Helmke-Helmka-Helmken Family DNA project
I have started with Family Tree Maker DNA to test the DNA of Helmkes from the various lines that are in America and Germany and other countries to establish IF there is a relationship between families. In this regard I would like to indicate that I will be the Group Administrator for this Group with Family Tree Maker DNA and will try to provide information and be the go between to be sure that anyone intersted will be able to participate. In order to use this advanced science to assist us in Genealogy, it will require various members of the different lines of Helmke's or variation of this spelling to see if they are related or how close it may be. This will reach back to 1500 in Germany or so and even further back than this.
There are two villiages that I am aware in Germany that Helmke's originally existed in about 1650. They are Helmsen and Helmstead. These two villiages are about 100 miles apart and there may be or there may not be a connection in these families. There are quite a few Helmke's that I am aware of that come from the Johannes Helmke from Helmsen in 1656 and I have visited with some.
This group is started and there are two ( 2 ) tests in process now. I am one and there is another from a line close to me but not from the same family that came to America. This can be expanded with your participation.
This works by comparing one persons DNA with another and if there are what is called matches which are numbers provided by the testing Lab, then there can be established relationship. Go to www.familytreedna.com on the web and it will explain a lot. Contact me at [email protected] and I will try to explain further.
It will require a Male with the name Helmke that is not adopted so it will be direct line descendency to provide the information. LET ME HEAR FROM YOU.