Important Information For Descendants Of Solomon Baldwin

As you know, the male Y chromosome passes as a sort of family brand 'bar code 
stamp' from father to son. This fact allows for genetic relationships (in the male line) to 
extend far back in time tens of thousands of years. Now, present day family trees are 
being supplemented with the indisputable hard evidence of DNA test results. So, not 
only is DNA being used to solve crimes, it is also being used solve family mysteries 
such as who was Solomon Baldwin's ancestors.

I was asked and I agreed to participate in a Baldwin Family DNA Project about 6 weeks 
ago. I received the test kit from Family Tree DNA Link and sent my samples back. I 
participated at the 37 marker level (more genetic markers reveal closer matches to 
modern ancestors). Processing DNA samples takes time 4-6 weeks. This week I 
received the 37 marker test results. Using the FTDNA web site tools I was able to look 
at the closest matches to my DNA. Of the 235 samples (with more being added each 
week) that closely or exactly match my DNA, none were Baldwin. Instead, the surname 
Manes/Maness/Maynor/Lawson matched perfectly.

Needless to say I was stunned. Since I am a Baldwin male my DNA represents the male 
Baldwin DNA (the Baldwin Y chromosome bar code brand) back in time as far as you 
can see. Since there were no Baldwin surname DNA matches but instead exact Maness 
family matches one can only conclude that the true origin of Solomon and his 
descendents was as a Manes/Maness/Maynor/Lawson. [As an aside, FTDNA reports 
that there is high probability that this family originated in Ireland.]

This startling fact will cause us to reconsider not only who Solomon really was but also 
who we, as Baldwin family members, really are. Culturally of course we are Baldwin's. 
But, now, we must contend with the new fact that we are genetically Maness or Lawson.

The questions we await answers to include: Who was Solomon? Why did he adopt the 
Baldwin surname? Did he know he was not a genetic Baldwin? If he did know; then, 
why the secret? What was his wife Sarah's role in all of this? When and where did the 
surname switch happen?

For more in depth coverage please go to: http://dev.thf.net/