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The Hatcher DNA ProjectProject Start Date: August 22, 2002 The Family Background Our family is not unique. After years of careful research, sharing data, even working in larger groups, we all eventually come up against the inevitable brick walls. Beginning around the end of 1995-1996 (memory fails me) with just a few members, our research group is now over 300 strong and although we have accomplished more than could be imagined in correcting minor to major errors through careful research and documentation, expanding our family data further and further afield, we now have a monster on our hands. As we grew in numbers, more and more of our Hatcher families, both large and small, could not be connected to either an immigrant ancestor or to other family groups. Nor have we been able to connect with our English ancestors with the exception of one group. In addition to the hundreds of small but unconnected Hatcher family groups, we find ourselves with 4 major family groups: 1) Descendants of William Hatcher, 1613-1680, HenricoCo, VA. This is by far the largest family unit with descendants coming down from the three sons, Edward, Henry, and Benjamin. 2) The Quaker Hatchers This group, the second largest, can be traced back to another William Hatcher bn c1705 in PA. Note that DNA testing has now proven that the Quaker Hatchers and the following Minnesota Hatchers have a common ancestor. It is quite possible that the Quaker Hatchers also had their origins in the Dorset area. 3) The Minnesota Hatchers This family arrived from the Dorset area of England in the mid-1850s with proven connections to their English ancestors. This is the only group that has bridged the pond. 4) The Waccamaw Hatchers James and possibly two wives have been found in North and South Carolina in the late 1700s. Many of the descendants of this couple are now members of the Waccamaw Indian People out of HorryCo, SC. There appeared enough evidence to believe James may be connected to William of HenricoCo, VA, but not enough to conclusively prove it. DNA testing has since proven this Hatcher family is unique with no connections to any other Hatcher family With the rapid growth of DNA testing as a research tool, we have reached the point where we must take the plunge in hopes of solving some of our brick walls. Please read our Goals page and the Project Status page to follow our progress. For an excellent explanation of DNA testing in layman's terms, check the Blair Genealogy site. If you are interested in becoming a participant, do read our Join Us! page.
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