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Archiver > GENEALOGY-DNA > 2001-10 > 1001919758


From: Orin Wells <>
Subject: Re: [DNA] DNA from skeletons
Date: Mon, 01 Oct 2001 00:02:38 -0700
References: <9.1c3167c0.28e7912f@aol.com><01c801c14a06$ee2a66e0$0e22343f@computer>
In-Reply-To: <3BB80C32.3AD09E53@mlode.com>


At 11:24 PM 9/30/01 -0700, Allan S. Gleason wrote:
>BRRrrrr..... Martha,
>
>We (they) could probably do a lot more than they do with the proper
>motivation. But think about it, does digging up bones for DNA help your
>genealogy or anyone elses?

Well, to come to Martha's defense. I think I mentioned the departed
Viscount John de Welles who is entumbed in Westminster Abbey back in the
15th century. He was the last known member of the Baron de Welles family.
Now, if someone could gain access to this man's DNA - assuming the
y-chromosome DNA could be extracted (doubtful) then I know a few hundred
researchers who would be interested to learn what it would show.

One of my greatest annoyances is that most Wells genealogies over the last
150 years seem to delight in starting out with a reference to this family
and an implication that THEY (the authors and relatives) are related to the
family. There are no known descendants of this family who can trace their
ancestry back save a few who connect to some female offspring. I would
love to be in a position to tell some of the misguided that they are not
related and please give up that Coat of Arms.

But, alas, I doubt the British authorities and whoever watches over
Westminster would be very likely to let anyone open the tomb and do some
scrapings or whatever.

Now, the pickled fellow in Ohio is a different matter. He is not a Wells,
but was a Wells descendant. He did not want his old body to waste away so
he had himself pickled. In what, burbon etc., I don't know. It is highly
probable that he is preserved sufficiently that we could get a sample from
him. However, I will not be the first in line to suggest it to his
descendants.





Orin R. Wells
Wells Family Research Association
P. O. Box 5427
Kent, Washington 98064-5427
<>
http://www.rootsweb.com/~wellsfam/wfrahome.html
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