About us
Pedigrees for our Rakestraw DNA Surname Project members are posted on Rootsweb:
http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=rakestrawdna
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The initial test results from the first three qualified participants have shown that not all Rakestraws in America are related. Jesse Rakestraw was in Spartanburg, SC in the 1700's while John Rakestraw (thought to be a descendant of William, b. 1653) was only a few miles away. Because of this proximity, some family relationship was long suspected. Additionally, a descendant of Joseph F. (1830; GA-1862; MS), was expected to match one of these other families with Georgia ties.
However, the DNA tests from a descendant of each family indicates that no family relationship exists. Of course, these results need to be validated by having at least one more participant tested in each family.
DNA Testing offers an indication as to where ancient ancestors originated, at least back to the Ice Age. Based on these initial results, Jesse is in Haplogroup "I", which is a relatively small group in ancient Scandinavia. As such, Jesse's male ancestor may have been a conquering Viking that invaded England. On the other hand, William is from the largest European Haplogroup, R1b1. The large size of this group makes it impossible to specify his ancient ancestor's origins, as R1b1 is found all over Europe.
http://worldconnect.rootsweb.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?db=rakestrawdna
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The initial test results from the first three qualified participants have shown that not all Rakestraws in America are related. Jesse Rakestraw was in Spartanburg, SC in the 1700's while John Rakestraw (thought to be a descendant of William, b. 1653) was only a few miles away. Because of this proximity, some family relationship was long suspected. Additionally, a descendant of Joseph F. (1830; GA-1862; MS), was expected to match one of these other families with Georgia ties.
However, the DNA tests from a descendant of each family indicates that no family relationship exists. Of course, these results need to be validated by having at least one more participant tested in each family.
DNA Testing offers an indication as to where ancient ancestors originated, at least back to the Ice Age. Based on these initial results, Jesse is in Haplogroup "I", which is a relatively small group in ancient Scandinavia. As such, Jesse's male ancestor may have been a conquering Viking that invaded England. On the other hand, William is from the largest European Haplogroup, R1b1. The large size of this group makes it impossible to specify his ancient ancestor's origins, as R1b1 is found all over Europe.