I have received a ten page copy of an impressive and detailed report received by Rexford C. Alexander concerning his Alexander DNA testing. Selected quotes from Mr. Alexander regarding his DNA data are as follows:
Hello, Glad you received the information.
National Geographic established the Genographic Project with the WaiteFamily Foundation and U of AZ; they took DNA samples from people in no less than 185 countries and traced the origins of the DNA. I purchased a 12 marker kit then a 25 marker kit; they plotted my DNA journey to its origin. I have compared my DNA with both the Alexander surname and the Macdonald Clan. Presently, I have at least 5 prerfect matches indicating we had a common ancestor about 600 years ago, another at 1600. All of us have one thing in common; we are Scot-irish.
….your research is validated by your diligence and accuracy, but I know that DNA will now serve as a companion for each generation you have unearthed. When I look at my Haplogroup R1b and the migration route, I see the same pattern as your research from 4,000 BC to present day. My Y-DNA results are actually yours, too. Although a few generations separate us, it is the same path to our origins; those Irish and Scottish folks who match my DNA are your cousins also. I will wager that in just a few years, you will be able to write another edition of your book and be able to show corresponding proof of heritage using good old fashioned research and DNA facts.
I had only traced my roots back to the 800’s AD or so. Your book started in over 4000 years BC; at the 800 AD mark your and my research was basically the same. We shared common ancestors through Moses Alexander and Mary Wallace Alexander. One son, James … is my ancestor whereas son Daniel … is yours. DNA is not a factor; it is strictly research. I say that with reverence for I am not to be compared with researchers of your stature.
My Y-DNA match with others in Scotland and Ireland do not specifiy any individual. The matchee and I must try to put our research together to determine who the common ancestor is back about 600 years ago. To do that each of us would have to know WHO our ancestors were at that time. To date, I haven’t found any one who matches my DNA that know more than the last 3 or 4 generations. If they are Alexanders, they should purchase your book; the others not sharing my surname have a lot of research to do. Having a DNA match is great but so far, it has not produced a common ancestor.
What I have found is thast most folks who have submitted their DNA for testing are hoping for their family history will fall in their lap. That is only possible if they have their “Angel of Research” like you. Tracing my Y-DNA back to its origin was fascinating…. I had Family Tree DNA test my mtDNA. That is the DNA of my mother; it is handed down from mother to daughter; mine came back with “H” Haplogroup. The origin was deep Africa and traced upward to Sweden and Norway then eastward through the Arctic, North America then South America. Absolutely weird, and all this in only 150,000 years. Sarah, we are just on the tip of a very large Iceberg and I love it.
Have a great day.
Rex