Posted By:	Dick Marston
	Email:
	Subject:	Y-DNA Project: MASTIN, etc., Surnames
	Post Date:	November 19, 2005 at 15:11:52
	Message URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/mastin/messages/444.html
	Forum:	Mastin Family Genealogy Forum
	Forum URL:	http://genforum.genealogy.com/mastin/

This past August a new genealogy Y-DNA project was launched for males who are paternal descendants of either the MASTIN or the MARSTEN, MARSTIN, MARSTON, or MASTEN surnames. So far the project has 3 members: a MASTEN and 2 MARSTONs. One of the MARSTONs [me] is from a New England line, and one is from a Virginia line. To sign-up for testing, go to: http://www.familytreedna.com/public/marston%2Dmasten%2Dmastin%2Dmerston/ The New England colonial MARSTONs have three different progenitors: John of Salem; John "The Mariner," and William of Hampton. The Virginia MARSTONs may descend from as many or more progenitors. I personally have always suspected that both John "The Mariner" and one or more of the Virginia MARSTONs came from Norfolk county, England, as did John of Salem and William. None of us can afford to assume that the compilers of of our family genealogies got it right. Science will either confirm or refute their findings. Science may also prove or disprove a connection among the several MASTIN, MARSTON, etc., families who have survived to this day. Our preliminary focus is upon our North American cousins, but cousins from world wide are welcome. Proof of an American colonial connection is NOT required. It is anticipated that most of us will find our common ancestor[s] lived in England before colonies were established. This will provide an opportunity to explore possible connections among the several British lines. It will allow Canadians, Australians, etc., to explore whether they have cousins at home, in the USA, in England, or elsewhere. If descendants of the colonial MASTINs, etc., participate, an answer to the question about their European origin will be found. Some Canadian MASTINs, etc., may match with those from colonial American lines, while others will match to other lines that will undoubtedly develop eventually. I'm excited about this project and what modern science can add to our knowledge of our roots and our relationships to one another. Come join us to help find the answers for these lines and for your own paternal line. Dick Marston Glendale, CA, USA