We thought we had hit upon something last summer, when we found Missouri's grave. The name on her tombstone wasn't Missouri, but Missouria. My brother did a search and discovered there was once a Missouria tribe, but they disbanded in the 1800s, as their number dwindled. Paydirt! We were elated. So much so, my brother decided to give me the gift of a DNA test for Christmas.
I got the results a few days ago, and it revealed some fascinating stuff. My family is mostly from western Europe--Germany and Switzerland, which I knew about. Following a close second was Scandinavian, which I had no idea existed in my genes. More research must be done to find out if I'm related to any Vikings. I knew about the smidge of English in my blood, but was totally unaware of the 10% Irish in me. Since one of my heroes was Irish, this makes me very proud.
But the Native American? Not a trace was found--anywhere. The DNA revealed a drop of European Jewish, but not a bit of Indian. I discussed it with the family, and we think my uncle should get tested, since he's one generation closer to Missouri Belle, so we're not giving up entirely. But to say we were disappointed would be an understatement.
Fortunately, I love to write historical romances, and the impetuous love affair between my great-great-grandmother and her Missouria Indian can still happen. Stay tuned. Someday, you'll see Susannah Myers' illicit tale come to life. That fact that it's fiction rather than real-life won't really matter.
Absolutely fascinating. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. And yes research those Viking roots.
ReplyDeleteIf I only had a clue which branch of the family to look under!
DeleteSimilar thing happened to me with my test. Was expecting about 12% Native American based on oral history, got 0.1%, which is probably just noise.
ReplyDeleteFrom interpreting the data over the course of six months, I suspect that "Indian" ancestor was actually a Gypsy. Native American probably would have been easier for her to present herself as.
Gypsy would be equally as cool as Native American!
DeleteNever thought to have DNA testing to uncover heritage...just attempted the family tree thing. How interesting, Becky! It will still make a fabulous story!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Becky. I never thought to test my DNA to see 'what I made of.' That is going on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing and HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!
ReplyDeleteI always knew I was a Heintz 57, but it was fun to get the official results, along with some surprises. I think you should do it.
DeleteFascinating. I have strong Viking and Irish lineages, but my mitochondrial DNA (maternal Norwegian side, from mother to daughters, down through time) indicates a descent from an Irish girl, presumably taken as a captive of the Vikings in the medieval era. Perhaps that is how you have the Viking/Irish roots, too, Becky. My family will never know her name, or her true story, but we can imagine how tough it was to be captured by the Vikings and taken back to Norway.
ReplyDeleteThe Irish girl/Viking stud would be a great story, Deborah! I've got my work cut out for me to discover my Viking past.
DeleteHow interesting, Becky! Fictional or real-life, I'm sure your great grandmother's tale would make a terrific story.
ReplyDeleteDear Becky, That's a very brave move, doing a DNA test and challenging a family myth. Of course, in return, you have several totally unexpected leads. Run with them!
ReplyDeleteI'd be rather wary of doing the same thing myself since the results just might be deadly dull (especially when compared to my invented myths). I just might find out I'm really the offspring of some dreary next door neighbour, a garden weed and a fruit fly. Sigh.
LOL! When I started tracing the family tree, all the relatives who were loudly proclaiming the Indian in our family closet had no proof, other than the possible rape thing, so I did this to put an end to the questions (and unfound proclamations). I was really hoping for some drop of Native American to show up, tho. Guess I'll just have to make up a story now.
DeleteVery, very interesting and a great present! Thanks for sharing. Something else for my bucket list!
ReplyDelete