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