DNA Results for Rowden

Introduction
The use of DNA testing for genealogical matching comprises the checking for certain markers in the DNA or 'genetic make up' of an individual. For each marker tested a numeric allele value is calculated as a measure of the pattern at that particular place in the DNA. The results from a set of markers may be considered like a genetic signature.

When the genetic signatures of two of more individuals with identical or similarly spelled surnames match, then it can be assumed that they share a common ancestor within a recent number of generations. The closeness of the match will depend on the number of markers used in the test and the degree of agreement between the results. The numbers of markers tested is typically 12, 25, 37 or 67 depending of the degree of matching desired. The difference between each of the marker values for any two individuals may be summed to generate a 'genetic distance'. A more complete description may be found at the FTDNA website.

Y-DNA Results
The results of those already tested within the Rowden project are shown in the table below. These are grouped into similar genetic profiles irrespective of apparent geographic origin. Genetic distance from the first entry of each group is indicated in the last column. Greyed cells show values which differ from the modal profile.

The results are mostly from Rowdens in different septs.

Group Origin Haplo 3
9
3
 3
9
0
 1
9
 3
9
1
 3
8
5
a
 3
8
5
b
 4
2
6
 3
8
8
 4
3
9
 3
8
9

1
 3
9
2
 3
8
9

2
 4
5
8
 4
5
9
a
 4
5
9
b
 4
5
5
 4
5
4
 4
4
7
 4
3
7
 4
4
8
 4
4
9
 4
6
4
a
 4
6
4
b
 4
6
4
c
 4
6
4
d
 4
6
0
 G
A
T
A

H
4
 Y
C
A

I
I

a
 Y
C
A

I
I

b
 4
5
6
 6
0
7
 5
7
6
 5
7
0
 C
D
Y

a
 C
D
Y

b
 G
.
D
i
s
t
Group a
 1 Rowden  DEV R1b1  12 26 14 11 10 14 12 12 12 13 12 29 17 9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14 14 15 17 10 10 19 23 15 15 19 17 36 37 -
 2 Rowden  DEV R1b1  12 26 14 11 10 14 12 12 12 13 12 29 17 9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14 14 15 17 10 10 19 23 15 15 19 17 36 37 0
 3 Rowdon  DEV R1b1b2  12 26 14 11 10 14 12 12 12 13 12 29 17 9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14 14 15 17 10 10 19 23 15 15 18 17 36 37 1
 4 Rowden  DEV R1b1b2  12 26 14 10 10 14 12 12 12 13 12 29 17 9 10 11 11 25 15 19 30 14 14 15 17 10 10 19 23 15 15 19 17 36 37 1
Group b
 1 Rowden  DEV R1b1b2  13 24 15 11 11 14 12 12 11 13 13 29 17 9 9 11 11 25 15 19 30 15 15 15 15 11 10 19 23 15 15 17 18 37 37 -
Group c
 1 Rowden  HEF I2b1  15 23 16 10 16 17 11 13 11 13 12 29 17 9 9 11 11 24 14 20 28 14 14 14 14 11 10 19 21 15 15 19 21 36 36 -
 2 Rowden  KEN I2b1  15 23 16 10 16 17 11 13 11 13 12 29 17 9 9 11 11 24 14 20 28 14 14 14 14 11 10 19 21 15 15 19 21 36 36 0
 3 Rowden  WIL I2b1  15 23 16 10 16 17 11 13 11 13 12 29 17 9 9 11 11 24 14 20 28 14 14 14 14 11 10 19 21 15 15 20 20 36 36 2
Group d
 1 Rowden  WIL R1b1b  13 24 14 10 11 14 12 12 13 13 13 29 18 9 10 11 11 24 15 19 30 13 15 16 17 10 10 19 23 16 15 18 17 35 38 -

Group A Results
In group A the results of the first two individuals show an exact match on all 37 markers (genetic distance of zero) indicating that they have a common male ancestor in recent generations. The third and fourth individuals have just one marker with a difference of one unit from the first two. There is a 99% probability that their common ancestors of all four lived within the last 10 generations, in the time of the 17th century. Although the families of these four males all originate in Devon, they currently appear in three separate septs. The next task will be to find the common paper trail evidence for their common parent.

Group B Result
When comparing the results of group B with group A a significant difference is noted. This would seem to indicate that although the groups have the same county of origin, there may be a second family origin in Devon.

Group C Results
The results of group C are particularly interesting. They show three almost identical profiles of Rowdens from geographically different counties in England, namely Herefordshire, Kent and Wiltshire. It has long been my theory that the Rowdens in Kent have their origins in Wiltshire and this evidence would seem to agree with that proposition.
One of the oldest Rowden families traces its roots to the 14 century in Herefordshire so these 3 results have the potential to draw a number of families together. If you are a Rowden one of these counties, please add to the evidence and use the link below to joining the project and take a test.

Group D Result
With a family origin in Wiltshire this result was expected to have a link with group C but there is a striking difference when comparing the genetic 'signature' with those from that group. Could point to another ancestral origin in Wiltshire.

It will also be seen that the profiles of the Rowdens from Devon and Wiltshire are significantly different. This indicates that the two families are very unlikely to have had a common ancestor. It may be deduced that the two families received their surname from a topographical context, based on where they lived. See 'What's in a Name' For more information.

To visit or join the Rowden DNA project at Family Tree DNA follow this link.

For an introduction into DNA in Family History click here.