Hello Virginia Researchers,
After I posted my DNA Query a couple of weeks ago (not on Va-Hist), several
of you requested that I keep them posted on interesting developments. This
isn't quite in that category, but I thought many of you would find of
interest the message below which was on Rootsweb's DNA list (which I heartily
recommend you all joining, though if you are a neophyte like myself, most of
it will be over your heads at first glance).
I have no intention of starting another debate (for which I'd be severely
chastised at any rate) on the particular subject of Thomas Jefferson, and
Sally Hemings, etc., but I know it is of interest to many of you from several
perspectives, historical and relevance to DNA research as a genealogical
tool. I've already called my local library to determine its arrrival.
I also have several days of unread emails and apologize profusely if this has
already been noted on these lists.
With my best regards,
Janet (Baugh) Hunter -- yep of the Baughs (like all Baughs of Henrico) who
lived by the Cobbs, Bollings, Burtons, at what's now Point of Rocks Park in
Chesterfield Co way back when. Pictures here to refresh your memories --
http://www.cvfo.org/locations_parks_and_open_areas.htm
Subj: [DNA] Jefferson-Hemings Issue, NGS Quarterly
Date: 11/9/01 10:10:53 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: [log in to unmask] (J. M. Freed)
Reply-to: [log in to unmask]
To: [log in to unmask]
The National Genealogical Society (NGS) has just published
"Jefferson-Hemings, A Special Issue of the National Genealogical
Society Quarterly". (Volume 89, No. 3, September 2001). Included
therein are several fascinating reports that a serious student of the
paternity of Sally Hemings's children should read very closely. The
feature article is Helen F. M. Leary's, "Sally Hemings's Children: A
Genealogical Analysis of the Evidence."
Helen F. M. Leary (CG, CGL, FASG, FNGS), is a professional
genealogist, and in 43 pages clearly outlines the controversy and the
evidence (including DNA) and concludes with this sentence, "In this
case, the chain of evidence securely fastens Sally Hemings's children
to their father [President] Thomas Jefferson."
Also included in this journal are review articles, including a very
critical review of the "Report on the Jefferson-Hemings Matter",
compiled by The Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commission. This
Commission's report questions the conclusion that Thomas Jefferson was
the father of Sally Hemings's children. [Quote from the executive
summary of the Commissions report, "After a careful review of all of
the evidence, the commission agrees unanimously that the allegation is
by no means proven.." This report also includes discussion of the DNA
evidence.]The NGS review article, written by another professional
genealogist (Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL), includes the statement,
"Readers of the report will note considerable disparity between the
Commission's evaluation of evidence and the principles that govern
genealogical scholarship.."
The Jefferson-Hemings Scholars Commission report is available online
at:
http://www.geocities.com/tjshcommission/
The above mentioned NGS publication is NOT online, but information
about an individual copy of this special NGS issue (Vol. 89, No. 3,
September 2001) can be obtained by contacting the NGS Bookstore at
4527 Seventeenth St. North, Arlington, VA 22207-2399 or email at:
[log in to unmask]
Jim in Ohio
[log in to unmask]
To subscribe, change options, or unsubscribe, please see the instructions
at http://listlva.lib.va.us/archives/va-hist.html
|
