Genetic DNA testing has become a useful tool for solving certain problems in family history research when a historical paper trail is elusive. There are two kinds of DNA that follow a straight line through our ancestors. Y-Chromosome DNA is passed from father to son on down the line and is very useful for determining paternal lineage. Mitochrondrial DNA (mtDNA) tracks the maternal side by being passed mother to daughter.
In March 2009, I was tested for a Y-Chromosome genetic profile, called a Haplotype, which tracks my AYERS surname lineage. In addition to my specific profile, the results showed that our AYERS line belonged to an ancient group of ancestors designated Haplogroup R1b.
Regardless of how one personally reconciles creation vs evolution theories, scientists have determined that human life on earth originated in Africa hundreds of thousands of years ago. When some of those ancient peoples eventually migrated out of Africa, they first went to the Middle East, and from there split into groups which migrated to other places. Each migrating group’s genes gradually became slightly different from the original African group allowing them to be traced with DNA. Our R1b group of ancient ancestors migrated to Asia and then on to Europe about 35,000 to 40,000 years ago as shown in the migration map below. Anthropologists call the R1b Haplogroup “The Artisans” who may have been responsible for the first cave paintings, and probably lived in present day England, France, Spain or Portugal.
About 70% of individuals currently residing in southern England are members of the R1b group. The significance to us is that all this DNA information very strongly supports that our AYERS ancestors came from England before crossing the Atlantic to North America. Although without DNA evidence, I also suspect that many of our other family surnames which originated in Europe may be R1b as well.
If anyone is interested in learning more about ancient populations and their evolutions, I highly recommend reading The Seven Daughters of Eve by Bryan Sykes which describes how MtDNA was used to discover that we are all descended from seven prehistoric women. I have a copy to lend to those interested.