The links in the menu to the left take one to a previously published summary of that particular group. If no summary has been published, the link will take you down the current page to a brief summary for that group. Much more is known about some groups due to more Y-DNA as well as more extensive genealogies.
These pages contains the Project Administrator's analysis of the test results. One goal of the project is to look at groups of ancestors who lived in different geographical areas prior to and immediately after the Revolutionary War and to possibly identify related groups or a common ancestor. The groups presented here are based largely on existing genealogies. They were chosen because they represent a point in history between what has been documented and what has not. In the absence of connecting paper trails members are grouped by DNA results. Fortunately most members fall into one of seven groups. A smaller number of non-matching members have family trees of varying lengths. To the extent possible those will also be discussed.
Test results may confirm or alter assumptions researchers have about how their family fits into these groups. Refer to the results chart while reading this discussion. Bear in mind that this project is an ongoing process. We have a relatively small number of members representing only some of the Meek(s) families. As more people join the project more information will become available and our conclusions may be altered.
FTDNA provides limited analysis of results based on genetic distance between two individuals. Genetic distance is the number of mismatches between the two sets of results. A mismatch is the result of a mutation in the DNA that occurred when a child was conceived. FTDNA then uses the statistics to projects a range in generations (25-30 years per generation) that the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) was likely born such as 6 to 9 generations. This is all based on previous scientific studies that calculate the mutation rate of each individual marker.
However this system is more suited to do large population studies rather than using DNA for family projects. We make use of these tools but also employ other tools to look at families over shorter periods of time. See the paper on More Technical Information for more details. Much of this discussion should not be consider “scientific”. It is an interpretation based on the knowledge level of the author. Other people may have different interpretations.
A group can be defined when there are multiple members tested who descend from the same ancestor. If the common ancestor had two sons and descendants from each son are tested then their matching Y-DNA signature means that the common ancestor had the same or similar Y-DNA signature. However, whether those members tested are in fact descendants of those particular sons is highly dependent on the accuracy of the genealogies. If the common ancestor had brothers or uncles with the same surname their descendants will also have the same Y-DNA signature. In fact some Y-DNA signatures are so common that unrelated men with other surnames can have the same basic signature. Two people with the same surname and matching Y-DNA signatures are assumed to have a common ancestor with that same surname but without accurate genealogies the identity of that ancestor cannot be determined.
With that caveat we can move beyond the generalized and scientifically safe calculation that FTDNA gives us. This analysis is based in large part on the author’s knowledge of the genealogies involved. It is important to share new information on your genealogy with the group administrators. If the genealogical information is wrong it will impact any analysis of the DNA results. If you have questions or want more information please ask.
Information on reasons for no significant matches
Group K
Haplogroup K is strictly speaking not a group because it is based on a single 37 marker result. A single test cannot be project back through the generations. However, it is included because it is one of two Meek(s) genealogies from Pre-Revolutionary New York state. The member does not “match” any known Meek(s) family.
The member matches only six men, five of whom are named Boyce or a variation thereof. The low number of matches for a man with an R1b haplogroup is due in large part to a unique 37 marker Y-STR signature. It also seem likely none of the member’s near or distant Meeks relatives have been tested. The connection to the Boyce surname may pre-date the use of surnames in England. This conclusion is based on the fact that all Boyce matches spells their name differently and a low number of mutations amongst that group.
The unique Y-DNA signature is due in part by DYS385b=16 rather than 14, a RecLOH event in DYS459, DYS464 & CDY and other deviations from the R1b modal values. The Boyce line splits at marker CDY. The Meeks member belongs to the branch with CDY=37-37.
This analysis is based on a small sample size and more testing is required to make definitive conclusions.
Group L
This group includes two me who connect at Robert Barston Meek was born 18 Jan 1842 in Illinois. He died 22 Apr 1922 in Carrollton.
He descended from Thomas Meek was born 14 May 1796 in York County, England. He died 23 Jan 1866 in Greene Co., IL. He married Hannah Baines 1816 in Yorkshire, England. They came to the United States in 1820.
He may have been the grandson of Henry Meek and Margaret Foggerthwaite married 25 Nov 1755 in Brompton by Northallerton, York, England.
Group I
Group I represents two families that are predicted to fall under the haplogroup I designation. Specifically, haplogroup I1 as opposed to I2 and more specifically a major sub-clade unofficially labeled I1 Norse as opposed to Anglo-Saxon. While the vast majority of project members who descend from early American ancestors are in the R1b haplogroup member form England, Canada and Australian also fall under the I haplogroup which may have been more common for Meek families of the past. Also, The British Isles is under represented in this project.
