I have been searching for the father of Jacob Mitchell, born 1756, grew to manhood in Mecklenberg County, VA; served in the Revolution; m Elizabeth Duke 1786 in Halifax County, NC; went to Anson Co, NC (border of SC) by 1800; died in AL in the 1830's. Some think that his father is James Mitchell, and others think that he is Edward. We can't prove either.

However, a year ago, I joined with ten other Mitchells in having our YDNA's done by the FamilyDNA company out of Houston, TX. The ten of us were from different parts of the United States. Three people matched exactly, which proves that they descend from the same ancestor. I was two marks, out of twelve marks, matching with one other person, which means that we join a common ancestor somewhere back in time.

In the meantime, a Mitchell from County Cork, Ireland had his DNA done. Our marks are close enough to conclude that my Jacob's ancestors came from Co Cork.

Although I still can't prove who Jacob's father was, I jumped several generations & can, at least, proceed from there.

I would suggest that, if you are a male Mitchell or have a male Mitchell relative, you have your Y Chromosome analyzed by FamilyTreeDNA. To get the specifics, log onto http://www.familytreedna.com.

The more people analyzed, the better the price. I have spent much, much more money going from courthouse to courthouse than on the analysis. Go for it!!

E-Mail Evelyn Mitchell-Smith in Oklahoma.