Mallow DNA Project

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Mallow DNA results update 19 Jun 2010:

The test results are back and have been posted for a Texas-based descendant of Michael Mallow (b. ca 1762) of Alleghany Co., VA. His 12 marker results are identical to a descendant of Henry Mallow (b. 1758) of Pendleton Co., now WV.

As has been previously mentioned, there has been a question as to the paternity of Michael b.ca 1762. The DNA results do not resolve that issue since the question of fathers was between two brothers, Michael Mallo (aka Mallow) b. 1720 and Georg Mallo (aka Mallow) b. 1727, both in Griesbach, Bas-Rhin, France (then a German duchy). German-speaking Michael Mallow immigrated in 1749 and soon after removed to the South Branch of the Potomac in then Augusta Co, VA (now Pendleton Co., WV). His brother, George Mallow, immigrated in 1750 with a first cousin, George Fultz (aka Georg Voltz), and both joined Michael Mallow on the South Branch sometime in 1753. George Mallow remained there until 1756 when he moved his family back from the edge of the Virginia frontier to the Peaked Mountain settlement where he remained. He was probably motivated by the increased Indian incursions into then Augusta Co. during the French and Indian War.

Currently, the strongest documentary evidence supports Michael b. ca 1762 being the brother of Henry b. 1758 and, therefore, both being the sons of Michael b. 1720. IF that is the case, the DNA match between a line of Henry b. 1758 and a line of Michael b. ca 1762 proves the DNA of Michael Mallo, b. 1720, an early pioneer of the South Branch. Alternately, IF Michael b. 1762 was the son of George Mallow of the Peaked Mountain Settlement (now in Rockingham Co, VA), the DNA match, along with the various documentary evidence of Michael b. 1720 and George b. 1727, should prove the DNA of Michael b 1720, George b. 1727, and their father, Dieboldt Mallo (1691-1731, Griesbach, Bas-Rhin, France).

The wife of Michael Mallow (b. 1720) and five of his children were taken captive by Shawnee Indians in April, 1758 when Seybert's fort, on the South Fork of the South Branch of the Potomac, was surrendered by its Captain and 17 of the 41 inmates massacred. Mrs. Mallow's son, Henry, was born several months into her captivity and, although the documentary evidence indicated that she had been sold to the French (as was most common with married women taken by the Ohio-based Indians allied with French), speculation has been widespread that Henry was the son of an Indian (and most often the speculation was that a Delaware chief Killbuck, the purported leader of the raiding party, was his father). The DNA results on two lines of male descent from Henry disproved Indian paternity but did not disprove a French father nor an Indian father who mother was Indian but whose father was of European origin. However, the matching DNA results from the line of Michael b. ca 1762, regardless of whether his father was Michael b. 1720 or George b. 1727, should prove that Henry b. 1758 was the son of Michael Mallow b. 1720 and that Henry's mother was pregnant with him at the time of her capture. Another answer may be at hand, IF Michael b. 1762 was the son of Michael Mallow b. 1720, since this should prove that Mrs. Mallow was returned from captivity sometime in mid-to-late 1761 and that is consistent with the end of the major military hostilities on the American continent between the French and British. (Although family tradition has that Mary Miller was the wife of Michael Mallow, the only documentation of Mrs. Mallow's name was on the baptismal record of Michael's eldest daughter, Anna Maria Mallo, in October 1749 and Mrs. Mallow's given name was recorded as Anna Margaretha. Although it's possible that Anna Margaretha died and Michael remarried before 1758, there is no evidence of such a marriage. A later marriage, to Mary Ingle in 1769, is proven and it is almost certain that she was his widow in 1772. It is not clear whether Mary's maiden name was Ingle or whether she was a widow and it is possible that she was previously Miller but, again, there is no proof of that and it is certain that she was not the mother of Michael's children born before 1769 - and that includes Henry and Michael Jr.)

All Mallows are encouraged to participate and additional testing on other lines would be quite helpful - particularly on a male line of Adam Mallow b. 1751 (son of Michael b. 1720) whose descendants remained in Ohio for several generations; a male line of George Mallow b. 1751 (son of George b. 1727) whose descendants also remained in Ohio for some time (other male lines of George b 1727 would also be helpful but George b . 1751 is the line best documented); and, of course, testing on any other documented male line of descent from Melchior Mallo who d. 1668 in Griesbach would be invaluable in anchoring the DNA in Europe back to 1600. There MAY be funding for up to half off a 12 marker test for the FIRST approved volunteer from each of the three lines mentioned (please check with Troy Pate troypatecompany@yahoo.com regarding the terms of the funding BEFORE making plans or submitting a sample).

As a practical matter, all Mallows who descend in a direct biological male line from Michael Mallow b. 1720 should carry the same yDNA as Henry b. 1758 and Michael b. 1762 with not more than a 1 point difference at one of the faster mutating alleles. This means all male Mallows who originated in what is now Pendleton Co., WV as well as those who originated in Alleghany Co., VA. Those Mallows who were early settlers of West Virginia, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, and Texas likely carried the same yDNA as do their male lineal descendants. Testing could be helpful for male Mallows in those areas who cannot make the documentary link to their ancestral origin or others throughout the U.S. who are uncertain of whether there is a connection to this line.

We encourage you to participate and we'd be happy to answer any questions.