For years, a group of Towndrow's have attempted to determine if the two well known Towndrow Branches, Benjamin/Dorothy and Benjamin/Anne were in fact connected. The feeling was that they had to be related as they both lived in the Ashover Hay area of Derbyshire, England between 1704 and 1753.
On 14 July 2004 the Y-DNA12 test was completed for both Richard William Towndrow (Benjamin/Anne) and Robert Towndrow (Benjamin/Dorothy). The results show that they are definitely related as depicted by the exact 12 marker match.
In an effort to better refine the DNA information to determine the Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA), Richard & Robert's DNA samples were retested to determine the 13 - 25 & 26 -37 markers.
On 11 October 2005 the test were completed with the results included in the accompanying DNA Alleles Chart. There was a one point deviation in the 13 - 25 marker test, and a one point deviation in the 26 - 37 marker test for a total of 2 separate marker deviations of one point each. The Time to Most Recent Common Ancestor (TMRCA) is presented for the 12, 25, and 37 marker in the following Time Predictor.
Additional participation in the DNA testing will help to further refine the results. If you or someone you know would be interested in helping to further this research of the connection, please contact a Towndrow family member at mcrsys@hotmail.com for more information on the DNA project.
Participants must be a male Towndrow. Women who are Towndrow descendants may choose to sponsor a male Towndrow relative such as a father, brother, uncle, cousin, etc. FTDNA has given the Towndrow project a discounted price. If you choose the 12 marker test, you can always upgrade to the 25 or 37 marker test at a later date if you desire. Specimen collection kits for the cheek swabs will be sent to participants directly from the lab. Your payment is remitted to the lab with the completed kit. (Click on this FTDNA link for more information about surname projects, testing procedures, and to request an authorization to join the Towndrow project.)
For more technical information regarding DNA testing check out
Our upcoming fifth reunion
in Newcastle, NSW, Australia
28 - 30 September, 2007
gives you a great opportunity to be absolutely certain of knowing which Towndrow line you belong to -
Benjamin/Anne or Benjamin/Dorothy
For more information on the two lines see the
then click on Family Tree
Who knows, perhaps there are many other lines in the Towndrow Family that we are all unaware of.
