John Whitney Family

So far, nine descendants of John Whitney have taken a Big Y test, and all have the DNA marker R-FT374712. This marker can be considered “the” marker for this family. Two downstream haplogroups have been identified: R-FGC21770 and R-FTA53441. As more individuals test, we should locate more such sub groupings and potentially use them to identify where they align with John’s descendant branches.

The DNA results indicate that this family descends from Celtic peoples of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and Brittany. Related families include Morgan (of probable Welsh origin), O’Neil, Craig, Gill, Smith, Forsythe, Webster, and Ackley. It is suspected that this family may have originated in or near Wales.

Henry Whitney Family

Only one descendant of Henry Whitney has taken a Big Y test and has the marker R-BY21030, sharing this marker with members of the Thompson and Burke families. This branch has a Northern European Celtic origin. The closest other Big Y test kit branched off nearly 3,000 years ago, so additional Big Y tests are needed to better define this DNA tree.

Samuel Whitney Family

Only one descendant of Samuel Whitney has taken a Big Y test and has the marker R-FGC5306, sharing this marker with members of the Eaton and McLelland families. This branch has an Italic Celtic origin.

Other Whitney Families

Multiple additional Whitney families have been identified. Some may be due to "non-paternal-events" in the line, but others may be unique Whitney families that are just less widespread. ALL Whitneys and related families are welcome in this group.