To distinguish between GOODWIN and GODWIN ancestral lines,worldwide. Any reasonable spelling variant is included (please feel free tosuggest a variant you feel we have missed one).

To identify which family branches are related to each other: Thosethat have similar genetic signatures are grouped together and considered to berelated to each other genetically.

To identify the likely origin of each genetic family branch -We are actively seeking more participants, particularly from the New Englandarea and the UK and Ireland to help trace the Colonial VA and NC lines back totheir European roots.

To help to confirm paper trails and traditional genealogiesand to help focus research efforts; to help people with the GOODWIN or GODWIN surname(and variations) determine which genetic family they belong and to piggybackonto established genealogies if none known

To determine when and where an NPE occurred in which the Miles Barefoot (b. 1811 SC, d. 1860 AL) family took on the Group 8 Godwin Y-DNA signature. We are currently looking for a descendant of Miles' sons - Shadrack, Noah, or Alexander - to take the Y-DNA test for comparison

Also please note that, to participate meaningfully, you will need to share your male direct-line ancestry preferably in the form of a pedigree. Our existing pedigrees can be viewed here.

You can submit your pedigrees via email to your project administrators: 

Ginger Smith

Lori Godwin