Rowley Research and DNA Testing

Concept

Rowley Research is an ideal candidate for DNA testing. We have done extensive work defining separate branches and have a simple method (Spencer Numbers) for identifying individuals within those groups. Well, 'relatively simple' in any case.

DNA testing gives us the opportunity to determine whether some of the unconnected branches belong in some of those currently defined, and whether we can combine any of the currently defined branches. Wouldn't it be interesting to KNOW that Branch Six matched Branch Two, but not Branch One. We could certainly focus our research on more specific locations and families. (No, I know no such thing. 'Everyone' appears to assume that Branch Six originates somewhere in Branch One.)

Objective

The objective would be to collect a few samples from each branch. For those that matched, the degree of differences would be the issue.  For those that did not match, we would need additional samples.  Indeed we would need to have additional samples to discount infidelity and adoption if the differences are great enough to indicate different branches.

This means that doing our homework using classic genealogical techniques would allow us to set the stage for understanding the results we could get.

Requirement:

Since a Surname Project in essence traces members of a family that share a common surname, and females (a) don't carry their father's Y-DNA, and (b) acquire a new surname by the way of marriage, in order to be relevant to the Surname Project, the tested individual must be a male that wants to check his paternal line (father's father's father's...).

If done through Family Tree DNA, the test to be ordered is either the Y-DNA12 ($99), Y-DNA25 ($169), or Y-DNA37 ($229), and females should look for a brother or cousin with that surname to be tested.

Organization

Timothy Peterman has registered a project at Family Tree DNA which includes Rowleys. What shall we do with this? Timothy is starting us with the following:

From: "Peterman, Timothy E."

I have results now for a descendant of Michael Vance Roley (1816-1893), the youngest son of John Roley/ Rowley (1749-1822).  By his first wife, John Roley had two sons:  John Jr. (d. 1815, m. Eleanor Hagerman) and Jacob Roley.

I would like for one patrilineal descendant of John Jr. or Jacob take the y-chromosome DNA test.  I will pay for the test.  This is no more painful or complicated than brushing one's teeth.  Please contact me if you have a good paper trail going back to either of these brothers, your surname is Roley or Rowley, and you are willing to take this test.  For more details, go to the website:  www.ftdna.com and look at the Peterman surname project.

So What's Next?

Next we need to get volunteers with the Rowley name who will participate in the study. Timothy Peterman has said we can come in on his study. At this moment I'm looking for someone to help us organize by contacting possible Rowley males.  Please email me (Judy Bramlage) at .  If you can't see the email address, turn on Java then reload this page.