The pace of worldwide interest in DNA testing for
genealogical purposes has begun to quicken
considerably. Many more have completed a test and the
databases, maintained by such companies as Oxford
Ancestors, are now growing. Meaningful results are
beginning to show.
In the case of my Y-
other matches on the Oxford Ancestors database.
Frustratingly, neither has left a contact name or address
and, because of the Data Protection Act, Oxford Ancestors
are not permitted to reveal their surnames. I hope in time
that they will make contact with me if they return to check
the database as I have left my details available to them.
All I know from their entries is that one is living in Australia
and records their oldest known ancestor as from Scotland
and the other living in USA records their oldest known
ancestor as from Ireland. There are no dates attached to
these oldest known ancestors so, as it stands at present, they are largely meaningless.
Interestingly, other similair DNA signatures to mine have been noted where Norman connections are claimed. Seldom will the claim be fully traced back by a paper trail to the Norman Conquest or before as it most difficult to trace family history before the 16th century unless there is connection with land ownership or aristocracy. However the Norman connection is notable since it is one of our possible origins claimed within our family and the kind of fact that might have been handed down through the generations.
The KERVIL surname is known as an ancient Norman family name that does have traceable links through England, Scotland and Ireland and members of that family did come over in support of William the Conqueror and were rewarded with lands in East Anglia, Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.
We have been unable, so far, to trace the paper trail back before Francis KERVIL and 1687 in West Sussex. Maybe DNA will eventually come to our help to break down our "brickwall".
Y-
Kervil/Kearvell DNA Y-
