Sheldon DNA Project

What is the purpose of the DNA Project?

The Sheldon Family Association was founded in 1939 for the purpose of stimulating interest in, and perpetuating the history of the Sheldon/Shelden family in the USA.  We are cooperating with the FTDNA testing site to study the DNA of Sheldon descendants in order to attempt to discover common ancestors.  The goal of the project is to see if DNA testing can discover a link between the early Sheldon Ancestors or Progenitors.  Particularly useful is the testing of men named Sheldon.  Combined with traditional genealogical research the results can be compared to other Sheldon men.  Using genetics and the markers on the Y chromosome, similar patterns may become clear.  We urge Sheldon men to submit a test sample to Family Tree DNA for the 25 or 37 marker test - click FTDNA for a link to their website and more information.   

The project objectives:

1. Identify the DNA of the original 4 or 5 Colonial Sheldons.
2. Determine if any of these original 4 or 5 Colonial Sheldons are related.
3. Assist members in proving their relationship to one or more of the original 4 or 5 Colonial Sheldons lines.
4. Determine the English ancestry of the original 4 or 5 Colonial Sheldons.
5. Encourage greater participation in the SFA DNA project by our members and our English cousins. 

 

Progress so far...

To date, 25 participants have submitted test kits to FTDNA. This includes 7 for mtDNA testing which is the mitochondrial DNA from the X chromosome.

The Sheldon Family Results from testing at FTDNA:

• There are 3 mtDNA matches, each of 2 individuals. 
 
• On the Y12 test which looks at 12 loci or alleles on the Y chromosome, 9 of the 19 share the same 12 loci. 2 individuals share a different pattern and the other 8 are unique.
 
• On the Y25 test which looks at 25 loci, 5 share the same 25 loci called a marker string, 2 share a different marker string and 12 each have a unique marker string without sharing.
 
• On the Y37 test, there are 12 unique strings and 1 shared by 2 participants.
 
• On the Y 67 test looking at 67 loci, there are no shared marker strings.
 

NOTE:

If two individuals match exactly at all loci in a 12 marker test, there is a 50% probability of a Most Recent Common Ancestor (MRCA) within the last 14 generations (exact value 14.4) .

If they exactly match at all loci in a 21 marker test, there is a 50% probability of a MRCA within the last 8 generations (exact value 8.3).

If they exactly match at all loci in a 37 marker test, then the 50% value is 5 generations (exact value 4.6).  

Other DNA topics:

Isaac Question and DNA Analysis - The question of Isaac Sheldon's English origins

 

 

 

Our Mission:

To support the development of a general repository of information concerning Sheldon family lineage in the United States; to promote and advance a central source of information and study for Sheldon lineage researchers; and to provide for Sheldon family social activities for the  pleasure and enjoyment of members of the Corporation.