Genealogy and DNA - Ancient MacTavishes

[Patrick Thompson]

Though this might be of interest to those who are searching for their roots.


The Colla Uais anceint Irish DNA Model
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"Clan Donald has historically associated itself with Clan Colla in Ireland named for the three Colla brothers who allegedly conquered Ulster in 330AD and whose descendants had created a kingdom called Oriel with holdings spread throughout Ulster from Derry through Cavan and Fermanagh in Ireland. We will explain below why that initial identification appears to have been in error but which still leaves Clan Donald heavily descended from the founders of Scottish Dalriada and from Colla, as well as Somerled. This combined analysis of genetics and history is not an “official” history of Clan Donald but rather a statement of our current best theories how to tie the data to the history.

This finding coupled with extensive discussions with Irish historians who strongly assert that Cairbre Riada grandfather of Fergus, Angus and Lorne was not descended from Colla Uais, has led to a shift of this interpretation concerning the probable source of various groups within Clan Donald. Mark still believes that the Dalriadic royal line carried the “Colla” genetic signature but that the source of our descent from Clan Colla comes through Irish followers of Godfrey MacFergus. Click Other Ancestry for this historical analysis of the non-Somerled part of the Clan Donald." http://dna-project.clan-donald-usa.org/ Go there for an interesting read.


The MacTavish (Thompson) DNA differs only in one marker from Colla Uais. That is 389-2, which shows in the MacTavish as 29, but in Colla Uais as 30 -- Noted as BOLD RED numbers.


Arch Typical DNA Models

Ui Niell DNA Model
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(Northern Ireland - that is Niall of the Nine Hostages descent)

Dunn (anciently O’Duibne a tribal following of the Northern and Southern O/Niells)
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(Ireland/USA) Matches more closely to Ui Neill than to Clan Donald

MacTavish DNA Model
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(Scotland)

Thompson DNA Model
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(Scotland/Ireland/USA - Near Match to MacTavish, Ui Neill and Colla Uais, which means related)

MacCamish DNA Model
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(Ireland - also a close match to the above)

Campbell DNA Model 1
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(of Argyll)

Campbell DNA Model 2
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(of Auckinbreck)

MacTavish (Dunardry)/Campbell (Achnabreck)/Thom(p)son DNA are related to both the Ui Niell (Colla Uais/Clan Donald). These MacTavish and Campbell DNA models, show comparative Alleles, and close haplotype groupings.
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Scotland/USA/Canada

Y DNA comparisons

The Northern Colla Uais and Ui Niell models vs MacTavish, MacCamish, Thompson, Dunn, and two lines of Campbells.

The closest MacTavish lineage to Campbell is historically/genealogically recorded indicating the Campbells of Auchinbrack (Auchnabreck).

The Models however reflect that MacTavishes, MacCamishes and Thompsons, etc... are closely related to the Colla Uais and Northern Ui Neills of Ireland. Colla Uais is Gillebride's and Somerled's people, later of Clan Donald, or the Lords of the Isles.

Dunn, anciently O'Duibne, also shows significant matches. The Spelling, O'Duibne, is of the Northern O'Niells)
These families are all the same Haplogroup, and thus of the same origin, adjusting for gene mutations.

MacTavishes not married into the Campbells show a somewhat distanced relationship to the Campbells. The closest match is the Campbells of Achnabreck. This is very interesting considering that certain genetic claims have been made about the origin of the MacTavish/Thom(p)sons for centuries.

The "MacTavish (Dunardry)/Campbell (Achnabrack)/Thom(p)son DNA" results show intermarriages between MacTavishes (Thompsons) and Campbells over several generations, seemingly promoting the Auckinbreck Campbell "Historical/Genealogical link" to the MacTavishes of Dunardry.

http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/GENEALOGY-DNA/2004-03/1080142856 (Roots Web Clan Donald/Uais DNA)
http://www.familytreedna.com/public/DunnFamilyDNAProject/default.aspx?section=yresults
http://www.familytreedna.com/public/thompson/default.aspx?section=yresults (Thompson DNA Project)
http://www.thompsonfamilies.org/results.html (Thom(p)son/MacTavish DNA)
http://www.familytreedna.com/public/Campbell/default.aspx?section=results (Campbell DNA Project)


While not all the surnamed Thompsons and related names (on the web sites listed) are actually related as the DNA tests indicate, some being of different origins (not Scots/Irish); MacComas, MacComb, Thom, and Thomasson, and Thom(p)sons, those of Scots/Irish extraction, have significant marker matches. There are even some early Thom(p)sons in England, 1500s, who show for the most part....MacTavish matches based in both genealogy and DNA.

Contrary to what some others wish for, this indicates scientifically that Thompsons are MacTavishes, and we are of very ancient origin.

Slainte
Patrick Thompson

[Jennifer Hicks]

The DNA information is fun to wrap ones understanding around. It can also lead to some interesting connections.

My family DNA values match the Mactavish and Thompson almost exactly. The variations match either the Ui Neill, the MacCamish, or the Auckinbreak Campbells.

I have found cousins back 25 generations through DNA or rather they have found me. We have been able to cross check our genealogy data, fill in blanks, and make corrections.

What a great way to confirm ones clan affiliations! So, when are we going to start a Mactavish DNA database

Slainte,
Jennifer

[SherryLThompson]

Such interesting data! Thank you Patrick, you always amaze us...

Jennifer, what type of DNA service have you used? I am hoping to convince my father to do one....

_________________
Sherry Thompson Boyd
National Commissioner USA
Region 1 (Northeast) Commissioner

Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass......
it's about learning to dance in the rain.

[Jennifer Hicks]

We used Family Tree DNA -
http://www.FamilyTreeDNA.com

I honestly don't know if one is better than another.

It is important to realize that the DNA evidence is an additional tool in your genealogy search. Good ole' fashioned research and documentation is still necessary to build a tree that accurately reflects your heritage. Some people have experienced unsettling surprises with DNA. Lots of families pass on lovely mythology. To discover the "rest of the story" can simply bemuse or can be a shocker. It is advisable to approach it with an open mind.

Slainte,
Jennifer