The first family (Group I1N-a) includes two Englishmen who descends from John Meek born 15 Aug 1764 in Pudding Norton, Norfolk, England. (Kit # 183550 and 92515) They match two Australian who descends from Joseph Meek born about 1794 in Bethnal Green, Middlesex. (Kit # 239892 and 240624) The common ancestor for the later two was Edward George Meek born about 1845. It is not clear if or how the two sub groups connect bit it appears that they share a common Meek ancestor.
The second family (Group I1N-b) includes a man who descends from James Meek born 1796 in Rich Hill, County Armagh, Ireland. (Kit # 29748) He matches a man who descends from John Meek was born about 1846 in Ireland who immigrated to the United States about 1880. (Kit # 224820) They have a genetic distance of four on 37 markers and six on 67 markers. While the connection between these men is unknown they appear to have a common Meek ancestor.
Group J - Haplogroup J2b2f J-L283
Edmund Meeks was born in 1796.
He resided in Albemarle Co., VA.
- Kit #166428
- Kit #228967
Unknown Grady
- Kit #126100
These three member are a close match. Haplogroup J is rarely seen in families named Meek(s) who have been Y-DNA tested.
Group U2 - Haplogroup R1b (R-M269 not tested)
Non-Aligned
Ancestors
Andrew Meik was born 1732 Midlothian, Scotland.
Some descendants immigrated to Australia.
- Kit #178357
Henry Meek born 1735. He resided in York, England.
Descendants immigrated to Greene Co., IL in 1820.
- Kit #163577
William Meek born about 1770 Scotland. Family remains in Scotland.
- Kit #115251
William Meeks born about 1775 and resided in Henry Co., VA. Sons Coleman & Woodson
- Kit #AN3
Isaac Meek born 1790 Virginia. Resided Harrison Co., IN.
Y-DNA does not match any other person or group named Meek(s). Genealogy uncertain.
- Kit #48977 & Kit #N13903
Richard Meek born about 1801. He resided Ohio and McLean Co., IL.
- Kit #175102
James Meek born about 1801 England. Descendants immigrated to Peoria, IL.
- Kit #138612
Samuel Meek born about 1814 Kings Co., NS. Possible NPE,
another descendant (Kit #323343 Group E) has different results.
- Kit #194885
John Meek born 1820 Greenup Co., KY. Possible NPE, does not match other member
(Kit #191331 Group C) from supposed brother, William B. Meek.
- Kit #70461
William Meeks born 1820 Virginia. Resided Owen Co., KY. Member is Black.
- Kit #164432
J. H. Meeks born 1820 Kentucky. Member is Black.
- Kit #122144
Francis E. Meeks born 1878 Ohio. No information
- Kit #N6781
Samuel L. Meeks born 1881 Wayne Co., KY. Another members (Kit #314446 Group C)
has Meek connection to Wayne Co., KY but does not match. Records inadequate.
- Kit #28093
James C. Meek Also from Wayne Co., KY used the name Harris in some records. He matches
a descendant of _____ Wilson, Kit#177479 as well as two non-member named Harris.
- Kit #661896
There is no Y-DNA connection between these members and other members or groups in the project.
Group U1 - Haplogroup R1a (R-M198 not tested)
Scotland
Thomas Meek was born about 1838 in Scotland. His son George
immigrated to Canada and then New York.
- Kit #122452
At this point in time the test results do not match any other member in the project.
Group U3 - Haplogroup E (E-M35 not tested)
Unknown
Henry Meek was born about 1803 in Kentucky.
It had previously thought that this member was a descendant of Nathaniel Meek.
A non-paternity event is probably involved.
- Kit #34649
Andrew Meek Immigrated from Austria about 1850.
- Kit #170656
At this point in time these members do not match each other or any other member in the project. Haplogroup E is rarely seen in families named Meek(s) who have been Y-DNA tested.
Group U3 - Haplogroup I1 AS (I-M253 not tested)
Netherlands
Oene Taekes Meek was born 1710 Netherlands.
- Kit #149091
This haplotype share characteristics which place them in the Anglo-Saxon (AS) sub-clad of the I1 haplogroup. At this point in time the test results do not match any other member in the project.
Group U3 - Haplogroup I2a (I-P37.2 tested)
John Childs was born in 1803.
He was known as John S. Meek until he changed his name to John Childs in 1833.
He was closely associated with Nathaniel Meek and Basil Meek (Group B).
His father may not have been named Meek.
- Kit #4794
At this point in time the test results do not match any other member in the project.
Group U3 - Haplogroup I2b (I-M223 not tested)
Merrill Meeks was born in 1876.
He resided in Grundy Co., TN.
- Kit #166428
At this point in time the test results do not match any other member in the project.
Group U3 - Haplogroup J
John Meek
He resided in Albemarle Co., VA.
- Kit #328507
Haplogroup J is rarely seen in families named Meek(s) who have been Y-DNA tested.