Jamestown DNA Unlocks 400-Year-Old Mystery, Uncovers Hidden Family Secret

A study involving ancient DNA (aDNA) conducted at the 17th-century English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, has uncovered the identities of two early inhabitants and exposed an unforeseen familial revelation.

Established in 1607, Jamestown became the first enduring English colony in the New World. Archaeological digs at the location uncovered human remains from the period of the 1608–1616 church.

Therefore, it was believed that these remains belonged to some of the first settlers.

According to Dr. William Kelso, emeritus director of archaeology at Jamestown Rediscovery and co-author of the study, these graves were deliberately placed close to the altar within the church chancel. This significant positioning indicates that the burials likely held the remains of people with high social standing.

To identify them, geneticists at the Reich Lab, Harvard University, conducted DNA tests on the remains of two people found in the burial sites. Following this, the research group contrasted these findings with historical records as well as bone and archaeological data. Here’s what they discovered: published in the journal Antiquity .

"The research represents the first successful application of ancient DNA for identification purposes at the colonial site of Jamestown, Virginia," says co-author Karin Bruwelheide from the Smithsonian Institution.

The ages of the skeletons at the time of death, along with their DNA, when compared to how they were buried and the historical documents from that period, suggest that these men were Sir Ferdinando Wenman (AD 1576–1610) and Captain William West (around AD 1586–1610).

These two individuals were part of the notable West clan that encompassed Thomas West, Third Baron De La Warr, who was the inaugural governor of the Jamestown colony.

Significantly, this research uncovered an unexpected connection between the two men through their mothers’ lineage. This startling revelation led to further archival investigation and the uncovering of a legal dispute concerning Captain West’s estate following his death. The documents suggested that William was likely the offspring of Thomas' aunt Elizabeth, who remained unmarried according to his aunt and patron Will. Thus, it implied that William was born out of wedlock.

In the 17th century, being born out of wedlock was considered unacceptable, particularly among prestigious families. Consequently, instances of bastardy were frequently omitted from formal records of ancestry. This also applied to the West family.

Hence, this research not only aids in identifying these individuals but also uncovers a 400-year-old instance of bastardy within an influential clan.

"This marks the first research to show that aDNA can be utilized to confirm past instances of illegitimacy within prominent 17th-century families," states Bruwelheide.

This demonstrates how genetic evidence, when coupled with additional forms of data, can unveil significantly deeper insights beyond mere ancestral origins.

This research shows the value of integrating genetic, archaeological, and historical methods in studying history, " states co-author Dr. Éadaoin Harney from Harvard University.

In spite of the subpar DNA preservation in the two subjects, their common mitochondrial haplogroup assisted in directing records-based historical studies, which eventually resulted in unexpected discoveries about their connection.

More information: Douglas W. Owsley along with his team identified high-ranking English individuals from Jamestown, Virginia, through historical research and genome analysis. Antiquity (2024). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.75

Provided by Antiquity

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