserve accurate family histories for future generations Every new participant helps refine dates, locations, and relationships. How to Join Participation requires authorization to ensure accurate grouping and interpretation of results. To join: Purchase a DNA test at FamilyTreeDNA Request authorization by completing the Join Authorization Form Once approved, your results will be grouped and analyzed within the project Assistance is available for choosing the appropriate test. A Living Legacy This project is more than data—it is a collaborative effort to preserve the true story of the Joines/Joynes/Jines families before it is lost to time. By participating, you help ensure that future generations will know not just where they came from, but how they are connected. We invite you to be part of that discovery.