About us
The goal of the Meeker DNA Project is to encourage communication between descendants, and explore and document Meeker genetic diversity using the latest developments in genetic genealogy. All males named Meeker (or variant spellings) are welcome to join the project. Females lack a Y-chromosome, but can have a male relative (brother, father, uncle, cousin) tested as a representative of their Meeker line. We recommend that everyone test for at least 37 markers, which provides the best comparisons with others already in the project. In some cases, an upgrade to 67 markers or SNP testing may be necessary to confirm relationships.
To view the project results, click on the 'DNA Results' tab at left If you have already tested with FTDNA, but are not yet a member of this project, click on the 'Join' tab above. Those who have Y-DNA results from other testing companies such as DNAHeritage, Ancestry (Y-DNA only) etc are also encouraged to join and share their results. If you wish, you can transfer your results to FTDNA for a small fee. There are advantages to doing so, including matching your results against the full FTDNA database, as well as opportunities for other types of DNA testing.
The English origins of the two 17th-century Meeker immigrants, Robert of Fairfield Co CT and William of Essex Co NJ are still unknown, and DNA indicates they may not have been brothers as is widely believed. The Y-DNA 'signatures' of descendants of these two are strikingly different (see 'DNA Results'). It also appears that some American Meekers may be related to Meagher (O'Meagher, Maher) families originating in Ireland. These Meekers are not related to either Robert or William Meeker. Additional Meeker family groups will probably be discovered as a result of wider testing.
Members are encouraged to explore other DNA testing options, but it is best to ask for advice before ordering any advanced tests, so I can offer advice appropriate to your situation. Those who have already done SNP testing should also join the appropriate Y-DNA haplogroup project. Members with maternal-line (mtDNA) test results should join the relevant mtDNA haplogroup project.
The English origins of the two 17th-century Meeker immigrants, Robert of Fairfield Co CT and William of Essex Co NJ are still unknown, and DNA indicates they may not have been brothers as is widely believed. The Y-DNA 'signatures' of descendants of these two are strikingly different (see 'DNA Results'). It also appears that some American Meekers may be related to Meagher (O'Meagher, Maher) families originating in Ireland. These Meekers are not related to either Robert or William Meeker. Additional Meeker family groups will probably be discovered as a result of wider testing.
Members are encouraged to explore other DNA testing options, but it is best to ask for advice before ordering any advanced tests, so I can offer advice appropriate to your situation. Those who have already done SNP testing should also join the appropriate Y-DNA haplogroup project. Members with maternal-line (mtDNA) test results should join the relevant mtDNA haplogroup project.
The General Fund is an FTDNA feature that allows individuals to donate money for testing by other current or potential Meeker project members. Donations can be anonymous if desired.